Wireless Vagus Nerve Stimulator Far-Field Powering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vagus nerve stimulation systems face challenges such as battery replacement needs, mechanical stress from tethering cables, and inefficiencies in energy transfer due to proximity requirements for external power sources, which limit their effectiveness and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A compact, remotely-powered vagus nerve stimulator using far-field electromagnetic waves in the 300 MHz to 10 GHz range for wireless energy transfer, eliminating the need for batteries and cables, and allowing for minimally invasive implantation with adjustable pulse parameters to achieve desired nerve stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional battery-powered vagus nerve stimulators are used, then continuous nerve stimulation can be provided, but battery replacement is required periodically and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source (battery) from the implantable stimulator device, eliminating the need for battery replacement surgeries. The stimulator is powered externally through electromagnetic coupling, removing the battery component entirely from the implanted device while maintaining continuous operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external power transmission system as an intermediary between the power source and the implantable stimulator. Electromagnetic fields serve as the mediator to transfer energy wirelessly through the skin to the implanted device, eliminating direct electrical connections and battery components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If tethering cables are used to connect external power sources to the stimulator, then continuous power can be supplied, but mechanical stress and tissue response issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tethering cable system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless power transmission system. This substitution eliminates mechanical stress on tissues while maintaining efficient energy transfer from the external power source to the implantable stimulator through electromagnetic coupling.
3Loss of energy
If external power sources are placed close to the implant for efficient energy transfer, then power efficiency improves, but invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the power transmission interface from a mechanical/direct contact dimension to an electromagnetic field dimension. This allows energy transfer to occur through the skin barrier without requiring close physical proximity or invasive placement of the external power source, as electromagnetic fields can penetrate tissue at a distance.
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 solution enables prolonged operation without battery replacement, reduces tissue response issues, and allows for more flexible and less invasive implantation methods, improving patient comfort and treatment efficacy while maintaining effective nerve stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
The stimulator circuit is preferably powered by receipt of far-field or approximately plane wave electromagnetic energy with frequencies in the range of 0.3 to 10 GHz which is received wirelessly by an antenna within, or attached to, the device
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods for treating at least one of a condition or a symptom of a patient by positioning a stimulation device at a target site adjacent to or near a nerve within a patient. The stimulation device comprising an antenna and one or more electrodes. Transmitting electrical energy to the antenna and generating electrical impulses within the stimulation device with the electrical energy and applying the series of electrical impulses to the nerve via the electrode. The electrical impulses sufficient to modulate the nerve and treat the condition or symptom of the patient; and which have on periods where the electrical impulses are generated and applied to the nerve and off periods between the electrical impulses, where the electrical energy is transmitted to the antenna.