Nasal Cavity Vibration Device for Hypothalamic Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for diseases associated with hypothalamic dysfunction, such as migraine, Ménière's disease, and cluster headache, lack effective and non-invasive methods, with existing therapies often being invasive and ineffective in managing symptoms.
Innovation Solution
A device that imparts vibrations to the posterior part of the nasal cavity using an expandable stimulation member with a tubular structure and vibration member, specifically targeting the hypothalamus to alter its activity levels, measured by changes in physiological parameters like blood flow and oxygen consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive surgical procedures are used to treat hypothalamic dysfunction, then treatment effectiveness may be improved, but patient safety and risk of complications deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical surgical procedures with a non-invasive mechanical vibration system. The vibration device delivers controlled mechanical oscillations through the nasal cavity to stimulate the hypothalamus, achieving therapeutic effects without surgical intervention, thereby eliminating surgical complications while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the nasal cavity as an intermediary access route to reach the hypothalamus. By delivering vibrations through the nasal passage and skull base, the system provides indirect access to the hypothalamic region, avoiding direct surgical invasion of the brain while still achieving the desired therapeutic stimulation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive vibration therapy is used to stimulate the hypothalamus, then patient safety is improved, but the ability to effectively reach and stimulate the hypothalamus deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension of the nasal cavity and skull base anatomy to transmit vibrations from an accessible external location (nasal passage) to the deeper hypothalamic region. This dimensional approach allows non-invasive access to otherwise difficult-to-reach brain structures by exploiting the anatomical pathway through bone conduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mechanical vibration as the core therapeutic mechanism. By delivering controlled vibrational energy through the nasal cavity and skull base, the system effectively stimulates hypothalamic neurons and associated structures, demonstrating that non-invasive vibration can achieve reliable therapeutic effects for hypothalamic dysfunction.
3Device complexity
If a simple vibration device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to deliver controlled and effective stimulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic control capabilities into the vibration device, allowing adjustment of vibration frequency, amplitude, and duration. This dynamic control system enables customized stimulation protocols tailored to different patients and conditions, ensuring reliable and effective therapy while maintaining reasonable device complexity through electronic control mechanisms.
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 device effectively normalizes hypothalamic activity, reducing symptoms in patients by adjusting vibration frequency and pressure, as demonstrated by improved outcomes in patients with migraine, ALS, Ménière's disease, and heart arrhythmia, with long-lasting effects and minimal side effects.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration member connected to the expansion member and arranged to bring the stimulation member to vibrate
Data Source
AI summary
A method for stimulating the hypothalamus in a human subject is provided. The method includes the step of imparting vibrations to a posterior part of a nasal cavity of the human subject by a device for stimulation of the hypothalamus, which includes an expandable stimulation member arranged to stimulate hypothalamic activity.