System for closed loop control of autonomic function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spinal cord injuries lead to autonomic dysfunctions, including severe blood pressure fluctuations, which are life-threatening and significantly impair quality of life, with existing treatments being short-acting and requiring intensive monitoring, and there is a need for a more effective management system.
Innovation Solution
A neuromodulation system that utilizes a deep understanding of sympathetic circuitry and deep learning to provide closed-loop neurostimulation, targeting optimal spinal cord sites for regulating blood pressure, using electrodes and sensors to monitor and adjust stimulation parameters in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pharmacological drugs (norepinephrine, phenylephrine, dobutamine) are used to elevate blood pressure, then blood pressure can be increased, but the treatment is short-acting and requires intensive monitoring with frequent dose adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop control system that continuously monitors blood pressure and automatically adjusts epidural electrical stimulation parameters in real-time. The control unit receives blood pressure signals from sensors, processes them to determine current blood pressure status, and adjusts stimulation pulse width, frequency, or amplitude accordingly to maintain target blood pressure without requiring intensive manual monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-regulating blood pressure control through automated feedback mechanisms. The control unit autonomously adjusts stimulation parameters based on real-time blood pressure measurements, eliminating the need for continuous clinician intervention and manual dose adjustments that characterize pharmacological treatment
2Reliability
If pharmacological drugs are used to elevate blood pressure, then blood pressure can be increased, but large elevations in blood pressure occur which force dose reduction and lead to hypoperfusion episodes
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-loop control system continuously monitors blood pressure and makes incremental adjustments to stimulation parameters only when blood pressure deviates from the target range. This feedback mechanism prevents both hypotension and dangerous hypertensive spikes by maintaining blood pressure within a narrow target range through small, controlled stimulation adjustments rather than large pharmacological doses
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time based on current blood pressure status. The control unit modifies pulse width, frequency, or amplitude of epidural stimulation according to real-time feedback, enabling adaptive blood pressure control that responds to changing physiological conditions without causing abrupt pressure changes
3Reliability
If epidural electrical stimulation is used to stabilize blood pressure, then blood pressure control can be improved, but the system complexity and control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback processing that receives blood pressure signals, determines current blood pressure status by comparing against target ranges, and adjusts stimulation parameters accordingly. This automated feedback loop manages the complexity of closed-loop control by systematically processing sensor data and making appropriate stimulation adjustments without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes blood pressure signals from sensors, determines current blood pressure status, selects appropriate stimulation parameters, and adjusts epidural stimulation delivery. This multi-functional integration manages system complexity by consolidating control tasks within a single control unit rather than requiring separate systems for each function
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 effectively stabilizes blood pressure in both acute and chronic phases post-injury, reducing hypotensive episodes and improving patient quality of life, potentially leading to positive neurological outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensing element configured to sense a signal indicative for a physiological parameter of a patient
Implementation Method 2
at least one stimulation element configured to deliver a stimulation to a patient
Data Source
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AI summary
A neuromodulation system (10,110) is disclosed, especially a neurostimulation system (10,110), for treating a patient, especially for enhancing at least one autonomous function such a blood circulation and/or respiration, wherein the system comprises • - at least one signal input module (12,112), which is configured to receive at least one or more signals being indicative for blood circulation, especially being indicative for pulse and/or blood pressure, • - at least one control module (14,114), wherein the control module (14, 114) is connected to the signal input module (12,112), wherein the control module (14, 114) is configured to adapt the neurostimulation provided by the neuromodulation system (10,110) on the basis of the signal(s) received by the signal input module (12,112).