Separated Interface Nerve Electrode for Stable Partial Nerve Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for continuous nerve conduction block, particularly using direct current (DC), struggle to maintain a stable partial block for an extended period due to challenges in managing electrical field thresholds and harmful reaction products, limiting applications that require partial nerve conduction.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a waveform generator and feedback device to deliver DC waveforms through electrodes, such as nerve cuffs or separated interface nerve electrodes (SINE), with feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust parameters for maintaining a continuous partial nerve conduction block.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If direct current (DC) is used to provide nerve conduction block, then immediate block and real-time modulation are achieved, but harmful reaction products are generated and the block becomes complete rather than partial
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple independent contacts that can be selectively activated. By engaging only a subset of contacts, the system delivers partial nerve block while distributing the electrical field to minimize harmful reaction products at any single interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system intentionally delivers sub-threshold electrical stimulation to achieve partial nerve block rather than complete block. This partial action allows modulation of nerve conduction without reaching the levels that generate harmful reaction products, enabling continuous partial block for extended periods.
2Reliability
If DC waveform amplitude is increased to maintain partial block, then block effectiveness is improved, but harmful reaction products increase and block stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor nerve block effectiveness and adjust waveform parameters in real-time. This closed-loop control maintains stable partial block by dynamically modulating the electrical field strength, preventing accumulation of harmful reaction products while ensuring consistent therapeutic effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic waveform modulation including varying amplitude, frequency, and duty cycle to maintain partial nerve block. By continuously adapting the stimulation parameters rather than using fixed DC levels, the system prevents harmful reaction product accumulation while maintaining block stability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If continuous DC is applied to maintain partial block, then block duration is extended, but harmful reaction products accumulate and block effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic interruption of DC waveforms with recharge phases to prevent accumulation of harmful reaction products. By cycling between blocking and recharge periods, the system maintains partial nerve block over extended durations while allowing metabolic clearance of reaction products during间歇 periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates recharge phases that allow dissipation and clearance of harmful reaction products accumulated during blocking phases. This cyclical discarding and recovery process enables sustained partial nerve block by periodically resetting the electrochemical environment at the electrode-nerve interface.
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
Enables a stable partial nerve conduction block for an extended period, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by providing real-time modulation and minimizing harmful reactions, suitable for treating neurological disorders like spasticity and chronic pain.
Implementation Method 1
The application of an electrical field to a nerve has been shown to produce an electrical block of action potential conduction
Implementation Method 2
The SINE uses ionic coupling, which separates the electron flow and the ionic flow. Because the reactants of the electrochemical reaction are separated from the nerve interface, the damaging electrochemical reaction products are separated from the nerve interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods that deliver a continuous partial nerve conduction block are described. A waveform generator can configure one or more direct current (DC) waveforms to provide a continuous partial nerve conduction block. One or more electrodes can deliver the one or more DC waveforms to provide the partial block to the neural structure. Feedback can be provided to the waveform generator related to the partial block. The feedback includes monitoring a property associated with the partial block and altering a parameter associated with the one or more direct current waveforms in response to the property associated with the partial block.