Vestibular Prosthesis Electrode Array for Nerve Branch Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vestibular prostheses face challenges with suboptimal electrode-nerve coupling and selectivity, device size, power consumption, and the inability to accurately sense both rotation and gravitoinertial/translational acceleration, leading to misalignment and inefficiencies in stimulating the vestibular nerve branches.
Innovation Solution
An implantable nerve stimulation device with a sensor system, data processor, and nerve stimulation system that includes a multi-electrode array and reference electrodes for precise electrical stimulation, along with a rotational and orientation sensor system to correct for misalignment and improve current steering, enabling more accurate targeting of vestibular nerve branches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a multi-electrode array is used to improve selectivity in stimulating vestibular nerve branches, then stimulation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vestibular nerve stimulation is segmented into three distinct electrode arrays, each targeting a specific nerve branch (superior, horizontal, and posterior). This segmentation allows selective stimulation of individual branches while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each electrode array is designed with local quality specific to its target nerve branch, with electrodes positioned and configured to optimize stimulation of that particular branch. This localized optimization improves precision without requiring complete redesign of the entire device.
2Measurement precision
If rotational and orientation sensors are added to correct misalignment, then stimulation accuracy is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational sensor and orientation sensor are merged into a single integrated sensing system that provides both functions simultaneously. This combination reduces the total volume required compared to separate sensor systems while maintaining full correction capability for misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same sensor assembly performs both rotational detection and orientation measurement. This universal design reduces device size by eliminating redundant components while maintaining the ability to correct misalignment accurately.
3Measurement precision
If current steering is implemented to target specific nerve branches, then selectivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current steering system uses periodic activation of different electrode arrays rather than continuous activation of all electrodes. By cycling through selective stimulation patterns, the system maintains high selectivity while reducing average power consumption through intermittent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial action by activating only the specific electrode arrays needed for each stimulation task rather than using all electrodes continuously. This selective activation achieves the required selectivity while minimizing power consumption by keeping unused electrodes inactive.
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 device achieves improved precision and selectivity in stimulating the vestibular nerve, reducing misalignment and power consumption, and enabling long-term restoration of vestibular function in vestibular-deficient patients by accurately sensing and transmitting head motion information.
Implementation Method 1
the two otolith end organs (the utricle and saccule) are responsible for sensing gravitoinertial (translational) accelerations
Implementation Method 2
electrically stimulating the vestibular nerve via a pair of electrodes intended to excite afferents in an ampullary nerve
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable nerve stimulation device has a sensor system, a data processor in communication with the sensor system, and a nerve stimulation system in communication with the data processor and constructed to provide electrical stimulation to at least one branch of at least one vestibulocochlear nerve. The nerve stimulation system includes an electrode array that has a first plurality of electrodes structured to be surgically implanted in electrical communication with a superior branch of the vestibular nerve, a second plurality of electrodes structured to be surgically implanted in electrical communication with a horizontal branch of the vestibular nerve, a third plurality of electrodes structured to be surgically implanted in electrical communication with a posterior branch of the vestibular nerve, and a common crus reference electrode structured to be surgically implanted into a common crus of the vestibular labyrinth.