Wireless Neurostimulation With Reduced Graphene Oxide Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional implantable pulse generators (IPGs) for brain therapy are bulky, require frequent surgical replacement, and lack technological upgrades, posing challenges in engineering and patient comfort, while existing wireless solutions complicate surgery and increase infection risk.

Innovation Solution

A neuromodulation system comprising a wearable device behind the ear with control electronics and a wireless connection to an implanted unit under the scalp, using reduced graphene oxide electrodes and bidirectional communication for stimulation and data transfer, reducing the need for surgical intervention and enabling flexible parameter adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional IPGs are used for brain therapy implants, then therapeutic function is provided, but device size and volume are large due to capacitors, connectors, battery, and hermetic enclosure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic functionVSAvoidIPG volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the IPG from the cranial implant and relocates it to an external wearable device positioned behind the ear. This separation removes the bulky capacitors, connectors, battery, and hermetic enclosure from the implanted site, dramatically reducing the volume and complexity of the cranial implant while maintaining therapeutic function through wireless energy and data transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless electromagnetic coupling system. The external wearable device communicates with the implanted lead array through wireless energy and data transfer, eliminating the need for physical cables that would require precise routing, connectors, and mechanical attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional IPGs are implanted in the chest, then therapy is provided, but frequent surgical replacement is required due to battery depletion and technology obsolescence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy continuityVSAvoidsurgical replacement frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic system where the external wearable device can be easily removed and replaced without surgical intervention. The wireless coupling allows for flexible reconfiguration of the system, enabling patients to switch between different wearable units or receive software updates while maintaining the same implanted lead array, thus extending the operational lifespan between surgical procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the system into a permanent implanted lead array and a replaceable external wearable device. This segmentation allows the therapeutic function to be maintained through the durable implant while the external component can be periodically updated or replaced through simple removal and reattachment, eliminating the need for frequent surgical replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If cable connection is used between wearable device and implanted antenna, then wireless coupling is achieved, but surgery is complicated and infection risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless couplingVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

The system minimizes surgical procedures, maintains continuous therapy, and allows for easy upgrades and adjustments, enhancing patient comfort and reducing infection risks while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

at least one wearable device comprising at least one second antenna, wherein the at least one wearable device is configured to wirelessly control and wirelessly communicate with the at least one implant unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the at least one electrode is made of reduced graphene oxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250295919A1Neurostimulation system

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 INBRAIN NEUROELECTRONICS SL

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a neurostimulation system, in particular for Cortical and/or Deep Brain Stimulation and/or Central Nervous System (CNS) neurostimulation/neuromodulation and/or Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) neurostimulation/neuromodulation and/or Vagus Nerve Stimulation, comprising:at least one implant unit comprising:at least one first antenna, andat least one lead having at least one electrode array with at least one electrode; andat least one wearable device comprising at least one second antenna,wherein the at least one wearable device is configured to wirelessly control and wirelessly communicate with the at least one implant unit, and wherein the at least one electrode is made of reduced graphene oxide, such as hydrothermally reduced graphene oxide.