Intraoral Neuromodulation With Closed-Loop Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating intraoral functions such as swallowing and speech disorders are obtrusive and lack precise neuromodulation, leading to variability in effectiveness among patients.
Innovation Solution
Intraoral neuromodulation systems that apply targeted electrical stimuli to intraoral nerves, using sensors and neural stimulators to monitor and intervene in sensorimotor loops, achieving high spatial and temporal resolution, and adapt stimulation parameters based on real-time feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surface electrodes or catheter-based stimulation is used, then neuromuscular activity can be modulated, but spatial precision and modulation efficacy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stimulation system into multiple independent electrode elements that can be selectively activated. Instead of using a single broad electrode, the system segments the stimulation field into discrete regions, allowing precise targeting of specific nerves or muscle groups within the pharyngeal area. This segmentation enables high spatial precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular electrode arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing different stimulation characteristics to different regions of the pharyngeal area. Each electrode element can be independently controlled to deliver customized stimulation parameters (amplitude, frequency, pulse width) tailored to the specific anatomical location and neural target. This allows precise modulation of neuromuscular activity in specific local regions without affecting adjacent areas, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If broad area stimulation is applied, then treatment coverage is increased, but modulation efficacy decreases due to lack of precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic stimulation patterns where electrode activation sequences, amplitudes, and frequencies are continuously adjusted based on real-time feedback from sensors monitoring pharyngeal muscle activity and swallow phase. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to provide broad treatment coverage across different anatomical regions while maintaining high modulation efficacy through precise, context-dependent parameter adjustment for each stimulation event.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates closed-loop feedback control where sensors detect pharyngeal muscle activity, swallow initiation, and bolus progression to dynamically adjust stimulation parameters. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt treatment coverage to individual patient needs and real-time physiological conditions while maintaining optimal modulation efficacy by adjusting stimulation intensity and timing based on actual neuromuscular response.
3Ease of operation
If fixed stimulation parameters are used, then device operation is simplified, but treatment effectiveness varies among patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated parameter optimization where the system autonomously determines optimal stimulation parameters based on patient-specific anatomical measurements, sensor feedback, and performance metrics. The device automatically adjusts electrode selection, stimulation amplitude, frequency, and pulse duration without requiring manual reconfiguration, thereby maintaining operation simplicity while achieving high adaptability and treatment effectiveness through intelligent, data-driven parameter customization for each patient.
4Manufacturing precision
If real-time parameter adjustment is implemented, then treatment effectiveness is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming stimulation parameter ranges, electrode configurations, and control algorithms during device fabrication and initial setup. Common stimulation patterns and parameter combinations are pre-configured based on clinical guidelines and patient demographics. This preliminary preparation enables real-time parameter adjustment during treatment without requiring complex on-the-fly calculations or manual reconfiguration, thereby optimizing treatment effectiveness while minimizing the increase in system complexity.
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
Enhances treatment efficacy by customizing neuromodulation for individual patients, improving swallowing efficiency and correcting speech disorders through precise neuromodulation.
Implementation Method 1
neuromodulation is achieved by application of an electrical stimulus directly to an intraoral nerve
Data Source
AI summary
Intraoral neuromodulation for the treatment clinical conditions such as, e.g., dysphagia, migraines, or speech problems can be achieved with a neuromodulation system that includes an intraoral neural stimulator, e.g., integrated into a wearable device to be positioned in the oral cavity, that is controlled based on one or more measured signals associated with an intraoral organ or nerve related to the clinical condition.