Wireless Stimulation Electrode Assembly for Chronic IOP Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for glaucoma, such as eye drops and surgical interventions, provide only acute relief and are prone to infection risks, while electrical stimulation methods with hard-wired electrodes pose additional complications, necessitating a method to chronically reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) safely and effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wireless stimulation electrode assembly that receives electromagnetic signals to stimulate intraocular structures, reducing IOP by decreasing aqueous humor inflow and increasing outflow, using a closed-loop system with a wireless power transfer system and a stimulation coil that can be positioned on, within, or near the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard-wired electrodes with leads are used to stimulate intraocular structures, then electrical stimulation can be delivered to reduce IOP, but the risk of infection increases due to the physical drainage element extending outside the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the external lead component from the stimulation system. The wireless electrode assembly delivers electrical stimulation without any external leads or wires extending outside the eye, thereby eliminating the infection pathway while maintaining the therapeutic function of IOP reduction through electrical stimulation of intraocular structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary between the external controller and the intraocular electrode assembly. Electrical energy and control signals are transmitted wirelessly through electromagnetic fields, serving as an intermediary that eliminates the need for physical lead connections while maintaining the ability to deliver therapeutic stimulation
2Duration of action of moving object
If eye drops are used to regulate fluid flow, then acute relief of symptoms can be provided, but only acute relief is achieved without chronic resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a closed-loop control system with real-time IOP monitoring and dynamic adjustment of electrical stimulation parameters. The system continuously adapts the stimulation intensity and duration based on measured IOP levels, enabling chronic disease management rather than just acute relief, and maintaining therapeutic effect over extended periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous electrical stimulation delivery through the wireless electrode assembly, powered by a rechargeable battery that enables prolonged operation. The closed-loop system ensures continuous monitoring and adjustment of fluid dynamics in the eye, providing sustained chronic management of IOP rather than intermittent acute relief
3Productivity
If surgical interventions are performed to open drainage channels, then drainage can be facilitated, but infection risk increases due to the physical drainage element extending outside the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical drainage elements (stents, blebs, or shunts that physically extend outside the eye) with an electrical stimulation system. Electrical fields are used to modulate the function of intraocular structures to enhance aqueous humor outflow through physiological mechanisms, eliminating the need for external mechanical drainage pathways and their associated infection risks
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 system effectively reduces IOP by modulating fluid dynamics in the eye, providing chronic relief without significant side effects, and can be adapted for daily use through various positioning methods, including contact lenses and implants.
Implementation Method 1
wireless stimulation electrode assembly that receives electromagnetic signals
Data Source
AI summary
An improved stimulus coil for use in wireless stimulation of biological tissue (e.g., nerves, muscle tissue, etc.) and, in one exemplary implementation, to glaucoma therapy based on the wireless administration of energy to the eye of a mammalian subject (e.g., human, rodent, etc.) to reduce an elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) involving the use of an improved stimulus coil. The improved stimulus coil may be implanted in the eye of a mammalian subject or positioned on the exterior of the eye, such as (by way of example) by being disposed within a contact lens worn by a mammalian subject.