Closed-Loop Neural Stimulation for Hypertension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neural stimulation systems for treating hypertension are ineffective as they rely on continuous or intermittent open-loop stimulation, failing to adapt to physiological changes, which limits their therapeutic efficacy in managing hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop neural stimulation system that senses nerve traffic signals, identifies features, and adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time to provide personalized neural stimulation, using a device with a pulse generator, signal processing module, and controller to deliver targeted therapy based on sensed nerve activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If open-loop neural stimulation is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to physiological changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop neural stimulation system that senses nerve traffic signals and uses this feedback to adjust stimulation parameters in real-time. The controller receives nerve traffic signals from the lead, processes them to determine nerve traffic characteristics, and modifies stimulation delivery accordingly, creating a feedback mechanism that enables adaptability to physiological changes while managing device complexity through integrated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static open-loop stimulation to dynamic closed-loop stimulation where stimulation parameters continuously adapt based on real-time nerve traffic sensing. The controller dynamically adjusts stimulation delivery according to sensed physiological conditions, making the system responsive to changing physiological states rather than operating with fixed parameters.
2Reliability
If continuous neural stimulation is applied, then the therapeutic effect is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sensing of nerve traffic signals to determine when therapeutic intervention is needed, rather than applying continuous stimulation. The controller periodically assesses physiological conditions through nerve traffic sensing and adjusts stimulation delivery based on these assessments, maintaining therapeutic effectiveness while reducing overall energy consumption by eliminating unnecessary continuous stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The neural stimulation system serves itself by using endogenous nerve traffic signals as the basis for controlling stimulation delivery. The system leverages the body's own physiological signals to regulate therapy, automatically adjusting stimulation based on real-time physiological feedback without requiring external intervention or continuous energy input, thereby maintaining reliability while optimizing energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present subject matter provide a device. In various embodiments, the device comprises a port adapted to connect a lead, a pulse generator connected to the port and adapted to provide a neural stimulation signal to the lead, and a signal processing module connected to the port and adapted to receive and process a nerve traffic signal from the lead into a signal indicative of the nerve traffic. The device includes a controller connected to the pulse generator and the signal processing module. The controller is adapted to implement a stimulation protocol to provide the neural stimulation signal with desired neural stimulation parameters based on the signal indicative of the nerve traffic. Other aspects are provided herein.