Implantable Vagal Nerve Blocking for Chronic Bronchial Dilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for bronchial constriction in conditions like asthma and COPD, such as bronchodilation medications, are not optimal due to limited efficacy and poor subject compliance, and inhalers are difficult for certain demographics to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
An implantable signal generator is used to deliver a blocking signal to inhibit nerve traffic to and from the lungs, reducing bronchial smooth muscle contraction and cough, with a processor controlling the signal delivery based on indicators like cough and mucus buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bronchodilation medications are used to treat bronchial constriction, then airway diameter can be increased, but efficacy is limited and subject compliance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of bronchodilation medications with an electrical/neural mechanism. An implantable pulse generator delivers electrical pulses to vagal nerve ganglia, blocking nerve traffic and inhibiting smooth muscle contraction through neural blockade rather than pharmacological action. This substitution addresses the contradiction by providing more reliable efficacy through direct neural intervention while improving compliance through automated implantable therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (implantable pulse generator and electrode assembly) between the patient and the therapeutic action. The device acts as a mediator that automatically delivers blocking signals to vagal nerve ganglia, eliminating the need for patient self-administration of medications. This intermediary system resolves the compliance issue while maintaining reliable therapeutic efficacy through controlled neural blockade.
2Reliability
If inhalers are used for bronchial dilation, then medication delivery is achieved, but they are difficult for elderly and children to use properly
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable device provides self-service therapy by automatically detecting and responding to respiratory events. The system monitors respiratory parameters and autonomously delivers blocking signals to vagal nerve ganglia without requiring patient action. This eliminates the operational difficulties faced by elderly and children who struggle with inhaler technique, while maintaining reliable medication-like delivery through automated neural blockade.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical inhaler system with an implantable electrical system. Instead of requiring patients to manually actuate inhalers, the device uses electrical pulses to block vagal nerve traffic, providing a simpler, more reliable delivery mechanism that does not depend on patient dexterity or understanding, thereby resolving the ease-of-use problem for vulnerable demographics.
3Reliability
If chronic bronchial dilation is achieved through neural blocking, then airway diameter increases and constriction reduces, but side effects may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by targeting specific vagal nerve ganglia (such as the pulmonary ganglia) for blocking, rather than providing systemic neural blockade. The electrode assembly is positioned to deliver blocking signals locally to the ganglia innervating the bronchi, achieving bronchial dilation while minimizing widespread side effects. This localized approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable bronchial dilation through selective neural blockade while reducing harmful effects on other body systems.
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 chronic bronchial dilation, improving airway diameter and reducing bronchial constriction, while minimizing side effects and enhancing user compliance.
Implementation Method 1
The blocking signal can be configured to inhibit nerve traffic both to and from the lungs, to relieve bronchial smooth muscle contraction
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reducing bronchial constriction in a subject includes delivering energy to create one or more lesions on a main bronchus so as to transect pulmonary nerves sufficiently to reduce bronchial constriction in a lung of the patient distal to the main bronchus.