Nasal SPG Electrode Deployment for Reliable Cerebral Blood Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are inadequate in effectively increasing cerebral blood flow, particularly for treating ischemic stroke and dementia, and do not provide a reliable method for stimulating the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) to achieve this goal.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system and method for stimulating the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) using an SPG stimulating device. This device includes electrodes that are deployed within the nasal cavity to stimulate the SPG, thereby increasing cerebral blood flow. The device can be configured in various forms, such as a sheath-based deployment, inflatable electrodes, or electrode arms, to ensure effective stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrical stimulation is applied to the SPG to increase cerebral blood flow, then cerebral blood flow is improved, but the method is not reliable and current technologies are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the stimulation function into multiple independent electrodes that can be selectively activated. Each electrode can be independently controlled to target specific SPG locations, allowing for reliable and adjustable stimulation that overcomes the inadequacy of current single-point methods
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are designed to be deployable and repositionable within the nasal cavity, allowing dynamic adjustment of stimulation location and intensity. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different patient anatomies and achieve reliable stimulation that current static methods cannot achieve
2Productivity
If electrodes are deployed within the nasal cavity to stimulate SPG, then cerebral blood flow increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes are nested within a flexible catheter assembly that can be inserted through the nasal cavity. The catheter contains multiple electrodes in a compact configuration, allowing the complex stimulation function to be delivered through a simple, flexible delivery mechanism that minimizes overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter assembly serves multiple functions: it delivers electrical stimulation, provides structural support for electrode positioning, and can be removed easily after use. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective SPG stimulation
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 SPG stimulating device effectively increases cerebral blood flow, which can be beneficial for treating conditions such as ischemic stroke, dementia, and cardiac arrest. By stimulating the SPG, the device can improve blood flow to the brain, potentially leading to better outcomes in these conditions.
Implementation Method 1
activating a power source to drive the electrodes to apply current to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for stimulating a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of a patient, the method including inserting a tube and an electrode mount into a nasal cavity of the patient and advancing the tube along a floor of the nasal cavity to near a posterior end of an inferior turbinate. One or more electrodes of the electrode mount are deployed superiorly away from the tube while the tube is disposed along the floor of the nasal cavity and the electrode mount is disposed within the nasal cavity, so as to bring at least one of the one or more electrodes into contact with a wall of the nasal cavity. A current configured to stimulate the SPG via the wall is applied to the one or more electrodes. Other embodiments are also described.