Wireless Implantable Stimulator Antenna Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable hypoglossal nerve (HGN) neurostimulation systems for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are invasive and require bulky components, including implanted leads and a pulse generator, which are cumbersome and require frequent battery replacements.
Innovation Solution
A wireless implantable stimulator system that uses an antenna to receive power and communicate through electromagnetic induction with an external controller, eliminating the need for implanted batteries and reducing invasiveness by allowing for a shorter, less invasive procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional implantable HGN neurostimulation systems are used, then OSA treatment function is provided, but device complexity and invasiveness increase due to implanted leads and pulse generator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source (battery) and control electronics from the implantable device, placing them in an external controller. Only a small implantable stimulator with electrodes remains inside the patient's body, dramatically reducing device complexity and invasiveness while maintaining the OSA treatment function through wireless power and data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/wire-based connection system (implanted leads connecting to pulse generator) with an electromagnetic field-based wireless system. The external controller communicates with and powers the implantable stimulator through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for complex implanted wiring.
2Reliability
If conventional implantable systems with pulse generator are used, then stimulation function is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent battery replacements requiring surgical access
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is extracted from the implantable device and placed in the external controller. This eliminates the need for surgical battery replacements, as the external controller can be easily accessed and replaced without surgery, while the implantable stimulator remains permanently positioned near the target nerve.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable stimulator is designed to be permanently implanted and maintain functionality indefinitely without requiring surgical intervention for maintenance. The system enables long-term operation through wireless power transfer from the external controller, allowing the device to serve itself without periodic surgical access.
3Reliability
If conventional systems with implanted components are used, then nerve stimulation capability is provided, but ease of manufacture worsens due to complex implantation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two separate components: a small implantable stimulator that remains permanently positioned near the target nerve, and an external controller that contains all complex electronics and power source. This segmentation simplifies the implantation procedure, as only the small stimulator needs to be implanted surgically, while the complex external controller is installed separately without surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical connection system (implanted leads requiring precise surgical routing and connection to pulse generator) with a wireless electromagnetic coupling system. The implantable stimulator contains only an antenna and minimal electronics, dramatically simplifying the implantation procedure while maintaining full nerve stimulation capability through wireless communication.
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 treats OSA by stimulating the HGN with reduced invasiveness and without the need for battery replacements, improving patient comfort and reducing maintenance burdens.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna for powering the stimulator via an inductive power coupling with an external controller
Implementation Method 2
The stimulator can comprise an antenna for producing an induced current in response to being disposed in an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless implantable neuromuscular stimulator includes an antenna for producing an induced current in response to being disposed in an electromagnetic field. The antenna includes a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface. An upper coil including a plurality of coil turns is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate. A lower coil including a plurality of coil turns is disposed on the lower surface of the substrate. The upper and lower coils are electrically connected to each other in parallel. The parallel connection can be facilitated by a plurality of connectors that extend through the substrate and electrically connect the upper coil to the lower coil. In one example configuration, connectors connect each coil turn of the upper coil to a corresponding turn of the lower coil.