Wireless Cervical Electrical Inhibition Uterine Pacemaker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing preterm births, such as the use of tocolytics, are limited in effectiveness and often associated with side effects, necessitating the development of alternative modalities to control uterine contractions more sustainably.
Innovation Solution
A wireless apparatus for controlling uterine contractions, comprising a housing with electrodes that apply electrical energy to the cervix, coupled with a battery, impedance matching circuit, and a controller that adjusts energy based on sensed uterine activity, allowing for real-time inhibition or stimulation of contractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If tocolytics are used to delay preterm birth, then contraction delay is achieved, but side effects increase and treatment duration is limited to 72 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of tocolytics with an electrical mechanism. Electrical energy is applied through electrodes positioned in the vagina to directly influence uterine muscle activity, substituting chemical pharmacological action with physical electrical stimulation to achieve contraction delay without systemic side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical energy as an intermediary between the external control system and the uterine muscle. The electrical energy acts as a mediator to modulate uterine contractions by interfering with the electrical signaling that triggers contractions, providing a controllable and reversible method to delay birth
2Reliability
If tocolytics are used systemically, then contraction control is achieved, but side effects necessitate discontinuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrical energy locally to the uterine region through vaginal electrodes rather than systemic administration. This localized approach allows contraction control to be achieved at the target site without distributing the agent throughout the body, thereby avoiding systemic side effects while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the systemic chemical delivery mechanism with a localized electrical field application. By using electrical energy confined to the pelvic region through appropriately positioned electrodes, the system achieves reliable contraction control without the harmful systemic effects that limit tocolytic use
3Reliability
If electrical energy is applied to control uterine contractions, then contraction management is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed electrical energy application rather than continuous delivery. By delivering electrical stimuli in controlled pulses or cycles, the system maintains effective contraction management while allowing energy conservation during intervals between pulses, reducing overall power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic adjustment of electrical energy parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and pulse width based on real-time uterine activity monitoring. This dynamic control allows the system to use minimal energy necessary to achieve the desired effect, optimizing the balance between contraction management effectiveness and energy consumption
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 solution effectively delays or prevents preterm births by providing a more sustainable and less invasive method to manage uterine contractions, reducing the need for systemic medications and their associated side effects.
Implementation Method 1
The energy generating device includes first and second electrodes that are configured to apply electrical energy to the cervix of the patient... The first and second electrodes are configured to apply the electrical energy to the uterus of the patient via the approximation of the electrodes to the cervix of the patient, to controlcontractions of the uterus
Implementation Method 2
The energy generating device also includes an impedance matching circuit in electrical communication with the first and second electrodes. The impedance matching circuit is configured to determine an impedance value of the cervix of the patient based on electrical energy applied to the cervix by the first and second electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect of the present disclosure, a system and method for controlling uterine contractions is disclosed including receiving data from at least one sensor by a wireless apparatus inserted into the patient's vagina adjacent the cervix. The data includes an indication that a contraction of the uterus is imminent. The method further includes in response to receiving the data, causing a generator circuit of the wireless apparatus to supply electrical energy to an energy applicator of the wireless apparatus that is configured to apply the supplied electrical energy to the uterus of the patient via the cervix of the patient to control contractions of the patient's uterus.