Apparatus for stimulating peripheral nerve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional peripheral nerve stimulation devices require multiple incisions and large implants, leading to adverse reactions such as infection and pain, due to their size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A device for stimulating peripheral nerves using an implantable electrode assembly that applies stimulation signals via electromagnetic field coupling, with an external stimulation energy generator, reducing the need for large incisions and minimizing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional peripheral nerve stimulation devices are used, then nerve stimulation function is achieved, but surgical trauma and patient discomfort increase due to multiple incisions and large implant size
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate components: an implantable electrode assembly that remains inside the body and an external stimulation energy generator that wears on the body surface. This segmentation allows the internal implant to be minimal in size while the external generator houses the power supply and control electronics, thereby reducing surgical trauma from multiple incisions and large implants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical connection (extension wires physically connecting internal electrodes to external pulse generators) with wireless electromagnetic field coupling. This substitution eliminates the need for large incisions required to implant extension wires and reduces mechanical stress on tissues, thereby reducing surgical trauma.
2Reliability
If multiple components (electrodes, pulse generators, extension wires) are implanted, then complete nerve stimulation system is achieved, but device complexity and number of incisions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pulse generator and power supply into a single external wearable device, while the internal implant is reduced to only the essential electrode assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components that need to be implanted, simplifying the overall system while maintaining complete nerve stimulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless electromagnetic field coupling as an intermediary mechanism to transmit stimulation energy from the external generator to the internal electrode assembly without physical connection. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for extension wires and complex internal wiring, reducing device complexity while maintaining system completeness.
3Use of energy by moving object
If large pulse generator is implanted in upper chest, then power supply capacity is sufficient, but incision size and wound complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply and pulse generator from the internal implant and places them in an external wearable device. This extraction allows the internal implant to be minimal in size, requiring only a small incision for electrode placement, while the external device houses the larger power supply components that do not require surgical implantation.
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 device provides effective nerve stimulation with reduced surgical trauma and improved patient comfort by using a smaller, less invasive implant and wireless energy transfer, enhancing treatment efficacy and recovery.
Implementation Method 1
configured to receive stimulation energy in a form of an electromagnetic field, convert the stimulation energy into the stimulation signal
Implementation Method 2
provide the stimulation energy to the implantable electrode assembly via electromagnetic field coupling
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present application relates to an apparatus (100) for stimulating a peripheral nerve. The apparatus comprises: an implantable electrode assembly (102), which can be implanted in the body of a patient, and is configured to apply a stimulation signal to a nerve. The implantable electrode assembly (102) comprises: a stimulation electrode (102a), which is fixed to a predetermined position of the body of the patient and is adjacent to a nerve therein, and is configured to operably apply a stimulation signal to the nerve; and an electrode circuit (102b), which is coupled to the stimulation electrode (102a), and is configured to receive stimulation energy in the form of an electromagnetic field, convert the stimulation energy into the stimulation signal and provide the stimulation signal to the stimulation electrode (102a), wherein the stimulation energy is from the outside of the implantable electrode assembly (102). The apparatus further comprises: a stimulation energy generator (104), which can be worn outside the body of the patient, so as to provide stimulation energy to the implantable electrode assembly (102) by means of electromagnetic field coupling. The stimulation energy generator (104) comprises: a generator circuit (658), which is used for generating stimulation energy in the form of an electromagnetic field; and a power source (660), which is coupled to the generator circuit (658), and is configured to supply power to the generator circuit (658).