Microwave Neuromodulation System Using Intersecting Vector Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current neuromodulation techniques for pain relief and neurological disorders are limited by the need for invasive surgery, discomfort, side effects, and inability to precisely target specific nerve fibers, with electrical stimulation methods causing tissue damage and interference with medical imaging.

Innovation Solution

A microwave neuromodulation system using multiple intersecting microwave vector fields to create hypersound vibrations, selectively stimulating specific nerve fibers and tissues without direct contact, using microwave energy sources with controlled frequency, power, and phase to produce bioactive waves that modulate cellular functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical stimulation is used for neuromodulation, then nerve fibers can be stimulated to relieve pain, but tissue damage occurs through local heating and pH changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain relief effectivenessVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical stimulation with microwave electromagnetic field stimulation. Instead of using electrical currents that cause tissue damage through heating and pH changes, the invention uses microwave energy at frequencies of 1-10 GHz to stimulate nerve fibers. The microwave fields interact with the neural tissue through dielectric heating and electromagnetic coupling, achieving neuromodulation without the harmful side effects of electrical stimulation such as local tissue damage, pH changes, and uncomfortable shock sensations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If implanted electrodes and pulse generators are used, then neuromodulation can be delivered, but surgery and associated risks are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneuromodulation deliveryVSAvoidsurgical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical implant system (electrodes and pulse generators requiring surgical implantation) with a non-invasive electromagnetic field delivery system. Microwave energy is transmitted through the skin and soft tissues using external antennas or applicators, eliminating the need for surgical implantation. This substitution of mechanical implantation with electromagnetic field penetration resolves the contradiction by maintaining effective neuromodulation delivery while completely avoiding surgical procedures and their associated risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If high current levels are applied to stimulate A fibers, then pain relief is achieved, but unpleasant shock sensations and discomfort occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain reliefVSAvoidshock sensations and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental stimulation parameter from electrical current to microwave electromagnetic field frequency and intensity. By operating in the 1-10 GHz frequency range, the system achieves selective neural stimulation without the threshold effects that cause uncomfortable shock sensations in electrical stimulation. The microwave fields penetrate tissues and interact with neural membranes through dielectric properties, providing smooth, comfortable stimulation that avoids the prickly discomfort and painful shock sensations associated with high-level electrical currents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for non-invasive, precise neuromodulation with reduced side effects, achieving targeted stimulation of specific nerve fibers and tissues, enhancing pain relief and tissue metabolism without tissue damage or imaging interference.

Implementation Method 1

Microwave energy sources with controlled frequency, power, and phase to produce bioactive waves that modulate cellular functions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A microwave neuromodulation system using multiple intersecting microwave vector fields to create hypersound vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostriction: Electrostriction

Implementation Method 3

Microwave energy at elevated power levels has long been known to produce heating of biological tissues

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20230264038A1Method for Microwave Treatment and System for Same

Publication Date: 2023.08.24 HYPERSOUND MEDICAL INC

AI summary

A method for treating a patient that includes directing first microwave energy towards excitable tissue in a patient and second microwave energy towards the excitable tissue at an angle from the first microwave energy. The first electric field from the first microwave energy overlaps with the second electric field from the second microwave energy at the excitable tissue so as to alter a physiological function of the excitable tissue. Third microwave energy can optionally be directed towards the excitable tissue for overlapping with the first microwave energy and the second microwave energy at the excitable tissue.