Externalized Neuromodulation Controller for Sleep Apnea
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HGN neurostimulation systems for treating obstructive sleep apnea are invasive, bulky, and require frequent battery changes, making them undesirable for patients.
Innovation Solution
A neuromodulation system comprising a nerve cuff electrode, a sensor for recording physiological data, an antenna for inducing current in an electromagnetic field, and an electronics package controlled by a computing device to adjust stimulation parameters based on identified biomarkers for sleep-related conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional HGN neurostimulation systems with implanted pulse generators are used, then effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is achieved, but the system becomes invasive and requires frequent battery changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pulse generator from the implanted system, eliminating the need for an implanted battery and control electronics. The external controller assumes all control functions, while the implanted device only contains the lead with electrodes, dramatically reducing invasiveness and maintenance requirements while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into two separate components: an external controller containing the pulse generator and battery, and an implanted lead containing only the electrodes. This segmentation allows the implanted portion to be minimal and non-invasive, while the complex components remain external
2Ease of operation
If conventional HGN neurostimulation systems with implanted pulse generators are used, then stimulation control is achieved, but the device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generator and control electronics are extracted from the implanted device and placed in an external controller. The implanted device only contains the lead with electrodes, eliminating bulk and complexity from the implanted portion while maintaining full stimulation control capabilities externally
3Reliability
If conventional HGN neurostimulation systems require surgical implantation, then nerve stimulation is achieved, but patient comfort and quality of life deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generator and all control electronics are taken out of the implanted device, leaving only the thin lead with electrodes to be implanted. This minimal implantation significantly improves patient comfort and quality of life while maintaining nerve stimulation efficacy through the external controller
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a disposable or replaceable external controller that contains all the complex components, allowing the implanted portion to remain simple and comfortable. The external controller can be replaced without surgical intervention if needed
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 a less invasive and more efficient treatment for sleep disordered breathing by delivering targeted electrical stimulation adjusted in real-time based on physiological data, reducing the need for battery changes and improving patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna configured to produce an induced current in response to being disposed in an electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a power mat that supports one or more power transmission coils that are excitable to produce an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A neuromodulation system is provided herein. The system can include a cuff electrode, an electronics package, which can be part of a neuromodulation device; an external controller; a sensor; and a computing device. The neuromodulation device can include an antenna including an upper and a lower coil electrically connected to each other in parallel. The computing device can execute a closed-loop algorithm based on physiological sensed data relating to sleep.