Telescopic Delivery Rod for Microstimulator Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for overactive bladder (OAB), such as sacral nerve stimulation and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, involve invasive procedures and require frequent clinical visits, while transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation lacks efficacy in penetrating the skin effectively.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive method and apparatus for delivering an electrical microstimulator using a telescopic delivery rod with a re-deployable fixation member, allowing precise placement and anchoring above the deep fascia, and utilizing a system for nerve localization through EMG signals to ensure effective stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is used, then the treatment is non-invasive and convenient, but the electrical stimulation cannot penetrate the skin effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a needle electrode as an intermediary tool that penetrates the skin to deliver electrical stimulation directly to the tibial nerve. The needle electrode serves as a mediator between the external stimulator and the target nerve, overcoming the skin barrier while maintaining treatment convenience through percutaneous insertion followed by surface electrode application.
2Use of energy by moving object
If sacral nerve stimulation is used, then direct nerve stimulation is achieved with less energy consumption, but invasive surgical procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stimulation delivery system into two parts: a percutaneous needle electrode for initial nerve localization and stimulation, and surface electrodes for continued treatment. This segmentation allows the invasive component to be minimal and temporary, while the majority of treatment can be delivered non-invasively, reducing overall invasiveness while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Reliability
If percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is used, then effective nerve stimulation is achieved, but frequent clinical visits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary nerve localization and electrode positioning during an initial clinical visit with percutaneous needle insertion. Once the optimal electrode position is established and confirmed to be effective, the electrode configuration can be maintained for subsequent treatments, reducing the need for repeated invasive procedures and frequent clinical visits.
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 secure and minimally invasive implantation of the microstimulator near pelvic floor nerves, reducing discomfort and energy consumption, with the ability to deliver targeted electrical signals for improved pelvic floor dysfunction treatment.
Implementation Method 1
At least one fixation member is movable between substantially linear and substantially coiled states
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a system for nerve localization through EMG signals to ensure effective stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for delivering an electrical microstimulator having a microstimulator body comprises a handle having a handle body. An elongate delivery rod includes a delivery sleeve and a stretching shaft, with one of the delivery sleeve and the stretching shaft configured for reciprocal movement with respect to the handle body, and the other extending longitudinally from, and stationary relative to, the handle body. The delivery sleeve selectively engages a fixation aperture of a microstimulator docking feature having a fixation base and a fixation member, concurrent with the stretching shaft engaging a proximal end of the microstimulator body. Longitudinal motion of the delivery sleeve with respect to the stretching shaft causes longitudinal motion of the fixation base to responsively move the fixation member between substantially linear and substantially coiled states. A method of delivering an electrical microstimulator to a target implant site of a patient's body is also provided.