Wireless Tissue Stimulation Device with Flexible Substrate and Nested Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical stimulation devices for treating gastric dysmotility disorders and obesity are often bulky, require invasive surgeries, and lack adjustability, with limited performance lifetimes and single operation modes.
Innovation Solution
Development of wireless tissue stimulation devices with small form factors, wireless power capabilities, and reconfigurability, featuring flexible or foldable substrates, antennas, and electrodes, allowing for adjustable electrical pulse delivery to muscular and gastrointestinal tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical stimulation devices are made with traditional designs, then they can deliver electrical stimulation to treat gastric dysmotility disorders, but they become bulky and require invasive surgeries for implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a flexible substrate layer, antenna elements, electrode arrays, and electronic circuitry. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates minimally invasive implantation by enabling deployment in a compressed state that expands after implantation
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a three-dimensional bulky form factor to a two-dimensional flexible substrate that can be conformally attached to gastric tissue. This dimensional reduction enables implantation through smaller incisions and allows the device to conform to the curved surface of the stomach
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical stimulation devices are designed with fixed operation modes, then they can be manufactured with simpler circuits, but they cannot be adjusted by patients or doctors during use
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates reconfigurable electronic circuits that can dynamically change their operational characteristics. The antenna system can be reconfigured to operate at different frequencies, and the electrode stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) can be adjusted through wireless communication, allowing the device to adapt to different treatment protocols without physical modification
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows modification of key operational parameters including stimulation amplitude, pulse duration, frequency, and antenna resonance frequency. These parameter changes are achieved through electronic control rather than physical reconfiguration, enabling flexible adaptation to patient needs while maintaining relatively simple circuit architecture
3Duration of action of stationary object
If electrical stimulation devices are made with battery power, then they can provide continuous stimulation, but they exhibit limited performance lifetimes and require recurring invasive surgeries for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces the mechanical battery replacement procedure with a wireless energy transfer system. An external transmitter wirelessly transmits electromagnetic energy that is received by the implanted device's antenna, converting it to electrical energy to charge an onboard energy storage element. This eliminates the need for recurring invasive surgeries to replace batteries
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates an onboard energy storage element (capacitor or small battery) that can be recharged wirelessly through the skin without external intervention. This self-service capability allows the device to maintain continuous operation indefinitely, eliminating the need for patient involvement in battery replacement procedures
4Volume of moving object
If devices are made with small cross-sectional diameter for easy implantation, then they can be implanted in submucosal regions, but they have limited space for antennas and power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested configuration where the antenna elements are integrated into the flexible substrate itself, and the electronic circuitry is embedded within the substrate layers. The energy storage element is positioned in a central cavity formed by the folded substrate structure. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available space within the small cross-sectional diameter while maintaining all necessary functional components
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 devices provide improved treatment options for gastric dysmotility and obesity by enabling adjustable stimulation, reducing the need for invasive procedures, and extending device performance through wireless operation and recharging.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one antenna, which may be formed from or defined by metal wire, is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal and to generate an electrical current from the electromagnetic signal
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, wireless gastrointestinal stimulations are described herein. In some embodiments, a system described herein comprises at least one transmitter and at least one stimulation device. The transmitter can include a signal generator operable to generate an electromagnetic signal, a first antenna operable to broadcast the electromagnetic signal, and an energy source. The at least one stimulation device is operable to deliver a pattern of electrical pulses to a gastrointestinal tissue comprising a muscle, and the stimulation device includes a circuit board having a circumference, at least one second antenna wrapped around the circumference of the circuit board, the at least one second antenna being configured to receive the electromagnetic signal and to generate an electrical current from the electromagnetic signal, and at least one electrode operable to deliver the electrical current to the muscle.