Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation via Mobile Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating medical conditions such as epilepsy, headaches, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's are inadequate, as they either have modest success in treating symptoms or fail to stop disease progression, and existing treatments often come with side effects or require invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
Non-invasive electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve using a mobile device with adjustable stimulation parameters to release inhibitory neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and acetylcholine, transitioning microglial cells from a destructive to a reparatory phenotype, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and slowing disease progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive procedures are used to treat medical conditions, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but patient risk and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical surgical procedures with non-invasive electrical stimulation delivery through a mobile device. The electrical stimulation is transmitted through the skin without surgical intervention, eliminating the need for implanted electrodes while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness for conditions like migraine and epilepsy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves as an intermediary between the user and the treatment delivery system. It transmits electrical stimulation through the skin to target nerves without requiring direct surgical access, acting as a mediator that enables non-invasive therapeutic delivery.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional treatments are used for neurodegenerative diseases, then symptom management is provided, but disease progression is not stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the therapeutic parameter from simple symptom management to disease-modifying treatment by using electrical stimulation to trigger neuroprotective mechanisms. The stimulation parameters are adjusted to activate specific neural pathways that can slow or arrest neurodegenerative processes, not just mask symptoms.
3Reliability
If existing treatments are administered, then medical conditions are treated, but significant side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological treatments with electrical stimulation therapy. This substitution eliminates the side effects associated with medications while maintaining effective treatment for conditions like migraine and epilepsy, as the electrical stimulation directly modulates neural activity without chemical intermediaries.
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 method allows for self-treatment of medical conditions with rapid relief from symptoms and potential slowing or arrest of disease progression without significant side effects, offering a convenient and cost-effective alternative to invasive therapies.
Implementation Method 1
electrical impulses are transmitted through an outer skin surface of the patient to the vagus nerve
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that allow a patient to self-treat a medical condition, such as a migraine headache,an epileptic seizure, a neurodegenerative disease, such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, ischemic stroke, post-concussion syndrome, chronic traumatic encephalopathy or the like, by electrical non-invasive stimulation of a vagus nerve. The system can comprise a handheld stimulator which is applied to a surface of the patient's neck, wherein the stimulator comprises or is joined to a mobile device. A camera of the mobile device may be used to position and reposition the stimulator to a particular location on the patient's neck. The system may also comprise a base station that is used to meter the charging of a rechargeable battery within the stimulator. The base station and stimulator transmit data to one another regarding the status of a stimulation session.