Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation via Selective Electrode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices lack effective methods for stimulating the auricular branch of the vagal nerve, which is a specific branch of the vagus nerve extending to the ear, for treating various diseases such as epilepsy and depression, due to challenges in accessing and securely implanting electrodes near the auricular branch without damaging surrounding nerves.
Innovation Solution
A vagal nerve stimulation assembly is implanted adjacent to the auricular branch of the vagal nerve, featuring a stimulator unit connected to electrodes that can be individually activated or deactivated to target the auricular branch while avoiding other nerves, with techniques for securing the assembly using sutures or biocompatible adhesives to ensure precise and effective electrical stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes are implanted near the auricular branch of the vagal nerve, then effective stimulation of the target nerve is achieved, but risk of damaging surrounding nerves increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing individual control over multiple electrodes through separate programmable leads. Each electrode can be independently activated or deactivated, allowing precise targeting of the auricular branch while avoiding surrounding nerves. The stimulator unit enables selective activation of specific electrode combinations to achieve localized stimulation effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the vagal nerve stimulation system into multiple independent electrodes connected through programmable leads to a stimulator unit. This segmentation allows the auricular branch to be targeted specifically while other nerve regions remain unaffected, reducing the risk of damaging surrounding structures through selective electrode activation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used to target the auricular branch, then stimulation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulator unit serves multiple functions: it controls individual electrode activation, manages programmable lead configurations, and enables selective stimulation patterns. This multi-functionality allows precise targeting of the auricular branch using a single integrated device rather than multiple separate implants, balancing precision with manageable complexity.
3Reliability
If secure implantation methods are used to prevent electrode displacement, then stimulation reliability is improved, but surgical procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by using surgical adhesives to secure electrodes to surrounding tissue before completing the implantation procedure. This pre-securing method ensures electrodes remain in the correct position relative to the auricular branch during subsequent surgical steps, maintaining stimulation reliability while simplifying the overall surgical process compared to more complex mechanical fixation methods.
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
This approach allows for targeted and secure electrical stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagal nerve, minimizing interference with other nerves and improving treatment outcomes for conditions like epilepsy and depression, while also being adaptable for use with other implantable medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
electrically stimulating the at least one auricular branch of the vagal nerve of the recipient via the least one vagal nerve stimulation assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are techniques in which a specific branch of the vagal nerve that extends to the car, referred to as the auricular branch of the vagal nerve (ABVN), is stimulated via an implantable stimulator. Described herein are implantable stimulation assembly arrangements for implantation adjacent to the auricular branch of the vagal nerve, and use of the implantable stimulating assembly arrangements in order to electrically stimulate the auricular branch of the vagal nerve.