Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation With Targeted Ear Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing invasive electrical stimulation devices for the vagus nerve are not suitable for all patients, and non-invasive methods lack targeted stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, limiting their effectiveness in treating conditions like inflammation, headaches, and autoimmune disorders.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive device with electrodes positioned at the cymba conchae and tragus of the ear delivers targeted electrical stimulation to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, using a controller to manage waveform, pulse rate, and amplitude, with a moulded silicone body for secure fit and adjustable electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If invasive electrical stimulation devices are used to treat vagus nerve conditions, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but patient suitability and comfort deteriorate due to surgical requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidpatient suitability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the auricle of the ear as an intermediary access point to stimulate the vagus nerve. By placing electrodes on the external ear structures (tragus and cymba conchae), the device mediates between non-invasive application and internal nerve stimulation, achieving therapeutic effects without surgical implantation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/surgical implantation system with an electrical field-based stimulation system. Instead of physically implanting electrodes into the body, the invention uses external electrical fields applied through the ear structures to achieve vagus nerve modulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If non-invasive electrical stimulation methods are used, then patient comfort and suitability are improved, but stimulation targeting precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient suitabilityVSAvoidstimulation targeting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by targeting specific anatomical locations on the ear (tragus and cymba conchae) where the auricular branch of the vagus nerve is accessible. The electrodes are positioned at precise locations to ensure localized stimulation of the intended nerve pathways while maintaining non-invasive application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in electrical stimulation (frequency, pulse duration, amplitude) to optimize targeting precision. By adjusting these electrical parameters, the device can selectively activate the auricular branch of the vagus nerve while minimizing stimulation of adjacent structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If general electrical stimulation is applied to treat medical conditions, then broad applicability is improved, but specificity to the vagus nerve deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebroad applicabilityVSAvoidnerve targeting specificity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device provides effective, targeted vagus nerve stimulation, reducing inflammation and modulating sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, decreasing nociceptive neuron activity, and stimulating neurotransmitter release, thus treating conditions such as headaches and autoimmune disorders.

Implementation Method 1

providing transcutaneous electrical stimulation at the cymba conchae and the tragus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTranscutaneous electrical stimulation: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12485275B2Medical treatment device and method of operation thereof

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 NEUROTONE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

AI summary

There is disclosed a system for providing transcutaneous electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve of an individual comprising: an electrode unit mountable within the auricle of the individual and having at least a first electrode and a second electrode for applying the transcutaneous electrical stimulation at the cymba conchae and the tragus of the individual's auricle, and a controller for controlling the transcutaneous electrical impulse delivered by each of the first electrode and second electrode.