Sharp-Tipped Electrode for Focused Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable devices for tissue stimulation lack efficiency in delivering therapy due to limitations in signal transmission and focusing, which affects therapeutic outcomes such as cardiac recovery and cardiovascular benefits.
Innovation Solution
An implantable device with a processor, pulse generator, and a lead having a sharp-tipped electrode for focused stimulation signal transmission to tissue sites, utilizing high-voltage, very brief-duration pulses to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing tissue damage and cross-talk artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional electrodes are used for tissue stimulation, then signal transmission is achieved, but signal focusing and therapeutic efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode tip is designed with a sharp point geometry that concentrates the stimulation signal at a specific localized site on the tissue. This local quality enhancement allows the stimulation energy to be focused precisely where needed, improving therapeutic efficiency while reducing signal dispersion to surrounding areas.
2Productivity
If high-voltage pulses are used to enhance therapeutic efficacy, then stimulation effectiveness improves, but tissue damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device delivers stimulation in the form of very brief-duration pulses (microsecond to millisecond range) rather than continuous high-voltage application. This periodic, pulsed action allows the tissue to recover between pulses, enabling high peak voltages for effective stimulation while minimizing cumulative thermal and mechanical damage to the tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The sharp-tipped electrode maintains continuous contact with the tissue surface, ensuring uninterrupted signal transmission. The combination of continuous contact with brief pulsed delivery ensures that therapeutic action is maintained while allowing tissue recovery periods, preventing damage accumulation.
3Productivity
If conventional electrodes are used, then stimulation is delivered, but cross-talk artifacts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sharp-tipped electrode concentrates the stimulation signal at a highly localized point on the tissue, reducing signal spread to adjacent areas. This localized signal delivery minimizes electromagnetic interference and cross-talk artifacts that would otherwise be generated by broader signal distribution from conventional electrodes.
4Reliability
If prolonged stimulation is applied, then therapeutic effect is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses brief-duration pulsed stimulation rather than continuous prolonged stimulation. The high peak voltages in these short pulses achieve effective tissue stimulation, while the brief duration and pulsed nature significantly reduce overall power consumption compared to continuous stimulation at lower voltages.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables more efficient and targeted tissue stimulation, providing cardioprotective and cardiovascular benefits, including improved cardiac recovery and reduced side effects, by using sharp-tipped electrodes and high-voltage, brief-duration pulses to effectively transmit signals and reduce power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A first electrode has a sharp tip for transmitting and focusing a stimulation signal from the pulse generator to a tissue site
Implementation Method 2
utilizing high-voltage, very brief-duration pulses to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing tissue damage
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes an implantable device having a processor, a pulse generator and a first lead having first and second ends. The first end of the lead is operably and conductively coupled to the implantable device. A first electrode is operably and conductively coupled to the second end of the first lead. The first electrode has a sharp tip for transmitting and focusing a stimulation signal from the pulse generator to a tissue site.