Transdermal Stimulation via Glabrous Skin Magnetic Fields
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for overactive bladder (OAB) and urinary incontinence (UI) are invasive, costly, and often associated with side effects, with existing neuromodulation methods like sacral nerve stimulation requiring implantation and having high reoperation rates, and non-invasive options like exercise and pharmacological interventions being unsatisfactory for many patients.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for transdermal electrical stimulation using an ergonomic applicator with conductive coils to deliver pulsed magnetic fields through glabrous skin, targeting peripheral nerves like the posterior tibial nerve, allowing for non-invasive modulation of nerve conduction and tissue stimulation, with adjustable frequency and intensity based on patient feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive neuromodulation methods like sacral nerve stimulation are used, then treatment effectiveness for OAB and UI is improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase requiring implantation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical implantation with non-invasive electromagnetic field delivery. Instead of surgically implanting electrodes near sacral nerves, the invention uses external coils to generate pulsed electromagnetic fields that penetrate tissue and induce currents in target nerves, eliminating the need for surgical implantation while maintaining neuromodulation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pulsed electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the external applicator and target nerves. The electromagnetic field serves as a mediator that transfers energy through tissue without direct physical contact with nerves, enabling non-invasive stimulation of deep-lying nerves like the posterior tibial nerve
2Reliability
If high frequency electrical stimulation is delivered over non-glabrous skin, then nerve stimulation effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to pain and intolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the unique properties of glabrous skin (thinner epidermis, higher nerve density, better conductivity) as a specialized delivery site. By concentrating stimulation at this specific location with distinct physiological characteristics, the invention achieves effective nerve stimulation at lower, more comfortable intensities compared to non-glabrous regions
3Ease of operation
If pharmacological therapies are used for OAB and UI, then treatment accessibility is improved, but side effects and patient satisfaction worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological chemical intervention with physical electromagnetic field delivery. Instead of administering drugs that circulate systemically and cause side effects, the invention uses localized pulsed electromagnetic fields to stimulate specific nerves, providing a non-chemical therapy that avoids medication-related adverse effects while maintaining ease of use
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
Provides a safe, tolerable, and effective treatment for OAB and UI without the need for invasive procedures, offering consistent and repeatable stimulation with reduced risk of side effects and improved patient control over therapy parameters.
Implementation Method 1
The scientific principle behind this technology is that an electric current passed through a coil will generate an electromagnetic field. These fields, in turn, have been shown to induce current within conductive materials placed within the field.
Implementation Method 2
These fields, in turn, have been shown to induce current within conductive materials placed within the field. When applied to the human body, pulsed electromagnetic stimulation has been found to be an effective method of stimulating nerves resting within the electromagnetic field.
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and devices for providing transdermal electrical stimulation therapy to a patient are provided. In certain variations, a method may include positioning a stimulator electrode over a glabrous skin surface overlying a target nerve of a subject. Electrical stimulation may be delivered through or across the glabrous skin surface to the target nerve to stimulate the target nerve, while remaining safe and tolerable to the patient. Electrical stimulation may be delivered at frequencies that may be painful or intolerable when applied over non-glabrous surfaces of the body. Various applicators or devices for providing transdermal electrical stimulation therapy are also provided.