Helical Cuff for Bilateral Vagus Nerve Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) technologies face challenges in effectively delivering bilateral stimulation to the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerves while minimizing the risk of esophageal stenosis and nerve damage.

Innovation Solution

A novel helical cuff designed to wrap around the esophagus, providing bilateral vagus nerve stimulation by distributing cathodes and anodes along the cuff's helical body, optimized through computer simulations to maximize axon activation while minimizing current leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional VNS device is used to stimulate the vagus nerve, then nerve stimulation can be achieved, but the risk of esophageal stenosis and nerve damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of VNS deliveryVSAvoidrisk of esophageal stenosis and nerve damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cuff is divided into multiple segments or sections along its length, with electrodes distributed at different positions. This segmentation allows the stimulation to be delivered at multiple points along the vagus nerve, reducing the concentration of force on any single point and thereby minimizing the risk of nerve damage and esophageal stenosis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the cuff have different electrode configurations and stimulation parameters optimized for local conditions. The electrodes are positioned to contact the vagus nerve at specific locations, with varying polarity and intensity settings to achieve effective stimulation while distributing mechanical stress and electrical load to minimize tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If unilateral VNS is delivered, then the device complexity is reduced, but the therapeutic effectiveness is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of stimulation deliveryVSAvoidtherapeutic effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines multiple stimulation capabilities into a single integrated cuff that can deliver both unilateral and bilateral stimulation. The cuff incorporates electrode pairs or arrays that can be activated in different configurations, allowing the system to merge simple unilateral stimulation with more complex bilateral stimulation without requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stimulation delivery is made dynamic and adaptable, allowing the device to switch between unilateral and bilateral modes based on therapeutic needs. The control system can dynamically adjust which electrodes are activated and at what intensity, providing flexibility to optimize therapeutic effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250073456A1Cuff For Providing Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

AI summary

A cuff for providing vagus nerve stimulation to a subject having an esophagus is disclosed. The cuff includes a helical body that is configured to wrap around at least a portion of the esophagus of the subject, the helical body having an inner surface, the inner surface having a length and a width. The inner surface defines an interior space that is configured to receive the esophagus. A first electrode is coupled to the helical body. At least one additional electrode is coupled to the helical body. The at least one additional electrode is configured to provide a polarity opposite of the first electrode.