Selective Circumferential Pressure Applicator for Baroreceptor Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating hypertension, such as those involving baroreceptor modulation, often fail to effectively manage blood pressure regulation due to limitations in directly influencing baroreceptor activity and arterial compliance, particularly in postmenopausal women and individuals with altered baroreceptor sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The application of mechanical and other forces to baroreceptor-rich arteries, such as the carotid, aorta, and subclavian arteries, to modulate baroreceptor response by altering arterial shape, tension, and dynamic behavior, using devices like selective circumferential pressure applicators and expandable rings to increase arterial compliance and stimulate baroreceptors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical forces are applied to baroreceptor-rich arteries to modulate baroreceptor response, then baroreceptor sensitivity is enhanced and blood pressure regulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent elements including an expandable ring structure with multiple struts and connectors. Each element can function independently to apply mechanical forces to the artery, allowing the system to achieve complex baroreceptor modulation through simple, modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable ring structure is designed to be self-expanding using shape memory alloy or elastic properties, eliminating the need for complex active control mechanisms. The device automatically applies the necessary mechanical forces to modulate baroreceptor response once deployed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effectiveness
2Reliability
If expandable devices are used to increase arterial compliance, then arterial compliance is enhanced and baroreceptor sensitivity is improved, but the risk of arterial damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable ring is constructed from flexible, biocompatible materials that can conform to the arterial wall without causing mechanical damage. The thin-film structure distributes forces evenly across the arterial surface, preventing focal stress concentrations that could lead to tissue injury while still achieving the desired compliance enhancement
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to dynamically expand and contract in synchronization with the cardiac cycle, allowing the artery to maintain natural pulsatile flow patterns. This dynamic behavior prevents static compression damage while still providing the mechanical stimulation needed to improve arterial compliance and baroreceptor sensitivity during active phases
3Reliability
If selective circumferential pressure is applied to non-contiguous regions of the artery, then baroreceptor stimulation is optimized and hypertension is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable ring is divided into multiple discrete struts and connectors that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows selective application of pressure to specific non-contiguous regions of the artery where baroreceptors are most dense, achieving optimized stimulation without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances across the entire structure
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates varying strut densities and connection configurations in different regions of the ring, creating local variations in pressure application characteristics. This local quality approach allows targeted stimulation of baroreceptor-rich areas while applying minimal force to regions where it is not needed, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements by focusing precision only where physiologically necessary
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 effectively reduces hypertension by enhancing baroreceptor sensitivity and arterial compliance, leading to improved blood pressure regulation and potential benefits for postmenopausal women and individuals with reduced baroreceptor responsiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The expandable ring is expanded to engage with the arterial wall... applying pressure to the outer wall of the artery at two or more non-contiguous regions
Implementation Method 2
The expandable ring is constructed from shape memory alloy or elastic properties
Implementation Method 3
The expandable ring is constructed from shape memory alloy or elastic properties
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3C
Figure 3D~3F
AI summary
Apparatus is provided for reducing hypertension of a subject. A selective circumferential pressure applicator (60) includes at least two surfaces (61) that increase baroreceptor activity of the subject, by applying pressure to an artery (20) of the subject at two or more respective non-contiguous regions around the circumference of the artery, at a longitudinal site of the artery, such that between the non-contiguous regions, at the longitudinal site (a) there is at least one region (22) of the artery that is more relaxed than in the absence of the device, and (b) there is at least one region (21) of the artery that is more tense than in the absence of the device. A joint (63) couples the surfaces to each other. For at least a portion of the subject's cardiac cycle, the joint does not to contact the subject's artery. Other applications are also provided.