Stent-Electrode Intravascular Neuromodulator with Segmented Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation devices face challenges in effectively and non-destructively stimulating nerves due to difficulties in placing electrodes on stents, particularly in achieving optimal contact with the vessel wall for intravascular neural stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A stent design with a scaffold and a pulse generator that includes electrodes of different polarities, where some electrodes are mounted directly on the scaffold and others are positioned distally or on the pulse generator, allowing for signaling contact with the vessel wall, and using insulating materials to prevent short-circuiting and enhance signal targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electrodes are mounted directly on the stent scaffold, then the device structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the electrodes may not achieve optimal signaling contact with the vessel wall
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into two distinct sets: first set electrodes mounted on the scaffold and second set electrodes mounted on the pulse generator. This segmentation allows each set to be optimized for different functions - the first set provides structural integration while the second set provides optimal signaling contact with the vessel wall, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and contact reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse generator serves as an intermediary structure that carries the second set of electrodes. By positioning the pulse generator such that its outer surface aligns with the scaffold's outer perimeter, the intermediary structure enables electrodes to achieve optimal signaling contact with the vessel wall without requiring direct mounting on the scaffold itself.
2Reliability
If electrodes are positioned distally of the scaffold on the pulse generator, then optimal signaling contact with the vessel wall is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generator is designed to serve multiple functions: it generates electrical signals for neural stimulation and simultaneously serves as a mounting structure for the second set of electrodes. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate electrode mounting structures, while still achieving optimal signaling contact with the vessel wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the second set of electrodes from the radial dimension (mounted on scaffold) to the longitudinal dimension (mounted on pulse generator that extends distally). This dimensional change allows electrodes to achieve optimal signaling contact with the vessel wall at the distal end while maintaining a unified device structure through the pulse generator.
3Reliability
If insulating materials are used to prevent short-circuiting, then electrical safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional materials and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating material is merged with the pulse generator structure itself, forming an integrated assembly where the insulating material and pulse generator become a unified component. This merging eliminates the need for separate insulating material assembly steps, reducing device complexity while maintaining electrical safety by preventing short-circuiting between the second set of electrodes and the scaffold.
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 configuration enables efficient and targeted neural stimulation with reduced unwanted conduction, allowing for effective intravascular neural stimulation with minimal invasion and improved contact with the vessel wall.
Implementation Method 1
a pulse generator configured to generate electrical signals for delivery to a nerve for intravascular neural stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
Stents for intravascular neural stimulation are disclosed herein that at least partially contact a vessel wall. The stent comprises a scaffold extending in a longitudinal direction and having an outer perimeter that at least partially contacts the wall. A pulse generator can generate electrical signals for delivery to a nerve for intravascular neural stimulation. The scaffold has mounted thereon a first set of one or more electrodes electrically coupled to the pulse generator. The stent further comprises a second set of one or more electrodes electrically coupled to the pulse generator. The second set of electrodes is unconnected to the scaffold, i.e. not directly mounted on the scaffold. Methods of implanting a stent into a vessel using a deployment catheter are disclosed herein. The stent to be implanted comprises a pulse generator, a scaffold, and a distal set of one or more electrodes electrically coupled to the pulse generator. The distal set of electrodes is unconnected to the scaffold, i.e. not directly mounted on the scaffold. The method comprises positioning a distal end of the deployment catheter at the intravascular location, advancing the stent within the deployment catheter, further advancing the stent to expose the one or more electrodes of the distal set of one or more electrodes outside of, preferably beyond the deployment catheter, providing an electrical stimulation via the exposed electrodes, and withdrawing the stent within the deployment catheter.