Depletion Block Neural Stimulation for COPD Exacerbations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are inadequate in reducing the frequency and severity of acute exacerbations, particularly in 'frequent exacerbators,' due to incomplete control of parasympathetic drive and airway inflammation.
Innovation Solution
A reversible synaptic junction block, or depletion block, is applied to targeted nerves using an electrode and pulse generation system to reduce parasympathetic drive by delivering electrical pulses at specific frequencies, thereby alleviating symptoms of pulmonary disease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current COPD treatments (long-acting muscarinic antagonists, long-acting beta agonists, corticosteroids, and antibiotics) are used, then some symptom relief is achieved, but the frequency and severity of acute exacerbations remain insufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and targets the specific neural pathway (parasympathetic nerve fibers) responsible for airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction. By delivering electrical stimulation directly to these nerves via implanted electrodes, the treatment isolates and modulates the problematic parasympathetic drive that current pharmacological treatments cannot adequately control, thereby reducing acute exacerbation frequency while maintaining symptom relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical stimulation system as an intermediary between the nervous system and airway function. The pulse generator and electrodes serve as mediators that deliver controlled electrical signals to parasympathetic nerves, creating a reversible neural blockade that reduces acetylcholine release and subsequent airway inflammation, bridging the gap between neural control and respiratory outcomes.
2Reliability
If parasympathetic nerve fibers are targeted to reduce bronchoconstriction and mucus production, then airway function improves, but the complexity of the treatment system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the treatment approach into distinct functional components: implanted electrodes for neural targeting, a pulse generator for signal delivery, and specific stimulation parameters (frequency, amplitude, pulse width) for controlled parasympathetic modulation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve reliable control of bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the treatment system to be self-regulating through programmable stimulation parameters and potential feedback mechanisms. The pulse generator can be programmed to deliver stimulation autonomously based on pre-set protocols, reducing the need for continuous manual intervention and simplifying long-term management despite the initial implantation complexity.
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 depletion block effectively reduces bronchoconstriction, mucus production, and inflammation, leading to a decrease in the occurrence of acute exacerbations and improvement in quality of life for COPD patients.
Implementation Method 1
delivering electrical pulses at specific frequencies
Implementation Method 2
A reversible synaptic junction block, or depletion block, is applied to targeted nerves
Data Source
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AI summary
An example of a system may include an electrode and a pulse generation system. The electrode may be configured to be implanted near a neural target that innervates airways. The pulse generation system may be configured to be operably connected to the electrode to deliver depletion block stimulation through the electrode to alleviate symptoms of pulmonary disease. The pulse generation system and the electrode may be configured to cooperate to capture axons in the neural target. The depletion block stimulation may include a series of pulses at a depletion pulse frequency.