Low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator, low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator
The low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation method addresses invasive pain treatment issues by using ultrasound guidance and learning models for precise current application, achieving effective pain reduction and muscle enhancement with reduced risks and staff burden.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 生田 太
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing pain treatment methods for chronic pain, such as hydrolysis and radiofrequency ablation, are invasive, cause patient discomfort, and pose risks like infection and nerve damage, while low-frequency therapy devices do not effectively consider patient condition and environment.
A low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation method using ultrasound guidance to apply electrical stimulation, involving echo image acquisition, analysis, and control of a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator, utilizing an ultrasound imaging device and learning models for precise current application.
The method efficiently reduces pain, enhances muscle strength, is non-invasive, reduces infection and nerve damage risk, and lowers medical staff burden, allowing easy re-treatment if initial therapy is ineffective.
Smart Images
Figure 2026100288000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator and a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation method for performing pain treatment by passing a low-frequency electric current through the human body.
Background Art
[0002] Chronic pain that occurs in the knee joint and the like due to aging, excessive exercise, etc. has become a problem that seriously affects the social and individual QOL. In recent years, as a treatment method for chronic pain, a method of relieving chronic pain by injection treatment under ultrasonic guidance has been spreading.
[0003] This method is called hydrolysis or hydrorelease, and it separates nerves from surrounding tissues, fascia, etc. using a solution such as an anesthetic or physiological saline. This injection under ultrasonic guidance provides many advantages to patients, such as pain relief and improvement of sensation.
[0004] However, injection under ultrasonic guidance may cause a sense of aversion in patients or cause pain during treatment, and nerve damage and infectious diseases must also be considered as in ordinary medical practices. Furthermore, in clinical settings, time, labor, etc. required for preparing the injection and obtaining informed consent from patients can be a burden on medical providers.
[0005] In these treatment methods, when the first injection is not effective, it may be difficult to obtain new consent from the patient for injection at another site.
[0006] Also, although the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation of the knee nerve for chronic pain in knee osteoarthritis has been reported, this technique uses heat generated by radio waves to denature proteins in the nerve sheath of the knee nerve and block pain transmission. While this treatment method is effective, it is invasive and may be difficult for patients to endure.
[0007] On the other hand, in treatment using low-frequency therapy devices, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose low-frequency therapy devices that take into account the patient's condition and the influence of the surrounding environment on the patient during treatment. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-41827 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-14326 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0009] To address these problems, we invented non-invasive ultrasound-guided electrical nerve reactivation (ENR). This invention makes it possible to treat pain-causing nerves under ultrasound guidance by applying electrical stimulation. [Means for solving the problem]
[0010] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention relates to a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation method for treating pain by applying a low-frequency current to the human body, characterized in that it comprises the steps of acquiring an echo image with an ultrasound imaging device and controlling a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator based on findings obtained from the acquired echo image.
[0011] Furthermore, in order to solve the aforementioned problems, the invention of this application is a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation method for treating pain by passing a low-frequency current through the human body, characterized in that it is a control method for a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator that performs the following steps: acquiring an echo image with an ultrasound imaging device; analyzing the acquired echo image; generating an electrical control signal for the low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator from the analysis results of the analysis step; and controlling the electrical flow of the low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator using the electrical control signal.
[0012] Furthermore, in order to solve the aforementioned problems, the invention of this application is a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator for treating pain by applying a low-frequency current to the human body, wherein the low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator comprises an ultrasound imaging device, an echo image analysis means for analyzing echo images acquired by the ultrasound imaging device, the image analysis means comprises an electrical control signal generating means for generating an electrical control signal, and the electrical control of the therapeutic low-frequency current is performed by the electrical control signal.
[0013] Furthermore, in order to solve the aforementioned problems, the invention described in this application is a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation method for treating pain by passing a low-frequency current through the human body, comprising the steps of acquiring an echo image with an ultrasound imaging device, The acquired echo image data and, The findings data from the aforementioned echocardiographic image data, A learning model trained with training data consisting of at least one of the following: ultrasound image acquisition site associated with the ultrasound image data, data on pain treatment effect findings when low-frequency treatment is performed on the human body, and low-frequency treatment information including control information of the low-frequency current applied to the human body, A process for generating an electrical control signal, in which the echo image data is input to the learning model and an electrical control signal is output, The method for controlling a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator is characterized by performing each of the steps of the process described above, which involves controlling the energization of a therapeutic low-frequency current using the energization control signal.
[0014] Furthermore, in order to solve the aforementioned problems, the invention of this application is a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator for treating pain by passing a low-frequency current through the human body, wherein the low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator is equipped with an ultrasound imaging device. The system includes an echo image analysis means for analyzing echo images acquired by the aforementioned ultrasound imaging device, The image analysis means includes a power control signal generating means that generates a power control signal, The acquired echo image data and, The findings data from the aforementioned echocardiographic image data, A learning model trained with teacher data including at least one of the echo image acquisition site associated with the echo image data, the data on the findings of pain treatment effect when performing low-frequency treatment on the human body, and the control information of the low-frequency current applied to the human body. It includes a power supply signal generation means for inputting the echo image data into the learning model and outputting a power supply control signal. A low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation device characterized by performing power supply control of a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation device according to the power supply control signal.
Advantages of the Invention
[0015] ENR under ultrasonic guidance according to the present invention can regulate the inflammatory pathway, autonomic nervous system, and endogenous pain inhibitory pathway, including cortical and subcortical regions, efficiently reduce pain, and accordingly, an increase in muscle strength can be expected. It is a non-invasive treatment.
[0016] In addition, ENR under ultrasonic guidance according to the present invention is a non-invasive treatment, with a low risk of infection and nerve damage. Patients are safer compared to hydrorelease and do not cause a sense of aversion.
[0017] In addition, in ENR under ultrasonic guidance according to the present invention, when the first ENR is not effective, it is easy to treat another area, which can increase the possibility of treatment effect.
[0018] Furthermore, ENR under ultrasonic guidance according to the present invention can significantly reduce the burden on medical staff compared to hydrorelease, and can also reduce the economic burden on patients.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0019] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation method according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram of a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation method according to the present invention. [Figure 3]It is a schematic diagram of a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator according to the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram of a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation method according to the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram of a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator according to the present invention.
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments are not limited to the configurations and means shown in the drawings.
[0021] [Example 1] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention. The step S10 of acquiring an ultrasonic image is a step of acquiring an echo image of a treatment area. The doctor holds the probe of the ultrasonic imaging device by hand to display an echo image of the patient. The doctor determines findings such as muscles, nerves, and obliterated nerves to be treated from the echo image obtained in S10 (S20). S30 is a step of operating a low-frequency therapeutic apparatus based on the findings obtained in S20 to energize a patient with a low-frequency current.
[0022] In the first embodiment, it is desirable that the shape of the low-frequency therapeutic apparatus has a separated energization electrode and a grounding electrode. For example, the low-frequency therapeutic apparatus in the first embodiment preferably has a pen type shape such that the energization current generation part can be held with one hand. It is desirable that the pen type energization current generation part is provided with a grounding electrode connected by cable wiring. The doctor holds the grounding electrode with the hand holding the ultrasonic probe and holds the pen type energization current generation part with the other hand. At this time, the hand holding the ultrasonic probe and the grounding electrode are insulated, and the doctor forms a closed circuit with the energization current generation part through the patient's living body by bringing the grounding electrode into contact with the patient.
[0023] In the first embodiment, the physician can hold the ultrasound probe and ground electrode while holding the pen-type current-generating unit with the other hand, and perform low-frequency treatment by observing the echo image and determining the area to apply current to. This allows for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the treatment area.
[0024] [Example 2] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasound image acquisition step S10 is a step of acquiring an ultrasound image of the treatment area. The physician holds the probe of the ultrasound imaging device in their hand and displays the ultrasound image of the patient.
[0025] S21 is the process of analyzing the ultrasound images. The ultrasound image analysis process S21 takes the ultrasound image data obtained in S10 as input and performs image processing and data analysis to visualize biological tissues such as muscles, joints, and peripheral nerves from the ultrasound images and determine the target area for low-frequency treatment.
[0026] The current supply control signal generation step S22 generates a current supply control signal based on the judgment result of the echo image analysis step S21. The current supply step S31 of the low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator supplies a low-frequency therapeutic current to the patient based on the current supply control signal from the current supply control signal generation step S22.
[0027] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the low-frequency therapy device is preferably the same shape as in the first embodiment.
[0028] In the second embodiment, the physician holds the ultrasound probe and ground electrode while holding the pen-type current-generating unit with the other hand, and can automatically determine the area to apply current and perform low-frequency therapy simply by displaying the ultrasound image. This allows for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the treatment area.
[0029] [Example 3] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 3 shows the third embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasound imaging device 100 is an ultrasound imaging device that acquires echo images of the treatment area. The ultrasound imaging device includes an echo image analysis means 200. The echo image analysis means 200 takes echo image data as input, performs image processing and data analysis, visualizes biological tissues such as muscles, joints, and peripheral nerves from the echo images, and includes means for determining the target area for low-frequency treatment.
[0030] The current control signal generating means 201 includes means for generating a current control signal from the determination result of the echo image analysis means 200. The current generator 300 supplies a low-frequency therapeutic current to patient 1 based on the determination result of the echo image analysis means 200.
[0031] A third embodiment of the present invention is a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator comprising an ultrasound imaging device 100, an echo image analysis means 200, an electrical control signal generation means 201, and a current generator 300.
[0032] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the low-frequency therapy device is preferably the same shape as in the first embodiment.
[0033] [Example 4] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 4 and 5 show the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the echo image analysis means is composed of a trained program, which is a learning model 500, S500.
[0034] The trained programs 500 and S500 consist of an input layer, a hidden layer, and an output layer. However, the configuration of the trained programs is not limited to this; for example, they may be neural networks with multiple hidden layers, or AI such as convolutional neural networks, clustering, decision trees, random forests, or support vector machines, or combinations thereof.
[0035] The input layer receives ultrasound echo image data, and the output layer outputs findings data. The intermediate layer's parameters are optimized through machine learning, using multiple ultrasound echo image data, findings data, and low-frequency therapeutic current information as training data.
[0036] Machine learning is performed using AI technologies such as deep learning, reinforcement learning, and deep reinforcement learning. However, it is not limited to these technologies, and multiple technologies may be combined. Machine learning can be performed using computing means or information processing devices such as computers, CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs, and the means are not particularly limited.
[0037] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is characterized by providing a means for determining the target area for low-frequency treatment by equipping the echo image analysis means 200 with a learned program.
[0038] In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the low-frequency therapy device is preferably the same shape as in the first embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0039] 1 human body 2. Ultrasound 3. Low-frequency therapeutic current S10 Ultrasound image acquisition process S20 Findings determination process S21 Echo image analysis process S22 Power supply control signal generation process S30 Control process for low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator S31 Power supply process for low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator 100 Ultrasound imaging device 200 Echo image analysis means 201 Power supply control signal generating means 300 Low-frequency therapeutic current generator 500 pre-trained programs S500 Pre-trained Programs
Claims
1. A low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation method for treating pain by applying a low-frequency electric current to the human body, comprising the steps of: acquiring an echo image with an ultrasound imaging device; and controlling a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator based on findings obtained from the acquired echo image.
2. A low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation method for treating pain by applying a low-frequency electric current to the human body, comprising the steps of: acquiring an echo image with an ultrasound imaging device; analyzing the acquired echo image; generating an electrical control signal for the low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator from the analysis results of the analysis step; and controlling the electrical current of the low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator using the electrical control signal.
3. A low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator for treating pain by applying a low-frequency current to the human body, wherein the low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator comprises an ultrasound imaging device, an echo image analysis means for analyzing echo images acquired by the ultrasound imaging device, the image analysis means comprises an electrical control signal generating means for generating an electrical control signal, and the electrical control signal controls the supply of a therapeutic low-frequency current.
4. A low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulation method for treating pain by applying a low-frequency electric current to the human body, comprising the step of acquiring an echo image with an ultrasound imaging device, The acquired echo image data and, The findings data from the aforementioned echocardiographic image data, A learning model trained with training data consisting of at least one of the following: ultrasound image acquisition site associated with the ultrasound image data, data on pain treatment effect findings when low-frequency treatment is performed on the human body, and low-frequency treatment information including control information of the low-frequency current applied to the human body, A process for generating an electrical control signal, in which the echo image data is input to the learning model and an electrical control signal is output, A control method for a low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator, comprising the steps of controlling the conduction of a therapeutic low-frequency current by the aforementioned current control signal.
5. A low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator for treating pain by applying a low-frequency electric current to the human body, wherein the low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator is equipped with an ultrasound imaging device. The system includes an echo image analysis means for analyzing echo images acquired by the aforementioned ultrasound imaging device, The image analysis means includes a power control signal generating means that generates a power control signal, The acquired echo image data and, The findings data from the aforementioned echocardiographic image data, The learning model is trained using training data consisting of at least one of the following: the ultrasound image acquisition site associated with the ultrasound image data, data on the pain treatment effect when low-frequency treatment is performed on the human body, and pain treatment information including control information of the low-frequency current applied to the human body. The learning model is provided with a power control signal generating means that inputs the echo image data and outputs a power control signal, A low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator characterized by controlling the energization of the low-frequency peripheral nerve stimulator using the aforementioned energization control signal.