Neck electrophysiological dysphagia monitoring device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a neck electrophysiological dysphagia monitoring device. The device is mainly composed of a shell, an adjusting bandage, a flexible detection electrode, a signal generator, a signal amplifier and a wireless transmission module. The adjusting bandage is formed by mixing elastic fibers and medical silica gel and can be adjusted according to the thickness of the neck of the patient, and stable and comfortable wearing is ensured. The flexible detection electrode adopts a graphene-based composite material or a conductive polymer, is in array grid layout, and can accurately collect electrophysiological signals of neck muscles during swallowing. The signal generator is connected with the flexible detection electrode through a shielded twisted pair, and assists in providing electrical stimulation and receiving a feedback signal. The signal amplifier amplifies the collected signal, and finally the wireless transmission module sends the processed signal to an external device. The device effectively solves the problems that traditional monitoring equipment is unstable in signal collection, uncomfortable to wear and the like, improves the accuracy and convenience of swallowing disorder monitoring, and has good clinical application value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the medical field, and in particular to a cervical electrophysiological swallowing disorder monitoring device. Background Technology

[0002] In the medical field, dysphagia is a common condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as neurological disorders (stroke, Parkinson's disease, etc.), head and neck tumor surgery, and aging. Dysphagia not only makes it difficult for patients to eat, increasing the risk of aspiration and choking, and potentially leading to serious complications like aspiration pneumonia, but it can also affect nutritional intake, negatively impacting physical health and the recovery process.

[0003] Currently, numerous methods exist for monitoring cervical dysphagia; however, these existing technologies generally suffer from several insurmountable problems. Traditional pharyngography, while providing direct observation of the swallowing process, is an invasive procedure requiring the patient to ingest a barium contrast agent, posing certain risks. Furthermore, it cannot monitor the electrophysiological signals of swallowing in real-time or continuously. Existing cervical electrophysiological dysphagia monitoring devices often use electrodes made of ordinary metal, which lacks flexibility. During swallowing, skin stretching and movement can easily cause the electrodes to separate from the skin or make poor contact, resulting in signal interruption or interference, affecting the continuity and accuracy of signal acquisition. Simultaneously, the electrode layout of these devices is simple, often consisting of single points or only a few points, failing to comprehensively reflect the activity of the swallowing muscles and making it difficult to obtain sufficient information to accurately determine the type and severity of the dysphagia. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model aims to provide a cervical electrophysiological swallowing disorder monitoring device, solving the problems existing in the prior art. This patent utilizes graphene-based composite materials or conductive polymers to create flexible detection electrodes in an array-like, grid-like layout with an electrode spacing of 1-5mm, solving the signal acquisition problems caused by poor electrode flexibility and simple layout. Shielded twisted-pair cables are used to connect the flexible detection electrodes and the signal generator, improving signal transmission stability. A silicone shell with an arc of 160°-200° conforms to the neck curve, and an adjustment strap made of a mixture of elastic fiber and medical-grade silicone solves the problems of wearing comfort and fit, achieving more accurate and stable acquisition of cervical electrophysiological signals, possessing good anti-interference capabilities, and meeting the needs of different patients.

[0006] (II) Technical Solution

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a cervical electrophysiological swallowing disorder monitoring device, comprising a shell and an adjustment strap, wherein a flexible detection electrode is provided on the inner edge of the shell, and a signal generator, a signal amplifier and a wireless transmission module are fixed inside the shell;

[0008] Preferably, the electrodes of the flexible detection electrode are arranged in an array, in a grid pattern, with a spacing of 1-5 mm between the electrodes.

[0009] Preferably, the outer shell is made of silicone, and the inner edge of the outer shell conforms to the curve of the neck, wherein the curvature of the inner edge of the outer shell is in the range of 160° to 200°.

[0010] Preferably, the flexible detection electrode is made of graphene-based composite material or conductive polymer.

[0011] Preferably, the adjusting strap is made of a mixture of elastic fiber and medical-grade silicone.

[0012] Preferably, the flexible detection electrode is connected to the signal generator via a shielded twisted pair cable.

[0013] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0014] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cervical electrophysiological swallowing disorder monitoring device. For signal acquisition, it employs flexible detection electrodes made of graphene-based composite materials or conductive polymers, which possess excellent flexibility and stretchability, allowing them to closely conform to the skin and effectively avoid signal interruption or interference caused by skin movement during swallowing, ensuring continuous and accurate data acquisition. Simultaneously, its array-style grid layout and 1-5mm electrode spacing greatly enhance the comprehensiveness of monitoring swallowing muscle activity, providing sufficient information for accurately determining the type and severity of swallowing disorders. Regarding anti-interference capabilities, the flexible detection electrodes are connected to the signal generator via shielded twisted-pair cables, effectively resisting external electromagnetic interference, ensuring the stability of signal transmission and processing, significantly improving signal quality, and making diagnostic results more accurate and reliable. In terms of wearing experience, the silicone shell conforms to the curve of the neck, and the inner edge curvature of 160°-200° can adapt to the necks of different patients; the adjustable strap, made of elastic fiber and medical silicone, combines elasticity, friction and comfort, ensuring the stability of the device while allowing patients to wear it for a long time without feeling uncomfortable, greatly improving monitoring compliance, ensuring the reliability of the collected data, and providing strong support for the diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall design of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of point A in this utility model.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the entire utility model.

[0018] In the diagram: 1-outer shell, 2-adjustment strap, 3-flexible detection electrode, 4-signal generator, 5-signal amplifier, 6-wireless transmission module. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following will refer to the appendix in the example of this utility model. Figures 1-3 The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model are clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0020] A neck electrophysiological swallowing disorder monitoring device includes a housing 1 and an adjustment strap 2. A flexible detection electrode 3 is provided on the inner edge of the housing 1. A signal generator 4, a signal amplifier 5 and a wireless transmission module 6 are fixed inside the housing 1.

[0021] The flexible detection electrode 3 is made of graphene-based composite material or conductive polymer, possessing excellent flexibility and conductivity. It features an array-like grid layout with an electrode spacing of 1-5 mm, a design that allows for precise capture of electrophysiological signals from neck muscles. When a patient swallows, the neck muscles generate weak electrophysiological activity, and these signals are sensed and collected by the flexible detection electrode 3, which is closely attached to the skin. Due to the flexibility of the material, the electrode maintains good contact with the stretching and movement of the skin, ensuring the stability and continuity of signal acquisition.

[0022] The main function of the signal generator 4 is to generate electrical stimulation signals of specific frequency and intensity. These signals are transmitted to the flexible detection electrode 3 via shielded twisted-pair cables, and then act on the neck muscles. After being electrically stimulated, the muscles undergo changes in their electrophysiological responses, and the resulting feedback signals are transmitted back to the flexible detection electrode 3 via the shielded twisted-pair cables, providing more comprehensive data for subsequent analysis and assisting in determining the functional state of the swallowing muscles.

[0023] The electrophysiological signals acquired by the signal amplifier 5 from the flexible detection electrode 3 are extremely weak and cannot be directly analyzed effectively. The function of the signal amplifier 5 is to amplify these microvolt-level signals by a factor of 1000-10000, bringing them into a processable amplitude range for subsequent modules to process. It provides the foundation for further signal analysis and processing.

[0024] The signal processed by signal amplifier 5 is then transmitted to wireless transmission module 6 after a series of processing steps. This module supports Bluetooth 5.0 and above, and it wirelessly transmits the processed signal to external mobile devices or medical information systems. This allows doctors or relevant personnel to remotely access data for real-time analysis and diagnosis, breaking spatial limitations and improving medical efficiency.

[0025] The outer shell 1 is made of silicone, which has good flexibility, skin-friendliness, and biocompatibility. The inner edge conforms to the curve of the neck, with an arc range of 160°-200°. This design not only provides stable physical support and protection for the internal components, but also ensures wearing comfort, so that patients will not feel pressure or discomfort during long-term wear.

[0026] The adjustment strap 2 is made of a blend of elastic fibers and medical-grade silicone. The elastic fibers provide excellent elasticity, allowing for adjustment according to the patient's neck size to ensure the device is securely fixed to the neck; the medical-grade silicone increases friction with the skin, preventing the device from shifting or falling off during wear, while also providing good comfort and improving patient compliance.

[0027] Working principle:

[0028] When a patient wears the neck electrophysiological swallowing disorder monitoring device, the strap 2 is adjusted. Its elastic fibers provide good elasticity, and the medical silicone increases the friction with the skin, ensuring that the device is tightly fixed to the neck, guaranteeing the stability of the monitoring process, and improving patient compliance.

[0029] Once worn, the device begins to function. During swallowing, the neck muscles generate weak electrophysiological activity. Flexible detection electrodes 3, with their excellent flexibility and conductivity, are arranged in an array grid (electrode spacing 1-5 mm) to closely adhere to the neck skin, accurately capturing these electrophysiological signals. Furthermore, due to the material's flexibility, the electrodes maintain good contact with the skin's stretching and movement, ensuring the stability and continuity of signal acquisition.

[0030] Simultaneously, signal generator 4 generates electrical stimulation signals of specific frequency and intensity, which are transmitted to flexible detection electrode 3 via shielded twisted-pair cable, thereby acting on the neck muscles. After being electrically stimulated, the muscles undergo electrophysiological changes, and the resulting feedback signals are transmitted back to flexible detection electrode 3 via the shielded twisted-pair cable, providing more comprehensive data for subsequent analysis and assisting in determining the functional state of the swallowing muscles. The extremely weak electrophysiological signals collected by flexible detection electrode 3 are transmitted to signal amplifier 5. Signal amplifier 5 amplifies these microvolt-level signals, bringing them to a processable amplitude range.

[0031] The signal, processed by signal amplifier 5, undergoes further processing before being transmitted to wireless transmission module 6. The processed signal is then wirelessly sent to external mobile devices or medical information systems. Doctors or relevant personnel can remotely access the data for real-time analysis and diagnosis, breaking down spatial limitations and significantly improving medical efficiency.

[0032] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A neck electrophysiological swallowing disorder monitoring device, comprising a housing (1) and an adjustment strap (2), characterized in that, The inner edge of the outer shell (1) is provided with a flexible detection electrode (3), and the inside of the outer shell (1) is fixed with a signal generator (4), a signal amplifier (5) and a wireless transmission module (6); The flexible detection electrode (3) has an array-like layout with a grid-like arrangement and a spacing of 1-5 mm between electrodes.

2. The cervical electrophysiological swallowing disorder monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell (1) is made of silicone, and the inner edge of the outer shell (1) conforms to the neck curve. The inner edge curvature of the outer shell (1) is in the range of 160° to 200°.

3. The cervical electrophysiological swallowing disorder monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible detection electrode (3) is made of graphene-based composite material or conductive polymer.

4. The cervical electrophysiological swallowing disorder monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjusting strap (2) is made of a mixture of elastic fiber and medical silicone.

5. The cervical electrophysiological swallowing disorder monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible detection electrode (3) is connected to the signal generator (4) via a shielded twisted pair cable.

Images