Wireless Leadless Nerve Stimulation Electrode Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nerve integrity monitoring systems during procedures near nerve fibers lack efficient and reliable methods for wireless, self-contained nerve stimulation and monitoring, often requiring physical connections and manual intervention, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A wireless stimulator assembly with leadless electrode assemblies that include a self-contained processor and power source, allowing for automatic stimulation and monitoring of nerve integrity without direct physical connection to the monitoring system, using a cuff electrode design that securely engages the nerve and a micro-controller to execute programmed stimulation protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless stimulator assembly with leadless electrode assemblies is used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but reliability of nerve stimulation and monitoring may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulator assembly is designed to be self-contained with integrated power sources, processors, and electrode assemblies that can autonomously perform stimulation and monitoring functions without requiring external control or physical connections during the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional modules including the stimulator assembly, electrode assemblies, and monitoring components that can be independently positioned and secured to the nerve, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability
2Reliability
If physical connections are used for nerve stimulation and monitoring, then reliability of signal transmission is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical wired connections with wireless communication technologies, eliminating the need for physical cables and connectors between the stimulator assembly and monitoring system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining signal transmission reliability
3Measurement precision
If manual intervention is required for nerve monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated feedback mechanisms where the stimulator assembly continuously monitors nerve responses and adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time based on detected signals, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention while maintaining measurement precision through automated signal analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated processor within the stimulator assembly autonomously analyzes received nerve signals and determines integrity status without requiring external manual analysis, thereby improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision through automated diagnostic algorithms
4Reliability
If continuous manual intervention is used for nerve integrity monitoring, then reliability of monitoring is improved, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous automated monitoring of nerve integrity throughout the procedure without interruption or need for manual repositioning, maintaining reliable continuous assessment while improving productivity by eliminating repetitive manual tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulator assembly autonomously performs continuous stimulation and signal detection, with the integrated processor automatically analyzing nerve responses and determining integrity status without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while significantly improving productivity
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 efficient, wireless, and automatic nerve stimulation and monitoring, reducing procedural complexity and minimizing tissue damage, while providing real-time integrity assessment without the need for continuous manual intervention or physical connections.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode or electrode containing element is connected to a nerve or nerve fiber to monitor or stimulate the nerve fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A stimulation electrode assembly configured to be positioned relative to a patient for an operative procedure is disclosed. The stimulation electrode may be a connection or self-contained component to contact a portion of a nerve. The stimulation electrode may provide or receive a signal to and/or from the nerve to assist in testing integrity of the nerve.