Wireless Cavernous Nerve Stimulation Lead
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cavernosal nerve stimulation in treating erectile dysfunction are invasive, require open surgical procedures, and involve implantable power sources connected directly to stimulation leads, limiting their applicability and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive system using an implantable lead with wireless communication electronics to stimulate the cavernous nerve, powered and controlled by an external penile ring with wireless communication and control circuitry, allowing for selective neuromodulation and venous compression to enhance penile erection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional implanted leads for nerve stimulation are used with direct-wired connection to implantable power source, then reliable nerve stimulation is achieved, but device complexity and surgical invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the implantable device into two separate components: a simple lead with electrode disposed proximate to the cavernous nerve and an external controller unit. This segmentation eliminates the need for implantable power sources and complex wired connections, reducing surgical invasiveness while maintaining stimulation reliability through wireless communication between the lead and external controller
Solution Approach 2:
The power source and control electronics are extracted from the implantable lead and placed in an external controller unit. This extraction simplifies the implantable component to only the essential lead and electrode, eliminating the complexity of implantable power sources and direct-wired connections while preserving the ability to deliver reliable nerve stimulation through wireless power and data transmission
2Reliability
If open surgical incision and exposure of nerve with cuff placement is performed, then lead migration is prevented and nerve activity is maximized, but surgical invasiveness and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A cuff is disposed around the cavernous nerve as an intermediary component between the lead and the nerve. The cuff serves as a mediator that secures the lead in proximity to the nerve without requiring complex open surgical exposure, thereby preventing lead migration and maximizing nerve activity while simplifying the surgical procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the lead placement procedure from the nerve securing function by introducing a distinct cuff component. This segmentation allows the lead to be positioned minimally invasively while the cuff provides the necessary mechanical anchoring to prevent migration, simplifying the overall surgical procedure
3Use of energy by moving object
If implantable power source is connected directly to stimulation lead, then continuous power supply is ensured, but incision size and implantation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is extracted from the implantable lead and relocated to an external controller unit. This extraction eliminates the need for implantable power sources and direct-wired connections, reducing incision size and implantation complexity while ensuring continuous power supply through wireless energy transmission from the external controller to the lead
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical wired connection between implantable power source and lead is replaced with wireless electromagnetic energy transmission. This substitution eliminates the need for direct-wired connections and implantable power sources, reducing surgical invasiveness while maintaining continuous power supply to the stimulation electrode
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 effective cavernosal neuromodulation with reduced invasiveness, eliminating the need for direct implantable power sources and surgical dissections, while providing a user-friendly, externally controlled solution for improved erectile function.
Implementation Method 1
an implantable lead with wireless communication electronics to stimulate the cavernous nerve, powered and controlled by an external penile ring with wireless communication and control circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a system and method for cavernosal neuromodulation as directed by a wireless remote controller and power supply. The system including: an implantable lead having at least one electrode structured and arranged to be disposed proximate to the cavernous nerve in a penis; a portable power supply; and a controller having wireless communication electronics and control circuitry associated with the wireless communication electronics structured and arranged to wirelessly couple the power supply to the at least one electrode, the controller further structured and arranged to permit a user to select at least one instruction set for the at least electrode. The controller and power supply may be provided by a control ring. An associated method of use is also provided.