Flexible OLED Array for Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing peripheral neuromodulation devices are invasive and lack precision, leading to undesirable side effects, making them unsuitable for noninvasive treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases and mental health disorders.
Innovation Solution
A noninvasive system using a flexible two-dimensional array of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) placed on the outer ear to modulate the vagus nerve, with individually addressable pixels and a feedback loop monitoring heart rate variability to deliver precise optical therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional invasive neuromodulation devices are used, then vagus nerve modulation is achieved, but precision is reduced and side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the vagus nerve stimulation into multiple independently addressable OLED pixels arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each pixel can be individually controlled to stimulate specific regions of the vagus nerve, enabling precise spatial targeting and reducing off-target side effects while maintaining effective neuromodulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements local quality by allowing different regions of the OLED array to emit light with different characteristics (wavelength, intensity, duration) to modulate specific branches or regions of the vagus nerve. This enables tailored stimulation patterns for different clinical conditions while minimizing unwanted effects in other areas.
2Measurement precision
If invasive surgery is performed for neuromodulation, then vagus nerve access is achieved, but device size increases and precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical invasive surgical approach with an optical system. Instead of physically implanting electrodes near the vagus nerve, the device uses light-emitting OLEDs to noninvasively stimulate optogenetically modified vagus nerve cells, eliminating the need for surgery while maintaining precise neural control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an optical intermediary (light) between the external device and the vagus nerve. The OLED array emits light that penetrates tissue to reach optogenetically modified vagus nerve cells, serving as a noninvasive mediator that bridges the gap between external control and internal neural modulation without requiring direct physical contact or surgical implantation.
3Measurement precision
If a flexible OLED array is used for transcutaneous stimulation, then noninvasive precision is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible OLED array constructed with thin-film technology, allowing the device to conform to the contours of the patient's body surface. This flexibility enables precise placement over the vagus nerve projection area through the skin while maintaining comfort and ease of application, resolving the contradiction between precision and manufacturability through advanced flexible electronics.
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
Enables high-precision, noninvasive optogenetic vagus nerve stimulation with reduced side effects, allowing for effective treatment of mental health disorders and inflammatory diseases without invasive surgery.
Implementation Method 1
an array of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs)
Implementation Method 2
The array delivers light to modulate the neurons of the vagus nerve
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for modulating optogenetic vagus neurons in a noninvasive and transcutaneous manner is disclosed. The system and method comprises a two-dimensional array of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), a voltage-generating unit, a control unit, and a feedback loop. The array is placed on a subject's outer ear. Because the array is flexible, it can be closely placed on the skin of the outer ear. The array can deliver optical therapy and monitor heart rate variability (HRV) of the subject simultaneously, and the pixels of the array can be individually addressed. The voltage-generating unit generates pulsed voltage to the OLEDs. The control unit is connected to the array and controls the array and therapeutic patterns. The feedback loop uses the HRV to identify the therapeutic patterns.