Neuromodulation Systems for Targeted Prostate Growth Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The prevalence of pathologic diseases affecting the genitourinary tract, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), chronic prostatitis (CP), hypogonadism, prostate cancer (PrCa), and erectile dysfunction (ED), increases with age, and current pharmacologic interventions have limitations due to neuronal influences on urologic disease progression.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods for neuromodulation and electrophysiological monitoring, including surgical tools with sensing and energy delivery elements, to regulate neurological traffic and alter electrophysiological activity in organs like the prostate and testis, using devices like ultrasound transducers and electrodes for precise targeting and treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pharmacologic interventions are used to treat LUTS, then symptom relief is achieved, but limitations exist due to neuronal influences on disease progression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (neuromodulation system) that mediates between the external environment and the target organ (prostate). The system delivers controlled electrical or acoustic stimuli through catheters or implants to modulate neural activity, serving as a bridge that bypasses the limitations of pharmacologic agents while directly addressing neuronal influences on disease progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pharmacologic chemical systems with physical neuromodulation systems. Instead of using drugs that chemically interact with neuronal receptors, the system uses controlled electrical fields or acoustic waves to directly modulate neural activity, substituting chemical mechanisms with physical ones to overcome drug resistance and variable response issues.
2Reliability
If surgical procedures are performed to treat prostate conditions, then structural problems are resolved, but collateral damage may occur to surrounding tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering neuromodulation stimuli precisely to specific neural structures associated with the prostate through targeted catheter or implant placement. The energy delivery is localized to affect only the intended neural pathways while leaving surrounding tissues untouched, achieving structural functional correction without the broad tissue damage associated with traditional surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses imaging and sensing technologies to create a virtual model or map of the neural structures before intervention. This allows precise planning and execution of neuromodulation therapy, copying the anatomical relationships in silico to guide physical intervention and avoid collateral damage to adjacent structures.
3Measurement precision
If neuromodulation systems are used to regulate organ growth, then precise control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs multi-functional devices that combine sensing, stimulation, and monitoring capabilities in single integrated systems. The neuromodulation devices can perform multiple functions including delivering electrical or acoustic stimuli, sensing tissue responses, and providing feedback for closed-loop control, reducing the need for separate devices while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the neuromodulation system continuously monitors tissue responses and adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time. Sensors detect changes in tissue properties or neural activity, and this information feeds back to the control system to optimize delivery parameters, achieving precise control through adaptive regulation rather than fixed protocols.
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 precise regulation of organ growth and tumor development by modulating neurological activity, providing therapeutic options for conditions like BPH and prostate cancer, while minimizing collateral damage.
Implementation Method 1
devices like ultrasound transducers and electrodes for precise targeting and treatment
Implementation Method 2
Systems and methods for neuromodulation and electrophysiological monitoring, including surgical tools with sensing and energy delivery elements
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlled neuromodulation procedures is disclosed. A system for controlled micro ablation procedures is disclosed. Systems and methods for imaging, monitoring, stimulating, and/or ablating neurological structures coupled to one or more organs of the lower urinary tract (LUT) are disclosed. Such processes may be used to alter the hormonal secretions from one or more organs, to modulate the growth of an organ, alter the growth rate or rate of perineural invasion of a tumor, or the like. In particular such processes may be used to slow, halt and/or reverse the growth of a prostate gland or a prostate tumor.