Steerable Neural Stimulation Lead for Selective Nerve Root Targeting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal cord stimulation systems have limited ability to selectively stimulate neural pathways due to one-dimensional movement, leading to issues like lead migration and inability to precisely target dorsal and ventral nerve roots, which affects the efficacy of the stimulation.
Innovation Solution
The development of a steerable neural stimulation lead that can be moved vertically along the spinal cord, bend, and curve around it, with multiple electrodes on both the ventral and dorsal horns, allowing for independent stimulation of sympathetic afferent and efferent pathways, and the use of a pre-formed lead with shape memory to secure the electrodes in position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-dimensional lead insertion method is used into the dorsal epidural space, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and manufacturing precision of neural stimulation targeting is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional lead insertion to three-dimensional lead positioning by enabling the lead to wrap around the spinal cord in multiple dimensions. The lead can be positioned to contact both dorsal and ventral nerve roots through multi-dimensional placement, achieving precise neural stimulation targeting while maintaining reasonable device complexity through systematic dimensional expansion
2Device complexity
If a one-dimensional lead is used, then the device complexity is low, but the stability of the lead position deteriorates due to lead migration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic positioning capability to the lead system, allowing it to be steered and repositioned along the spinal cord after insertion. The lead can be adjusted to wrap around the spinal cord and contact different nerve roots, providing stable and adaptable positioning that prevents migration while maintaining manageable device complexity through controlled dynamic adjustment mechanisms
3Device complexity
If a lead cannot wrap around the spinal cord, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different neural pathways is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the lead to wrap around the spinal cord in three-dimensional space, allowing it to contact both dorsal and ventral nerve roots. This multi-dimensional configuration provides adaptability to different neural pathways and stimulation targets while maintaining reasonable device complexity through systematic design of the wrapping mechanism
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
This approach provides more precise and stable neural stimulation, reducing lead migration and allowing for effective modulation of autonomic tone to treat conditions like hypertension, heart failure, and arrhythmias by selectively targeting sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-formed lead with shape memory to secure the electrodes in position
Data Source
AI summary
Various system embodiments comprise an implantable lead, an implantable housing, a neural stimulation circuit in the housing, and a controller in the housing and connected to the neural stimulation circuit. The lead has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is adapted to deliver neural stimulation pulses to the ventral nerve root and the dorsal nerve root. The proximal end of the lead is adapted to connect to the housing. The neural stimulation circuit is adapted to generate neural stimulation pulses to stimulate the ventral nerve root or the dorsal nerve root using the implantable lead. The controller is adapted to control the neural stimulation circuit to deliver a neural stimulation treatment.