Closed-Loop Endovascular Neuromodulation for Epilepsy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vagal nerve stimulation systems for epilepsy are often open-loop, leading to inefficiencies and side effects due to continuous stimulation, and require frequent battery replacements and surgical interventions for hardware malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop endovascular neuromodulation system using electrode arrays and a neuromodulation unit to detect electrophysiological signals and stimulate intracorporeal targets, such as the vagus nerve, with adjustable electrical impulses, reducing the need for continuous stimulation and minimizing invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous or constant stimulation is applied, then seizure frequency reduction is achieved, but battery depletion occurs and hardware malfunctions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies stimulation in periodic bursts rather than continuously. The pulse generator delivers electrical impulses in scheduled intervals (e.g., 1-5 minutes stimulation followed by 4-10 minutes rest), reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness for seizure control
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates responsive neurostimulation that monitors physiological signals and adjusts stimulation delivery accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to provide stimulation only when needed, optimizing battery usage while maintaining reliable seizure frequency reduction
2Reliability
If continuous stimulation is applied, then seizure frequency reduction is achieved, but side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
By delivering stimulation in periodic bursts rather than continuously, the system reduces cumulative exposure to electrical impulses, thereby minimizing side effects such as voice changes, throat discomfort, and dizziness while maintaining effective seizure control during stimulation periods
Solution Approach 2:
The responsive stimulation system monitors patient physiological states and adjusts or terminates stimulation when side effects are detected, providing a feedback loop that balances therapeutic benefit with side effect minimization
3Reliability
If battery replacement and hardware replacement surgery is performed, then system functionality is restored, but patient burden and surgical risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extended battery life achieved through periodic stimulation reduces the frequency of battery replacement surgeries, thereby decreasing patient burden and surgical risk over the device's operational lifetime
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with rechargeable batteries that can be recharged externally through the skin using magnetic coupling, eliminating the need for surgical battery replacement and allowing patients to maintain system functionality through non-invasive charging
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 system provides targeted and responsive stimulation, potentially increasing seizure reduction rates while reducing side effects and extending battery life by activating only during seizure risk, thus improving safety and efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, using a first electrode array, an electrophysiological signal of a subject
Implementation Method 2
stimulating an intracorporeal target of the subject using a second electrode array in response to the electrophysiological signal detected
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus, and methods for treating medication refractory epilepsy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of treating epilepsy is disclosed comprising detecting, using a first electrode array coupled to a first endovascular carrier, an electrophysiological signal of a subject. The method further comprises analyzing the electrophysiological signal using a neuromodulation unit electrically coupled to the first electrode array and stimulating an intracorporeal target of the subject using a second electrode array coupled to a second endovascular carrier implanted within a part of a bodily vessel superior to a base of the skull of the subject.