Closed-Loop Limb Neurostimulation for Transient Blood Pressure Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hypertension affects a significant portion of the global population, increasing morbidity and mortality, and existing treatments often focus on average blood pressure values without considering continuous or transient changes, necessitating a more dynamic approach to blood pressure control.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a sensing module and energy application module that applies therapeutic compression, ultrasound vibration, and electrical stimulation to the median, radial, or ulnar nerves to dynamically manage blood pressure based on real-time cardiovascular parameters, using a combination of inflatable cuffs, piezoelectric elements, and electrodes to provide personalized treatment protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional blood pressure treatments focus on average blood pressure values, then treatment simplicity is maintained, but the ability to address continuous or transient changes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static average blood pressure monitoring to dynamic continuous monitoring and response. The wearable device continuously monitors blood pressure and automatically adjusts energy application in real-time based on detected changes, enabling the system to adapt to transient variations while maintaining ease of use through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback by continuously monitoring blood pressure parameters and using this information to automatically adjust the energy application module. This feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to continuous or transient changes in blood pressure without requiring manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
2Reliability
If multiple types of energy are applied to the limb, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy application modalities (mechanical compression, electrical stimulation, ultrasound vibration) into a single integrated wearable device. By merging these functions into one unified system with a single energy application module, the device achieves enhanced therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing the complexity increase that would result from using separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy application module is designed with multi-functionality, capable of delivering different types of energy (mechanical, electrical, acoustic) through a single integrated system. This universal design allows the device to provide comprehensive therapeutic effects while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices, as the same module can switch between different energy modes based on treatment requirements.
3Productivity
If real-time blood pressure monitoring is implemented, then dynamic blood pressure control is achieved, but measurement frequency and system responsiveness must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous blood pressure monitoring and ready-state energy application capability throughout the wear period. The sensing module continuously detects blood pressure changes, and the energy application module remains prepared to immediately respond, eliminating dead time between measurement and treatment initiation. This continuous operation optimizes productivity while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the subject's physiological responses during calibration periods, storing this information for later use. By pre-establishing response profiles and preparing the energy application parameters in advance, the system reduces real-time decision-making time and accelerates the response to blood pressure changes, thereby optimizing both productivity and time efficiency.
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 wearable device effectively reduces blood pressure by stimulating neural pathways to down-regulate sympathetic outflow, improving blood perfusion and providing personalized, adaptive therapy to manage hypertension, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
Implementation Method 1
The energy application module is configured to apply energy of two or more types to the first limb of the subject
Implementation Method 2
using a combination of inflatable cuffs, piezoelectric elements, and electrodes
Implementation Method 3
The wearable device with a sensing module and energy application module that applies therapeutic compression, ultrasound vibration
Implementation Method 4
applying energy with the system to a median nerve of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling blood pressure includes a wearable interface having an internal contact surface, the wearable interface configured to at least partially encircle a first portion of a first limb of a subject, a sensing module carried by the wearable interface and configured to determine at least a change in blood pressure of the first limb of the subject, and an energy application module carried by the wearable interface and configured to apply energy of two or more types to the first limb of the subject.