Swallowable Gastric Capsule for Non-Invasive Electrical Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gastric electrical stimulation systems for treating diabetic gastroparesis require invasive surgery and offer limited real-time imaging and multi-channel stimulation capabilities, leading to patient discomfort and inefficacy in managing symptoms.
Innovation Solution
A gastric electrical stimulation system featuring an ultrasonic capsule with integrated electrodes and a pulse generator, capable of adjustable power output and real-time bioelectrical activity monitoring, utilizing a micro-implantable field-programmable gate array controller and RF antennas for wireless power transmission and multi-channel stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive surgery is used to implant electrodes for gastric electrical stimulation, then electrical stimulation therapy can be delivered to treat gastroparesis, but patient physical discomfort increases and treatment accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical implantation process with a swallowable capsule system that is delivered endoscopically. The capsule contains electrodes and a power generator that can be positioned in the stomach without requiring invasive surgical procedures, thereby maintaining treatment efficacy while eliminating surgical-related physical discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an endoscope as an intermediary tool to deliver the capsule into the stomach. This allows the electrodes to be positioned accurately in the gastric region without direct surgical intervention, reducing patient trauma while ensuring proper electrode placement for effective stimulation
2Device complexity
If a single-channel electrical stimulation system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but treatment versatility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stimulation system into multiple independent electrode channels within the capsule, each capable of delivering electrical stimulation independently. This segmentation allows the system to maintain relative simplicity while providing multi-channel stimulation capabilities for targeted and adaptable treatment of different gastric regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a programmable power generator that can dynamically adjust stimulation parameters across multiple channels. This allows the system to adapt stimulation patterns, intensity, and timing to specific patient needs and treatment requirements, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing hardware complexity
3Loss of information
If real-time imaging capability is added to the gastric stimulation system, then clinical monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines imaging sensors, electrical stimulation electrodes, and power generation capabilities into a single integrated capsule system. This merging allows real-time imaging and stimulation to be coordinated from one device, improving clinical monitoring capability while managing overall system complexity through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both imaging and electrical stimulation functions. This universality allows the system to gather clinical information and deliver treatment through the same platform, reducing the need for separate devices and simplifying the overall treatment system
4Reliability
If high-energy electrical stimulation is delivered continuously, then treatment efficacy is improved, but energy consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic electrical stimulation delivery with adjustable pulse frequencies and duty cycles. The programmable power generator can deliver high-energy stimulation pulses at controlled intervals rather than continuous delivery, maintaining treatment efficacy while managing energy consumption to extend battery operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of stimulation parameters including voltage, current, pulse width, and frequency. This enables the delivery of high-energy stimulation when clinically necessary while switching to lower energy modes during other periods, optimizing the balance between treatment efficacy and energy conservation
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 system effectively alleviates symptoms of gastroparesis by providing adjustable power and real-time monitoring, improving patient quality of life through non-invasive, multi-channel electrical stimulation and compliance with RF energy absorption standards.
Implementation Method 1
The gastric electrical stimulation system of this invention, which featuring a piezoelectric receiver
Implementation Method 2
a first radio-frequency (RF) antenna... the first processor is also electrically connected to the first RF antenna
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a gastric electrical stimulation system that integrates gastric electrical stimulation capsule technology into ultrasonic capsules. By using ultrasonic stimulation, piezoelectric effects are induced in materials. Through electrodes and pulse generators, the gastric tissue is electrically stimulated, effectively alleviating the symptoms of gastroparesis.