Wireless Neuromodulation Implant for Precise Pain Nerve Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neuromodulation devices for chronic pain management are large, costly, invasive, and require battery replacements, often stimulating non-target nerves and posing risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Development of minimally invasive, wirelessly powered neuromodulation systems with precise nerve targeting and configurable modulation parameters, incorporating sensors for diagnostics and adaptable therapy, using external devices for power and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large neuromodulation devices with batteries and long leads are used, then electrical stimulation of nerves can be achieved, but the devices become invasive, costly, and require periodic battery replacement surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery and power management components from the implantable neuromodulation device, placing them in an external wireless power transfer system. This allows the implantable device to be significantly smaller and less invasive while maintaining reliable therapy delivery through wireless recharging via electromagnetic coupling between external and internal coils
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the implantable device contains internal coils that are wirelessly coupled to external coils. The implantable device is nested within the patient's body, while the external power system nests the power management electronics outside the body, creating a hierarchical system that reduces implant complexity
2Reliability
If large volumes of neurotoxins are used for neurolysis, then nerve transmission can be blocked, but risks, side effects, and contraindications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of neurotoxins with an electrical/mechanical mechanism of wireless electromagnetic power transfer and controlled neural stimulation. This substitution eliminates the need for large volumes of neurotoxic substances while achieving reliable pain transmission blocking through precisely controlled electrical stimulation parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of therapy delivery from chemical concentration (neurotoxin volume) to electrical parameters (wireless power transfer efficiency, stimulation frequency, pulse width). This allows for precise control of therapeutic effect while minimizing harmful side effects associated with high doses of neurotoxins
3Ease of manufacture
If thermal injury from radio frequency or cryoablation is used, then minimally invasive nerve treatment can be achieved, but permanent damage and limited applicability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic electrical stimulation through wireless power transfer rather than continuous thermal exposure. The pulsed nature of wireless power delivery allows for periodic neural modulation that is reversible and controllable, avoiding permanent thermal damage while maintaining minimally invasive benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of wireless electromagnetic energy into benefit by using controlled wireless power transfer for reversible neural modulation. The electromagnetic fields that could potentially cause heating are instead used for precise, controllable, and reversible neuromodulation therapy
4Device complexity
If stimulators are made smaller and wirelessly powered, then invasiveness and cost are reduced, but power budget and energy delivery capability are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary wireless recharging of the implantable device through electromagnetic coupling before therapy delivery is needed. The external system pre-charges the internal coils and capacitors, ensuring adequate power is stored in the implantable device for subsequent therapy sessions without requiring large batteries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power management function from the implantable device to the external wireless power transfer system. By combining the external power source, wireless transmission coils, and control electronics into an integrated external system, the implantable device can be minimized while maintaining adequate power delivery capability through the merged external system
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 precise, efficient, and safe neuromodulation therapies with reduced side effects, minimizing energy consumption and eliminating the need for battery replacements.
Implementation Method 1
Wirelessly powered devices with communication can be desirable because they can be miniaturized and have no need for battery replacements
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for neurostimulation using a combination of implantable and external devices to treat pain are disclosed.