Wireless Bioresorbable Electrotherapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrotherapy systems for diabetic foot ulcers are bulky, require inpatient care, and lack effective monitoring capabilities, leading to low patient compliance and inadequate treatment of chronic wounds.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized, wireless, battery-free electrotherapy system with bioresorbable electrodes that deliver electrostimulation and monitoring, using a pair of flexible, serpentine electrodes that mimic endogenous wound currents and dissolve naturally after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrotherapy systems are used, then electrostimulation can be provided to accelerate wound healing, but the equipment is bulky and requires inpatient care, reducing patient compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: a flexible printed circuit board with electrodes that can be applied directly to the wound site, and an external wireless power transmission unit. This segmentation allows the electrotherapy function to be miniaturized and made portable, enabling home use while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wiring and battery-powered systems with wireless electromagnetic power transmission. The external power unit transmits energy wirelessly to the implanted or applied electrode array, eliminating the need for bulky batteries or wired connections, thus enabling portable, patient-friendly use
2Reliability
If traditional electrodes are used, then electrostimulation can be delivered, but electrode removal causes tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is designed as a single-use, disposable component that is applied to the wound site for the duration of treatment and then removed and discarded. This eliminates the need for repeated insertion and removal of reusable electrodes, preventing cumulative tissue damage while maintaining effective electrostimulation delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive, disposable electrode arrays that can be safely applied and removed without concern for tissue damage from removal. The low cost allows for single-use disposal, ensuring each application is safe while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness throughout the treatment period
3Reliability
If existing electrotherapy systems are used, then treatment can be provided, but monitoring capabilities are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board serves multiple functions: it delivers electrostimulation through integrated electrodes, monitors wound status through embedded sensors, and transmits data wirelessly. This multi-functionality consolidates therapy delivery and monitoring into a single device, providing comprehensive wound care while eliminating the need for separate monitoring equipment
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
Accelerates wound healing by 30% and actively monitors the healing process, reducing the time to closure while avoiding tissue damage from electrode removal.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless platform coupled with the pair of electrodes for operable providing power to the stimulator
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrotherapy system comprising a pair of electrodes coupled with a region of interest of a subject for providing electrostimulation thereto; and a wireless platform coupled with the pair of electrodes for operable providing power to the stimulator.