Wireless Multichannel Neurostimulators for Precise Nerve Fiber Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neurostimulation technologies lack precise control over nerve functions due to their ability to affect multiple body functions simultaneously, leading to undesired effects when stimulating entire nerve trunks rather than specific nerve fibers.
Innovation Solution
The development of multichannel affirmative and receptive neurostimulation using implantable micro-devices that allow for specific nerve fiber control and feedback through wireless communication, employing micro-scale diode devices and focused ultrasound waves to provide granular control and monitoring, enabling proportional and bipolar control, and incorporating noise cancellation and smoothing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If neurostimulation is applied to entire nerve trunks using existing technologies, then broad body functions are affected, but precision and control over specific nerve fibers deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single nerve trunk into multiple independently controllable channels by implanting multiple micro-scale neurostimulators at different locations along the nerve. Each micro-stimulator can be independently activated to target specific nerve fibers or fascicles, transforming a single gross stimulation approach into multiple precise stimulation channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by placing micro-stimulators at specific locations along the nerve trunk to create localized stimulation zones. Each micro-stimulator affects only the nerve fibers in its immediate vicinity, allowing different regions of the same nerve to be stimulated with different parameters (intensity, frequency, pulse width) to achieve precise functional control.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrode leads are used to achieve precise nerve fiber control, then control precision improves, but device complexity and surgical invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrode lead system with wireless micro-scale neurostimulators that communicate via radio frequency. This eliminates the need for physical connections between external controllers and implanted devices, significantly simplifying the implantation procedure while maintaining precise control capabilities through wireless programming and activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform where a single type of micro-stimulator design can be deployed in various configurations (single or multiple implants at different locations) to treat different nerve trunks and target different functional outcomes. The system is programmable to accommodate various stimulation parameters and patterns, making it adaptable to diverse clinical applications without requiring custom-designed leads for each case.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If gross stimulation of entire nerve trunk is applied, then device simplicity is maintained, but undesired side effects increase due to affecting multiple body functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the nerve trunk into multiple stimulation channels, the system can selectively activate only the channels corresponding to desired functional outcomes while leaving other channels inactive. This prevents stimulation of nerve fibers that would produce unwanted side effects, as each micro-stimulator's activation can be independently controlled based on the specific therapeutic goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system can monitor the physiological response to stimulation and adjust activation patterns accordingly. This allows real-time optimization of which micro-stimulators are active and at what intensity, enabling the system to achieve desired therapeutic effects while automatically avoiding stimulation patterns that would produce harmful side effects.
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
This approach enables precise control and feedback of nerve functions, improving therapeutic applications, prosthetic control, and reducing side effects by targeting specific nerve fibers or groups, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of neurostimulation.
Implementation Method 1
addressable by focused ultrasound waves
Implementation Method 2
wireless transfer of power to the interior of nerve and other excitable tissues
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-scale implantable bioelectronic medical device system that allows multichannel neurostimulation of peripheral nerve bundles so to affect a more localized and specific control over neuromodulation of body tissues and organs. Such systems can be used in medical therapeutic applications for the treatment of a wide variety of disorders of the human body and may be applied in the growing field of medical neuromodulation. Systems and processes may also provide a way of interfacing to nerve and muscle for purposes of the control of advanced robotic prosthetics as well as man-machine interfaces. Apparatus, systems and processes may be adapted in various embodiments to the stimulation of brain and other bioelectrically excitable tissues in the human body as well.