Cardiovascular Resonance via Electrical Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively increase baroreflex sensitivity in patients, which is associated with various health issues such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, and depression, and require active patient involvement or voluntary efforts.
Innovation Solution
External electrical stimulation therapy is provided at specific frequencies, using on-off or increasing-decreasing cycles to induce resonance or high amplitude oscillations in the cardiovascular system, which can be passive and do not require voluntary effort from the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current methods are used to increase baroreflex sensitivity, then patient health issues may be addressed, but active patient involvement and voluntary efforts are required which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the patient's resonant frequency through sensors monitoring cardiovascular signals, and the processor autonomously generates and delivers electrical stimulation signals at that frequency without requiring patient participation or voluntary effort
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors cardiovascular signals through sensors, processes the data to identify resonant frequency, and adjusts the electrical stimulation parameters in real-time based on the detected resonant frequency to maintain optimal therapeutic effect
2Reliability
If electrical stimulation is delivered continuously, then therapeutic effect may be maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system delivers electrical stimulation signals in periodic cycles synchronized with the patient's resonant frequency, with stimulation delivered during first periods of time and interrupted during second periods of time, creating third periods that trigger high amplitude oscillations while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous stimulation
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 increases baroreflex sensitivity, improves cardiovascular function, and treats associated disorders like depression and cardiovascular disease by modulating the vagus nerve and brain inhibition-excitation balance, offering a broader therapeutic impact.
Implementation Method 1
delivering at least one electrical stimulation signal... configured to create third periods of time which are configured to trigger or induce resonance or high amplitude oscillations in a cardiovascular system
Implementation Method 2
delivering at least one electrical stimulation signal to at least one location on the patient's skin... increases baroreflex sensitivity, improves cardiovascular function
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of and methods for providing external therapeutic electrical stimulation to a patient are disclosed and described. Therapeutic external electrical stimulation is provided to at least one location on a patient's skin, or through clothing or a layer disposed next to the patient's skin, and is configured to trigger or induce resonance or high amplitude oscillations in a cardiovascular system of the patient. Inducing such resonance can aid in training autonomic reflexes and improve their functioning.