Wireless Neural Stimulation System for Minimally Invasive Pain Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapeutic methods for chronic pain and inflammation, such as those involving electrical stimulation of excitable tissues, often require invasive procedures and are limited by the need for implanted pulse generators and wired connections, which can lead to complications and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A wireless neural stimulation system that uses non-inductive antennas to receive electromagnetic energy for powering electrodes, allowing for the delivery of electrical impulses to excitable tissues without direct physical connection, thereby reducing invasiveness and potential complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional implanted pulse generators with wired connections are used for electrical stimulation therapy, then reliable neural modulation can be achieved, but the procedure becomes more invasive and carries higher risk of complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an electromagnetic wireless power transfer system. An external antenna transmits electromagnetic energy that is received by an implanted antenna, which then powers the neural stimulation electrodes without requiring physical wire connections through the skin, thereby eliminating infection risks and improving patient comfort while maintaining stimulation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer energy from the external power source to the implanted device. This intermediary allows power transmission through tissue without direct physical contact or wired connections, resolving the contradiction between reliable power delivery and minimally invasive implementation
2Duration of action of stationary object
If implanted pulse generators with batteries are used, then continuous power supply for therapy is ensured, but device complexity and surgical requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery and pulse generator from the implanted device, leaving only the minimal implanted antenna and electrodes. The complex power supply and control functions are relocated to an external device, dramatically simplifying the implanted component while ensuring continuous power availability through wireless transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the power supply function from the spatial dimension (physical battery inside the body) to the electromagnetic dimension (wireless energy transmission through space). This dimensional shift eliminates the need for internal power storage while maintaining continuous operation capability
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 provides effective neural modulation for treating chronic pain and inflammation with reduced invasiveness and lower costs, offering a more efficient and safer alternative to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
configured to receive electromagnetic energy non-inductively from a source located outside the patient's body
Data Source
AI summary
Some implementations provide a method of treating chronic pain or inflammation with neural modulation, the method including: placing a surgical instrument to reach into a torso section of a patient's body, the patient suffering from chronic pain or inflammation in a primary area in the torso section; placing a wireless device into an opening on the surgical instrument, the wireless device suitable to fit into the opening and configured to receive electromagnetic energy non-inductively from a source located outside the patient's body; through the opening on the surgical instrument, positioning the wireless electrode lead adjacent to or near excitable tissue in the primary area in the torso section of the patient; and causing electrical pulses to be delivered to one or more electrodes on the wireless device such that neural modulation is applied to the excitable tissue in the primary area in the torso section.