Wireless stimulation control device, stand, wireless stimulation control system, wireless stimulation control method, and wireless stimulation control program

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wireless stimulation control device comprising: a biological analysis unit that generates biological analysis information indicating a result of analyzing a state of a living body on the basis of biological information relating to the living body acquired from a sensor; a stimulation control unit that, on the basis of biological analysis information, generates stimulation control information pertaining to the control of stimulation that is applied to nerves in the vicinity of a stent in the body using an induced current, the stent being configured so as to be capable of generating an induced current on the basis of an electric field or a magnetic field; and a wireless power supply unit that supplies an electric field or a magnetic field for generating an induced current to the stent on the basis of at least one of biological analysis information and stimulation control information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a wireless stimulation control device, a bracket, a wireless stimulation control system, a wireless stimulation control method and a wireless stimulation control program. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a system for controlling a device implanted in the body by wirelessly powering the device from outside the body using an electric field or a magnetic field.

[0003] For example, the device described in Patent Document 1 supplies power to the medical device body through a power supply coil, which wirelessly supplies power to a power receiving coil of the medical device body embedded in the body from outside the body through electromagnetic induction. The power supply coil has a cylindrical coil and an annular ring surrounding the outer circumference of the cylindrical coil.

[0004] Prior Art Literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-164192. Summary of the invention

[0007] However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, power is supplied to the main body of the medical device implanted in the body by an operator's operation, and therefore control according to the state of the living body is not considered, which places a burden on the operator and the patient.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a wireless stimulation control device, a bracket, a wireless stimulation control system, a wireless stimulation control method and a wireless stimulation control program that can be controlled according to the state of a biological body.

[0009] A wireless stimulation control device involved in one embodiment of the present invention includes: a biological analysis unit, which generates biological analysis information based on biological information related to the biological body obtained from a sensor, and the biological analysis information represents the result of analyzing the state of the biological body; a stimulation control unit, which generates stimulation control information based on the biological analysis information, and the stimulation control information is related to the control of stimulation, and the stimulation is a stimulation using an induced current applied by a stent in the body to nerves near the stent, and the stent is configured to be able to generate an induced current based on an electric field or a magnetic field; and a wireless power supply unit, which provides an electric field or a magnetic field for generating an induced current to the stent based on at least any one of the biological analysis information and the stimulation control information.

[0010] A wireless stimulation control method involved in one embodiment of the present invention includes: a computer generates biological analysis information based on biological information related to the biological body obtained from a sensor, the biological analysis information indicating the result of analyzing the state of the biological body; generates stimulation control information based on the biological analysis information, the stimulation control information is related to the control of stimulation, the stimulation is a stimulation using an induced current applied by a stent in the body to nerves near the stent, the stent being configured to generate an induced current based on an electric field or a magnetic field; and provides an electric field or a magnetic field for generating an induced current to the stent based on at least any one of the biological analysis information and the stimulation control information.

[0011] The wireless stimulation control program involved in one embodiment of the present invention enables a computer to implement: a biological analysis unit, which generates biological analysis information based on biological information related to the biological body obtained from a sensor, and the biological analysis information represents the result of analyzing the state of the biological body; a stimulation control unit, which generates stimulation control information based on the biological analysis information, and the stimulation control information is related to the control of stimulation, and the stimulation is a stimulation using an induced current applied by a stent in the body to nerves near the stent, and the stent is configured to be able to generate an induced current based on an electric field or a magnetic field; and a wireless power supply unit, which provides an electric field or a magnetic field for generating an induced current to the stent based on at least any one of the biological analysis information and the stimulation control information.

[0012] In addition, in the present invention, "unit" refers not only to a physical unit, but also includes the case where the function of the "unit" is realized by software. In addition, the function of a "unit" or device can be realized by two or more physical units, devices or software, and the functions of two or more "units" or devices can also be realized by one physical unit, device or software.

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a wireless stimulation control device, a wireless stimulation control method, and a wireless stimulation control program capable of performing control according to the state of a living body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an overview of processing in the wireless stimulation control system 100 as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wireless stimulation control system 100 as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of biological information stored in the storage unit 210 .

[0017] Figure 4 2 is a diagram showing an example of biological analysis information stored in the storage unit 210 .

[0018] Figure 5 2 is a diagram showing an example of the stimulation control information stored in the storage unit 210 .

[0019] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of stimulation of nearby nerves by the stent 300 .

[0020] Figure 7 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the wireless stimulation control system 100 .

[0021] Figure 8 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the wireless stimulation control system 100 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an overview of processing in the wireless stimulation control system 100 as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The wireless stimulation control system 100 is an information processing system implemented by a wireless stimulation control program. It is a system comprising a wireless stimulation control device 200 and a support 300 in the body. The wireless stimulation control device 200 uses an electric field or a magnetic field to control the stimulation applied by the support 300 in the body, and the support 300 stimulates nearby nerves according to the electric field or the magnetic field.

[0024] The wireless stimulation control device 200 includes, for example, a pad 201 installed on a living body. First, the wireless stimulation control device 200 obtains biological information related to the living body from a sensor (for example, a sensor included in the pad 201). The wireless stimulation control device 200 analyzes the biological information and provides an electric field or a magnetic field 202 for generating an induced current to the support 300 in the body through the pad 201. That is, in this case, the pad 201 has a function as a sensor for obtaining biological information and a function of providing an electric field or a magnetic field. In addition, the sensor function and the function of providing an electric field or a magnetic field can be implemented by the same unit (for example, the pad 201), and can also be implemented separately by different units.

[0025] Stent 300 is introduced into a body (for example, blood vessel 400 ). Nerves 500 exist near stent 300 .

[0026] The stent 300 generates an induced current based on the electric field or magnetic field 202 , and stimulates the nerve 500 using the induced current.

[0027] The wireless stimulation control system 100 can be applied to patients suffering from sleep apnea syndrome, for example.

[0028] Specifically, the wireless stimulation control device 200 obtains, for example, breathing information related to the patient's breathing from a sensor. The wireless stimulation control device 200 analyzes the biological information and provides an electric field or a magnetic field 202 for generating an induced current to the stent 300 placed in a blood vessel 400 (for example, a diaphragmatic vein) near a nerve 500 (for example, a phrenic nerve) of the patient through the pad 201. At this time, the wireless stimulation control device 200 provides the electric field or the magnetic field 202 to the stent 300, for example, when the patient's breathing stops or the breathing is unstable.

[0029] Then, the stent 300 generates an induced current based on the electric field or magnetic field 202, and the stent 300 stimulates the nerve 500 using the induced current. As a result, the patient's diaphragm is activated, and the patient's breathing is resumed or becomes stable.

[0030] Furthermore, the wireless stimulation control system can also be applied to people other than patients with sleep apnea syndrome.

[0031] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wireless stimulation control system 100 as one embodiment of the present invention. The wireless stimulation control system 100 includes a wireless stimulation control device 200 and a stand 300 .

[0032] The wireless stimulation control device 200 is an information processing device that analyzes biological information and supplies an electric field or a magnetic field for generating an induced current to the support 300 .

[0033] The wireless stimulation control device 200 includes a storage unit 210, a biological information acquisition unit 220, a biological analysis unit 230, a stimulation control unit 240, a wireless power supply unit 250, and a stimulation instruction unit 260. Each unit of the wireless stimulation control device 200 can be implemented by using a storage area or by having a processor execute a program stored in the storage area, for example.

[0034] The stent 300 is a stent placed in the body and configured to generate an induced current based on an electric field or a magnetic field. The stent 300 stimulates nearby nerves using the induced current based on the electric field or the magnetic field provided from the wireless stimulation control device 200 .

[0035] Here, the stent 300 includes, for example, a tubular structure made of metal. The stent 300 can expand a tubular portion (e.g., a lumen of a blood vessel, etc.) in the body from the inside through the tubular structure. In addition, the stent 300 can also be expanded by a balloon, and can also be expanded without a balloon (so-called self-expansion) by, for example, pressing against a blood vessel wall.

[0036] In addition, the bracket 300 includes a conductor portion through which current flows and an insulator portion through which no current flows.

[0037] For example, the stent 300 may have conductors at both ends and an insulator at the center. Specifically, the electrodes attached to both ends of the stent 300 may also function as conductors.

[0038] The holder 300 includes a power receiving unit 310 , a capacitor 320 , a stimulation instruction receiving unit 330 , and a stimulation unit 340 .

[0039] In addition, the support 300 in this embodiment can be an object consisting of only a support body (e.g., a tubular structure body made of metal), or an object having a support body (e.g., a tubular structure body made of metal) and a specified appendage. That is, each function of each functional part in the support 300 (e.g., the power receiving part 310, the capacitor 320, the stimulation instruction receiving part 330, and the stimulation part 340) can be realized by the support body, and can also be realized by the appendage attached to the support body. In this embodiment, the support body, and the entirety of the support body and the appendage are referred to as a support.

[0040] In addition, Figure 2 In the figure, only one stent 300 is shown, but a plurality of stents 300 may exist in the body. In addition, the biological body in which the stent 300 is placed is not limited, and may be a human body, for example. In addition, the position where the stent 300 is placed is not limited, and may be, for example, inside a blood vessel.

[0041] Next, the details of the processing in the wireless stimulation control system 100 will be described. First, the details of the processing in the wireless stimulation control device 200 will be described.

[0042] The storage unit 210 stores information processed in the wireless stimulation control device 200. The storage unit 210 can store, for example, biological information, biological analysis information, and stimulation control information described later.

[0043] The biological information acquisition unit 220 acquires biological information related to the living body from the sensor and stores the biological information in the storage unit 210 .

[0044] The biological information acquisition unit 220 can acquire biological information from, for example, a sensor installed on the chest of the living being or a sensor installed near the living being (for example, the back or pillow of the living being). In addition, the biological information acquisition unit 220 can also acquire biological information from, for example, a sensor installed in the space where the living being is located (for example, in the bedroom of the living being).

[0045] The biological information acquisition unit 220 can acquire, for example, breathing information related to the breathing of the living body as the biological information.

[0046] The biological information includes, for example, time information and sensor information. The time information is, for example, information indicating the time when the biological information acquisition unit 220 acquires the biological information from the sensor or the time when the sensor acquires the biological information.

[0047] Sensor information is information related to a living body acquired by a sensor. For example, the sensor information may be acceleration information related to acceleration, which indicates the movement of the living body. That is, when the sensor is installed on the chest of the living body, the sensor information may be acceleration information indicating the up and down movement of the chest. Thus, the sensor information can detect whether the living body is breathing.

[0048] In addition, the sensor information can be any information related to the organism that can be obtained by the sensor, for example, the body temperature, pulse wave, blood pressure, concentration of a specific substance (for example, oxygen or carbon dioxide in the blood or exhaled air), etc. In addition, the sensor information can also be information based on electromagnetic waves (for example, millimeter wave radar) transmitted and received by the sensor.

[0049] In addition, the sensor function of the sensor can be realized, for example, by a sensor included in the pad 201 installed in the biological body, or by other means. The sensor can be located inside the biological body or outside the biological body. In addition, the sensor can also be included in the wireless stimulation control device 200. In addition, the sensor function and the wireless power supply function of the wireless power supply unit 250 described later can be realized by the same unit (for example, the pad 201), or they can be realized separately by different units.

[0050] Figure 3 2 is a diagram showing an example of biometric information stored in the storage unit 210. The biometric information stored in the storage unit 210 includes, for example, a biometric information ID, time information, and sensor information. The biometric information ID is information for identifying the biometric information stored in the storage unit 210.

[0051] The biological analysis unit 230 generates biological analysis information indicating a result of analyzing the state of the biological body based on the biological information, and stores the biological analysis information in the storage unit 210 .

[0052] Here, the state of the organism is the state of the organism corresponding to the organism information. The state of the organism may be, for example, the state of breathing corresponding to the breathing information. The state of breathing may be, for example, a state based on the presence or absence of breathing, the intensity of breathing, the stability of breathing, etc.

[0053] That is, the biological analyzer 230 can generate biological analysis information indicating the result of analyzing the breathing state of the biological body, for example, based on the breathing information.

[0054] The biological analysis information may be information corresponding to each biological information, or may be information corresponding to a plurality of biological information. That is, the biological analysis information may be information obtained by analyzing each biological information at each time point indicated by the biological information, or may be information obtained by analyzing a plurality of biological information within a certain period.

[0055] Figure 4 2 is a diagram showing an example of biological analysis information stored in the storage unit 210. The biological analysis information stored in the storage unit 210 includes, for example, a biological information ID and biological state information.

[0056] The biological state information is information related to the state of the organism. When the biological state information indicates the state of breathing of the organism, the biological state information may be, for example, "breathing" or "no breathing" indicating the presence or absence of breathing, or may be information indicating the intensity or stability of breathing.

[0057] In addition, Figure 4 In the embodiment, the biological analysis information indicates information corresponding to biological information at each time point, but the biological analysis information may be information corresponding to a plurality of biological information within a certain period of time.

[0058] The stimulation control unit 240 generates stimulation control information based on the biological analysis information and stores it in the storage unit 210. The stimulation control information is related to the control of stimulation applied by the stent 300 to the nerves near the stent 300 using the induced current.

[0059] Here, the stimulation control information is information related to the control of stimulation of nearby nerves by the support 300, for example, information related to the appropriateness of stimulation, the timing of stimulation, and the details of stimulation controlled by the wireless stimulation control device 200. That is, the support 300 performs stimulation of the content indicated by the stimulation control information according to the stimulation control information.

[0060] Based on the biological analysis information, the stimulation control unit 240 can generate stimulation control information for not performing stimulation through the support 300, for example, when it is determined that stimulation is not necessary (for example, when the biological body is breathing normally). In this case, the stimulation control unit 240 may not generate stimulation control information.

[0061] In addition, the stimulation control unit 240 can generate stimulation control information for performing stimulation through the support 300 based on the biological analysis information, for example, when it is determined that stimulation is necessary (for example, when the breathing of the biological body stops). In this case, the stimulation control unit 240 can also control the content of the stimulation performed by the support 300 based on the biological analysis information.

[0062] Specifically, the pattern of the state of the living body evaluated based on the living body analysis information (for example, the breathing pattern) may be analyzed to generate stimulation control information for performing stimulation with appropriate timing, duration, intensity, or waveform through the support 300. That is, the stimulation control information may also include information related to at least any one of the timing, duration, intensity, and waveform of the stimulation through the support 300.

[0063] Figure 5 2 is a diagram showing an example of the stimulation control information stored in the storage unit 210. The stimulation control information stored in the storage unit 210 includes, for example, stimulation control information ID, timing information, and waveform information.

[0064] The stimulation control information ID is information for identifying the stimulation control information stored in the storage unit 210. The timing information is information indicating the timing of stimulation by the support 300, for example, information indicating the time of stimulation. The waveform information is information indicating the waveform (for example, stimulation intensity, stimulation time) of the stimulation performed by the support 300, for example, information indicating one of a plurality of waveform patterns set in advance (for example, "pattern A" or "pattern B").

[0065] Furthermore, the timing information may be information indicating a condition based on biological analysis information. That is, the timing information may be information indicating that stimulation is performed when a condition based on biological analysis information (e.g., a condition related to the depth of breathing) is satisfied (e.g., when breathing becomes shallow).

[0066] In addition, the waveform may be determined by, for example, the intensity or cycle of stimulation, etc. That is, the stimulation unit 340 of the support 300 described later can stimulate nearby nerves by an induced current having an intensity or cycle corresponding to the waveform indicated by the waveform information.

[0067] The wireless power supply unit 250 supplies an electric field or a magnetic field for generating an induced current to the support 300 based on at least one of the biological analysis information and the stimulation control information. That is, the wireless power supply unit 250 wirelessly supplies power to the support 300 based on at least one of the biological analysis information and the stimulation control information.

[0068] The wireless power supply unit 250 provides an electric field or a magnetic field to the support 300, and provides power for stimulating the support 300. The wireless power supply unit 250 can provide an electric field or a magnetic field to the support 300, for example, to perform wireless power supply using electromagnetic induction, magnetic field resonance, electric field coupling, or radio wave reception.

[0069] Here, the wireless power supply unit 250 can provide an electric field or a magnetic field to the bracket 300, for example, through the pad 201 worn on the biological body, and can also provide an electric field or a magnetic field to the bracket 300 through other means. In addition, the sensor function of the sensor and the wireless power supply function of the wireless power supply unit 250 can be implemented by the same unit (for example, the pad 201), and can also be implemented separately by different units.

[0070] In addition, the wireless power supply unit 250 can supply an electric field or a magnetic field to the holder 300 based on the biological analysis information.

[0071] Specifically, the wireless power supply unit 250 can provide an electric field or a magnetic field to the holder 300 based on the biological analysis information, for example, when it is determined that stimulation is necessary (for example, when the breathing of the biological body stops).

[0072] In addition, the wireless power supply unit 250 can provide an electric field or a magnetic field to the support 300 based on the stimulation control information.

[0073] Specifically, the wireless power supply unit 250 can provide the stent 300 with an electric field or a magnetic field for stimulation by the stent 300 based on the stimulation control information, for example, at the timing indicated by the stimulation control information (particularly the timing information).

[0074] In addition, the wireless power supply unit 250 can provide an electric field or a magnetic field to the holder 300 based on the biological analysis information and the stimulation control information.

[0075] Specifically, the wireless power supply unit 250 can provide an electric field or a magnetic field for stimulation by the bracket 300 at the timing indicated by the stimulation control information (especially the timing information) based on the biological analysis information, for example, when it is determined that stimulation is required (for example, when the breathing of the biological body stops).

[0076] As described above, the wireless power supply unit 250 can provide an electric field or a magnetic field to the stent 300, thereby providing power for stimulating the stent 300. Therefore, the wireless stimulation control device 200 and the stent 300 do not need to be connected by a lead wire, so the movement of the organism (e.g., a patient) into which the stent 300 is introduced is not restricted by the lead wire.

[0077] The stimulation instruction unit 260 provides the stent 300 with an electric field or a magnetic field for transmitting a stimulation instruction signal for instructing stimulation of nerves near the stent 300 based on the stimulation control information.

[0078] Here, the stimulation instruction signal is a signal sent from the wireless stimulation control device 200 to the support 300 through an electric field or a magnetic field (eg, electromagnetic induction). The support 300 can stimulate nearby nerves according to the stimulation instruction signal.

[0079] In addition, the wireless stimulation control device 200 may not include the stimulation instruction unit 260. In this case, the wireless stimulation control device 200 can use the stimulation instruction signal instead of the wireless power supply of the wireless power supply unit 250. That is, the stimulation unit 340 of the bracket 300 described later can stimulate the nerves near the bracket 300 in response to the wireless power supply of the wireless power supply unit 250 (i.e., for example, in response to the power receiving unit 310 of the bracket 300 described later receiving power).

[0080] Next, the details of the processing in the holder 300 will be described.

[0081] The power receiving unit 310 receives power based on an electric field or magnetic field for generating an induced current used to stimulate nerves near the stent 300. The power receiving unit 310 receives power based on an electric field or magnetic field provided by the wireless power supply unit 250 of the wireless stimulation control device 200, for example.

[0082] The power receiving unit 310 is, for example, a metal coil, and can receive power corresponding to an electric field or a magnetic field by electromagnetic induction. The power receiving unit 310 can be installed inside a cylindrical structure included in the holder 300, or can be installed at other locations of the holder 300.

[0083] Capacitor 320 stores electricity in response to receiving power from power receiving unit 310. Capacitor 320 may be realized by a component called a capacitor, a capacitor, or a battery, for example. Capacitor 320 may be installed inside a cylindrical structure included in bracket 300, for example.

[0084] In addition, the holder 300 may not include the capacitor 320. In this case, the holder 300 may perform stimulation by the stimulation unit 340 in response to the power reception unit 310 receiving the power, without storing the power corresponding to the power received by the power reception unit 310 as described later.

[0085] The stimulation instruction receiving unit 330 receives a stimulation instruction signal transmitted using an electric field or a magnetic field and instructing stimulation of nearby nerves. The stimulation instruction receiving unit 330 can receive a stimulation instruction signal transmitted using an electric field or a magnetic field provided by the stimulation instruction unit 260 of the wireless stimulation control device 200, for example.

[0086] The stimulation instruction receiving unit 330 may be realized by, for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip provided in the stent 300. The IC chip may be mounted inside a cylindrical structure included in the stent 300, for example.

[0087] In response to the power receiving unit 310 receiving power, the stimulation unit 340 stimulates nerves near the stent 300 using an induced current generated based on an electric field or a magnetic field.

[0088] Specifically, the stimulation part 340 responds to the power receiving part 310 receiving power, for example, causing current to flow from a conductor part (e.g., an electrode) on one side of the stent 300 to a conductor part on the other side. At this time, for example, one side of the conductor part is connected to the power receiving part 310 via a lead wire. Therefore, in response to the power receiving part 310 receiving power, the current is caused to flow to one side of the conductor part via the lead wire. Then, the current flows to the other side of the conductor part on the other side via the nerve near the stent 300.

[0089] More specifically, for example, when the two ends of the stent 300 are conductors and the central portion is an insulator, and when current flows from the conductor portion at one end of the stent 300 to the conductor portion at the other end, the current cannot flow through the insulator portion at the central portion, and thus the current flows through nearby nerves, thereby stimulating the nearby nerves.

[0090] Alternatively, the current may flow between the conductor portions of the plurality of stents 300. When the current flows through the conductor portion of one stent and the conductor portion of another stent, the current flows through nearby nerves, thereby stimulating the nearby nerves.

[0091] The nearby nerves stimulated by the stimulation part 340 are not limited, and may be, for example, the phrenic nerve, the hypoglossal nerve, the vagus nerve, or the sacral nerve.

[0092] The stimulation section 340 can perform stimulation in response to the power receiving section 310 receiving power without storing the power received by the power receiving section 310. That is, in this case, the power receiving section 310 receiving power becomes a stimulation switch of the stimulation section 340.

[0093] In addition, the stimulation unit 340 can stimulate nearby nerves in response to the stimulation instruction signal. That is, when the stimulation instruction receiving unit 330 receives the stimulation instruction signal, the stimulation unit 340 releases the electricity stored in the capacitor 320 in response to the stimulation instruction signal. Thus, the nearby nerves can be stimulated.

[0094] Furthermore, when the amount of electricity stored in the capacitor 320 reaches a predetermined threshold value, which is greater than the amount of electricity received by the power receiving section 310 per unit time, the stimulation section 340 can stimulate nearby nerves.

[0095] That is, the power receiving unit 310 receives a received power smaller than the received power required for stimulation by the stimulation unit 340 per unit time, and stores it in the capacitor 320. When the stored power reaches a predetermined threshold, the stimulation unit 340 stimulates the nearby nerves. Thus, the received power per unit time of the power receiving unit 310 (i.e., for example, the power supply per unit time of the wireless power supply unit 250 of the wireless stimulation control device 200) can be reduced, while the stimulation unit 340 can be stimulated.

[0096] Furthermore, the stent 300 may be introduced into a living body after the functional parts are assembled in vitro. Alternatively, the stent 300 having some functional parts may be introduced into a living body and then other functional parts may be assembled in the living body using a predetermined technique.

[0097] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of stimulation of nearby nerves by the stent 300 . Figure 6 The positional relationship among the stent 300 , the blood vessel 400 , and the nerve 500 is schematically shown.

[0098] Stent 300 is a cylindrical metal and exists in blood vessel 400, for example. In response to power reception at power receiving unit 310 using electric field or magnetic field 202, current 601 flows through the conductor portion of stent 300. This current passes through nearby nerves 500, stimulating the nearby nerves.

[0099] Figure 7 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the wireless stimulation control system 100 . Figure 7 1 is a timing chart showing an example of a process when stimulation of the cradle 300 is performed in response to wireless power supply from the wireless stimulation control device 200 .

[0100] First, the biological information acquisition unit 220 of the wireless stimulation control device 200 acquires biological information from the sensor (S701). The biological analysis unit 230 generates biological analysis information based on the biological information (S702). The stimulation control unit 240 generates stimulation control information based on the biological analysis information (S703). The wireless power supply unit 250 provides an electric field or a magnetic field for generating an induced current to the bracket 300 based on at least one of the biological analysis information and the stimulation control information (S704a).

[0101] Next, the power receiving unit 310 of the support 300 receives power according to the electric field or magnetic field provided by the wireless power supply unit 250 of the wireless stimulation control device (S704b). In response to the power receiving unit 310 receiving power, the stimulation unit 340 of the support 300 stimulates nearby nerves using an electric field or an induced current generated based on a magnetic field (S705).

[0102] Figure 8 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the wireless stimulation control system 100 . Figure 8 1 is a timing chart showing an example of processing when stimulating the stent 300 in response to the stimulation instruction signal of the wireless stimulation control device 200 .

[0103] First, the biological information acquisition unit 220 of the wireless stimulation control device 200 acquires biological information from a sensor (S801). The biological analysis unit 230 generates biological analysis information based on the biological information (S802). The stimulation control unit 240 generates stimulation control information based on the biological analysis information (S803).

[0104] Next, the wireless power supply unit 250 provides an electric field or a magnetic field for generating an induced current to the support 300 based on at least one of the biological analysis information and the stimulation control information (S804a). The power receiving unit 310 of the support 300 receives power according to the electric field or the magnetic field provided by the wireless power supply unit 250 of the wireless stimulation control device (S804b). At this time, the received power can also be stored in the capacitor 320 of the support 300.

[0105] Then, the stimulation instruction unit 260 of the wireless stimulation control device 200 provides an electric field or a magnetic field for sending a stimulation instruction signal to the support 300 based on the stimulation control information (S805a), and the stimulation instruction signal instructs to stimulate the nerves near the support 300. The stimulation instruction receiving unit 330 of the support 300 receives the stimulation instruction signal, and the stimulation unit 340 stimulates the nearby nerves (S805b).

[0106] Next, a specific application example of the wireless stimulation control system 100 will be described.

[0107] The wireless stimulation control system 100 can be applied to the treatment of patients suffering from sleep apnea syndrome, for example.

[0108] Specifically, the biological information acquisition unit 220 of the wireless stimulation control device 200 acquires respiration information related to the patient's respiration from the sensor. Then, the biological analysis unit 230 analyzes the patient's respiration state based on the respiration information and generates biological analysis information.

[0109] The stent 300 is introduced into a blood vessel near the phrenic nerve of the patient, for example. In addition, the stent 300 can also be introduced into a blood vessel near other nerves related to the breathing of the organism (such as the vagus nerve). The stimulation unit 340 of the stent 300 stimulates nearby nerves (such as the phrenic nerve) according to the processing of the wireless stimulation control device 200. Thereby, normal breathing of the patient is promoted.

[0110] In the treatment of patients with sleep apnea syndrome, the following method is known: after a stent equipped with leads is introduced into the body, the stent is powered and stimulated by a device outside the body via the leads. However, in this method, since the stent equipped with leads is introduced into the body, the patient's movement is restricted and the burden on the patient increases. The wireless stimulation control system 100 controls the stent 300 by wireless power supply of the wireless stimulation control device 200, so no leads are required, which reduces the burden on the patient. In addition, the wireless stimulation control system 100 controls the stent 300 based on biological analysis information, thereby reducing the operating burden of the operator.

[0111] In addition, the burden on the patient is less than that on the positive pressure ventilation therapy for treating patients with sleep apnea syndrome. In the positive pressure ventilation therapy, the patient needs to wear a mask on the mouth, so the burden on the patient becomes greater, especially when sleeping. The wireless stimulation control system 100 treats sleep apnea syndrome by wirelessly controlling the stent 300 introduced into the body using an electric field or a magnetic field, thereby reducing the burden on the patient.

[0112] That is, one embodiment of the present invention is a wireless stimulation control method, which uses a wireless stimulation control device 200 to treat patients with sleep apnea syndrome, wherein the wireless stimulation control device 200 generates biological analysis information based on respiratory information related to the patient's breathing obtained from a sensor as biological information, and the biological analysis information represents the result of analyzing the patient's breathing state, and generates stimulation control information related to stimulation control based on the biological analysis information, wherein the stimulation is stimulation using induced current applied by a support 300 in the body that is configured to generate induced current based on an electric field or a magnetic field to nerves near the support 300, and based on at least any one of the biological analysis information and the stimulation control information, an electric field or a magnetic field for generating an induced current is provided to the support 300.

[0113] In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is a wireless stimulation control method, which uses a wireless stimulation control device 200 and a bracket 300 to treat patients with sleep apnea syndrome, and the wireless stimulation control method includes: generating biological analysis information based on respiratory information related to the patient's breathing obtained from a sensor as biological information, the biological analysis information indicating the result of analyzing the patient's breathing state; generating stimulation control information related to stimulation control based on the biological analysis information, the stimulation being stimulation using induced current applied by a bracket 300 in the body that is configured to generate induced current based on an electric field or a magnetic field to nerves near the bracket 300; providing an electric field or a magnetic field for generating an induced current to the bracket 300 based on at least any one of the biological analysis information and the stimulation control information; the bracket 300 introduced into the body receives electric power based on the electric field or the magnetic field, and in response to receiving the electric power, stimulates nearby nerves using the induced current generated based on the electric field or the magnetic field.

[0114] In addition, the wireless stimulation control system 100 can also be applied to the treatment of other diseases.

[0115] The above is an explanation of one embodiment of the present invention. The wireless stimulation control device 200 can provide an electric field or a magnetic field for generating an induced current to the support 300 based on at least one of the biological analysis information generated based on the biological information acquired from the sensor and the stimulation control information generated based on the biological analysis information and related to the control of the stimulation of the support 300. Thus, the wireless stimulation control device 200 can be controlled according to the state of the biological body.

[0116] In addition, the wireless stimulation control device 200 can provide an electric field or a magnetic field for transmitting a stimulation instruction signal for instructing stimulation of nearby nerves to the stent 300. Thus, stimulation instructions can be given to the stent 300 independently of the presence or absence of wireless power supply.

[0117] In addition, the wireless stimulation control device 200 can generate stimulation control information including information on at least any one of the timing, duration, intensity, and waveform of stimulation by the stent 300. Thus, the wireless stimulation control device 200 can control details of the stimulation of nearby nerves by the stent 300.

[0118] In addition, the wireless stimulation control device 200 can generate biological analysis information obtained by analyzing the respiratory state of the patient with sleep apnea syndrome based on the respiratory information obtained from the sensor as biological information, and control the stimulation of the phrenic nerve by the support 300. In this way, the treatment of the patient with sleep apnea syndrome can be controlled according to the biological state.

[0119] In addition, the stent 300 can receive power according to the electric field or magnetic field for generating the induced current, and stimulate the nearby nerves using the induced current. Thus, the stent 300 in the body can stimulate the nearby nerves without a lead wire.

[0120] In addition, the support 300 can stimulate nearby nerves based on the stimulation instruction signal transmitted using the electric field or the magnetic field. Thus, the support 300 can stimulate nearby nerves based on the control of the wireless stimulation control device 200.

[0121] In addition, the wireless stimulation control system 100 includes the wireless stimulation control device 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the support 300. Thus, stimulation by the support 300 in the body can be controlled according to the state of the living body.

[0122] In addition, the present embodiment is for easy understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The present invention can be changed / improved without departing from the gist thereof, and its equivalents are also included in the present invention.

[0123] Explanation of symbols

[0124] 100 wireless stimulation control system, 200 wireless stimulation control device, 210 storage unit, 220 biological information acquisition unit, 230 biological analysis unit, 240 stimulation control unit, 250 wireless power supply unit, 260 stimulation instruction unit, 300 support, 310 power receiving unit, 320 capacitor, 330 stimulation instruction receiving unit, 340 stimulation unit

Claims

1. A wireless stimulation control device, comprising: A biological analysis unit that generates biological analysis information indicating a result of analyzing a state of the biological body based on biological information related to the biological body acquired from the sensor; a stimulation control unit that generates stimulation control information based on the biological analysis information, wherein the stimulation control information is related to control of stimulation, wherein the stimulation is stimulation using an induced current applied by a stent in the body to nerves near the stent, the stent being configured to generate the induced current based on an electric field or a magnetic field; as well as The wireless power supply unit supplies the electric field or magnetic field for generating the induced current to the holder based on at least one of the biological analysis information and the stimulation control information.

2. The wireless stimulation control device according to claim 1, further comprising: The stimulation instruction unit provides an electric field or a magnetic field for sending a stimulation instruction signal to the support based on the stimulation control information, and the stimulation instruction signal indicates stimulation of the nerve.

3. The wireless stimulation control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The stimulation control information includes information related to at least any one of the timing, duration, intensity, and waveform of stimulation performed by the support.

4. The wireless stimulation control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The biological analysis unit generates biological analysis information based on the breathing information acquired from the sensor as biological information, the breathing information being related to the breathing of the patient with sleep apnea syndrome, the biological analysis information indicating a result of analyzing the breathing state of the patient, The nearby nerve is at least one of the phrenic nerve and the hypoglossal nerve.

5. A stent, the stent being introduced into a body, the stent comprising: a power receiving unit that receives power according to an electric field or a magnetic field for generating an induced current for stimulating nerves near the stent; as well as The stimulation unit stimulates the nerve using the induced current generated based on the electric field or magnetic field in response to the power receiving unit receiving the power.

6. The bracket according to claim 5, further comprising: a stimulation instruction receiving unit, receiving a stimulation instruction signal sent using an electric field or a magnetic field, wherein the stimulation instruction signal indicates stimulation of the nerve, The stimulation unit stimulates the nerve based on the stimulation instruction signal.

7. The stent according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising: a capacitor storing electricity in response to the power receiving unit receiving the electric power, The stimulation unit stimulates the nerve when the amount of electricity stored in the capacitor reaches a predetermined threshold value, the predetermined threshold value being greater than the amount of electricity received by the power receiving unit per unit time.

8. A wireless stimulation control device, comprising: The wireless stimulation control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; as well as The stent according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. A wireless stimulation control method, comprising: The computer generates biological analysis information indicating a result of analyzing a state of the biological body based on biological information related to the biological body acquired from the sensor; The computer generates stimulation control information based on the biological analysis information, the stimulation control information being related to control of stimulation, the stimulation being stimulation using an induced current applied by a stent in the body to nerves near the stent, the stent being configured to generate the induced current based on an electric field or a magnetic field; as well as The computer provides the support with an electric field or a magnetic field for generating the induced current based on at least any one of the biological analysis information and the stimulation control information.

10. A wireless stimulation control program, used to enable a computer to implement the following: A biological analysis unit that generates biological analysis information indicating a result of analyzing a state of the biological body based on biological information related to the biological body acquired from the sensor; a stimulation control unit that generates stimulation control information based on the biological analysis information, the stimulation control information being related to control of stimulation using an induced current applied by a stent in the body to nerves near the stent, the stent being configured to generate the induced current based on an electric field or a magnetic field; and The wireless power supply unit supplies the electric field or magnetic field for generating the induced current to the holder based on at least one of the biological analysis information and the stimulation control information.

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