Electrical Stimulation Timing for Gastrointestinal Dysmotility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for gastrointestinal dysmotility, such as sacral nerve stimulation, lack a systematic understanding of stimulation parameters and timing, limiting their efficacy in modulating colonic motility, particularly in conditions like constipation and fecal incontinence, where opposite motility symptoms are treated with identical parameters.

Innovation Solution

Applying temporal patterns of electrical stimulation to target nerves, with specific patterns delivered before or after a refractory period to suppress or stimulate contractions and motility, based on the refractory period of gastrointestinal contractions, to treat hypermotility and hypomotility disorders effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If identical electrical stimulation parameters are used to treat both hypermotility and hypomotility disorders, then the treatment approach is simple and unified, but the efficacy is limited because opposite motility symptoms cannot be effectively addressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficacy for different motility disordersVSAvoidstimulation parameter control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the stimulation parameters adjustable and adaptable based on the patient's specific condition. The system transitions from fixed, identical parameters to dynamic, condition-specific parameters including frequency, pulse width, and amplitude adjustments tailored to either suppress hypermotility or stimulate hypomotility disorders

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying electrical stimulation parameters (frequency, pulse width, amplitude, timing relative to refractory period) to achieve different therapeutic effects. This allows the same device to treat opposite conditions through parameter modification rather than requiring different devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If electrical stimulation timing is not optimized relative to the refractory period, then the stimulation protocol is simple, but the precision of motility modulation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetiming precision of electrical stimulationVSAvoidtreatment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by timing the electrical stimulation to occur just before the refractory period begins. This proactive timing allows the stimulation to be delivered when the tissue is most responsive, maximizing the effect while minimizing the need for repeated stimulation and improving overall treatment efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by structuring the electrical stimulation protocol around the refractory period cycle. Stimulation is delivered in periodic intervals synchronized with the natural refractory period of the gastrointestinal tissue, creating an optimized rhythm that enhances precision and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 allows for more precise modulation of colonic motility, effectively treating hypermotility and hypomotility disorders by optimizing the timing of electrical stimulation relative to the refractory period, enhancing the treatment of gastrointestinal dysmotility conditions.

Implementation Method 1

applying at least one temporal pattern of electrical stimulation to a target nerve or a set of target nerves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

application of the at least one temporal pattern of electrical stimulation prior to a refractory period suppresses contractions and motility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefractory period:

Data Source

PatentUS20230398355A1Systems and methods for treating gastrointestinal dysmotility

Publication Date: 2023.12.14 FLINDERS MEDICAL CENT

AI summary

The present disclosure provides systems and methods relating to the treatment of gastrointestinal dysmotility. In particular, the present disclosure provides systems and methods for delivering temporal patterns of electrical stimulation with respect to a refractory period to either suppress (e.g., treat hypermotility) or stimulate (e.g., treat hypomotility) contractions and motility in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject.