Neuromodulation System for DRG and Neural Axon Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stimulating dorsal root ganglia (DRG) to treat chronic pain have limited effectiveness, as they primarily focus on stimulating only the DRG without adequately addressing the underlying hyperactivity and metabolic issues in the neural structures.
Innovation Solution
A neuromodulation system that delivers energy to both the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and its associated central and peripheral neural axons, using electrical or low-level laser energy with specific frequencies to modulate the neural structures, thereby addressing the hyperactivity and metabolic imbalances contributing to chronic pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied only to the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), then the stimulation system can treat chronic pain, but the treatment effectiveness is limited due to inadequate addressing of hyperactivity and metabolic issues in neural structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the neural structure into three distinct segments: the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), the central neural axon, and the peripheral neural axon. Each segment is targeted with electrical stimulation independently, allowing for comprehensive modulation of the entire neural pathway rather than treating only the DRG in isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple stimulation targets (DRG, central axon, peripheral axon) into a single integrated stimulation system. By merging these targets into one comprehensive treatment approach, the system addresses hyperactivity and metabolic issues across the entire neural structure, improving overall treatment effectiveness.
2Reliability
If stimulation energy is delivered to all target tissue to provide therapeutic benefit, then pain relief is achieved, but the volume of non-target tissue stimulated increases causing unwanted side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering electrical stimulation to specific localized regions along the neural pathway. Different electrode configurations target specific segments (DRG, central axon, or peripheral axon) with precision, ensuring that stimulation energy is concentrated on the intended neural structures while minimizing spread to adjacent non-target tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the stimulation approach into distinct targets (DRG, central axon, peripheral axon), the system can selectively stimulate only the necessary portions of the neural pathway. This segmentation prevents unnecessary stimulation of non-target tissues that would occur with broader, less targeted stimulation approaches.
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 provides a more effective treatment for chronic pain by modulating the sensory information pathways, transforming ectopic firing into tonic firing and preconditioning neural structures to block action potential initiation, thereby reducing pain perception.
Implementation Method 1
electrical energy conveyed between at least one cathodic electrode and at least one anodic electrode creates an electrical field, which when strong enough, depolarizes (or 'stimulates') the neurons beyond a threshold level, thereby inducing the firing of action potentials
Implementation Method 2
inducing the firing of action potentials (APs) that propagate along the neural fibers
Implementation Method 3
delivering high-frequency electrical stimulation to the DRG and surrounding neural structures... the first frequency may be greater than 500 Hz... transforming ectopic firing into tonic firing and preconditioning neural structures to block action potential initiation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a patient with an ailment, comprises delivering first energy to a dorsal root ganglia (DRG), thereby modulating the DRG, and delivering second energy to at least one of a central neural axon extending from the DRG and a peripheral neural axon extending from the DRG, thereby modulating the at least one of the central neural axon and the peripheral neural axon.