Wireless Nerve Stimulation Control via Segmented Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nerve stimulation devices are limited by the need for close proximity to the patient due to short electrical conductors and lack of user-configurable signal generation, restricting flexibility and efficiency in monitoring muscle response during anesthesia.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a nerve stimulation device and a user electronic device that enables wireless communication of nerve stimulation instructions, allowing for remote control and configuration of electrical pulses, along with built-in calibration routines to optimize pulse intensity and reduce data transmission requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical conductors are kept short to ensure good conductivity and consistent signaling, then signal quality is improved, but the device must be in close proximity to the patient which reduces operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate functional components: a nerve stimulation device that remains close to the patient for reliable signal delivery, and a remote user electronic device for control and configuration. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication link acts as an intermediary between the user electronic device and the nerve stimulation device. This intermediary enables remote control while maintaining the physical proximity requirement for reliable electrical signaling to the patient.
2Ease of operation
If pre-configured electrical signal generation programs are built into the device, then ease of use is improved, but user configurability and calibration capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The user electronic device serves multiple functions: it provides a user interface for configuration, generates customizable stimulation programs, transmits instructions wirelessly, and can store pre-configured programs. This multi-functionality consolidates both ease of use and user configurability in a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static pre-configured programs embedded in the nerve stimulation device to dynamic, user-configurable programs generated and transmitted by the user electronic device. This allows the stimulation parameters to be adaptively adjusted based on specific patient needs while maintaining ease of use through automated program generation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for nerve stimulation is provided; it comprises a nerve stimulation device configured to execute a set of nerve stimulation instructions for generating electrical pulses for nerve stimulation of a patient. A user electronic device is configured to generate the set of nerve stimulation instructions; and send the set of nerve stimulation instructions wirelessly to the nerve stimulation device.