Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation with Passive Conductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nerve stimulation technologies face challenges in achieving selective activation of specific neural targets with minimal activation of non-targeted tissue, leading to reduced therapeutic efficacy and increased side effects due to invasive procedures and limited selectivity.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous tissue stimulation system with an external electrical generator and an implanted passive conductive member positioned near the target nerve tissue, using specific configurations of external and implanted components to modulate electrical fields and reduce stimulation spillover, allowing for selective nerve stimulation with lower amplitudes and pulse widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If transcutaneous electrical stimulation is used, then the procedure is simpler and less invasive, but selective nerve activation is not readily achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an implanted passive conductive member as an intermediary between the external electrical generator and the target nerve tissue. This mediator focuses the electrical field onto the specific nerve, enabling selective activation while maintaining the non-invasive transcutaneous stimulation approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the electrical field energy at a specific location through the implanted conductive member. This creates a localized stimulation effect at the target nerve while minimizing activation of surrounding non-targeted tissue, thus achieving selective nerve activation.
2Measurement precision
If implanted nerve stimulation systems are used, then selective nerve activation can be achieved, but the system complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implanted passive conductive member serves as a simple intermediary component that focuses the electrical field without requiring complex active electronics at the implant site. This maintains system simplicity while achieving selective nerve activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the active electronic components (pulse generator, control circuitry) from the implant site and places them externally. The implanted portion contains only the passive conductive member, significantly reducing implant complexity while maintaining selective stimulation capability.
3Ease of operation
If broad stimulation field is used, then easier stimulation is achieved, but unintended activation of non-targeted tissue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The implanted passive conductive member creates a localized electrical field concentration at the target nerve, transforming the broad stimulation field into a focused local field. This enables easy stimulation operation while preventing unintended activation of non-targeted tissue through spatial confinement of the electrical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical field distribution parameters by introducing the passive conductive member, which modifies the field geometry from broad and diffuse to focused and concentrated. This parameter change allows effective stimulation at lower amplitudes while reducing spillover to adjacent nerves.
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 enhances selective nerve activation, reduces side effects, and improves therapeutic efficacy by focusing the electrical field on intended targets, thereby increasing patient comfort and reducing the complexity and invasiveness of treatment procedures.
Implementation Method 1
using specific configurations of external and implanted components to modulate electrical fields and reduce stimulation spillover
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for improving nerve stimulation are disclosed which relate to shaping characteristics of the stimulation field such as by using different geometries and locations of stimulation. In embodiments, systems and methods are provided to improve selective modulation of specific targeted neural substrate, while minimizing the activation of adjacent non-targeted nervous tissue. While aspects of the disclosed technologies can be applied to any part of the central and peripheral nervous systems for treatment various disorders and providing symptom relief to provide for therapy related to pelvic floor disorders such as overactive bladder.