Nerve Block Using Combined Heat and KHFAC Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for nerve block, such as Kilohertz high-frequency alternating current (KHFAC), cause intense muscle contractions and pain due to an onset response, which limits their clinical utility, and existing treatments for chronic pain and spasticity are either slow or irreversible.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that combines a heat signal and an electric signal, such as KHFAC or direct current, to rapidly and reversibly block nerve conduction, using optrodes and electrodes to apply heat and electricity to the nerve, thereby eliminating the onset response and maintaining the block for extended periods without damaging neural structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Kilohertz high-frequency alternating current (KHFAC) is used to block nerve conduction, then the nerve block is reversible and preserves nerve viability, but an onset response causes intense muscle contractions and pain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereversibility of nerve blockVSAvoidonset response causing muscle contractions and pain

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a brief pre-pulse stimulus (0.1-10ms duration) before the main KHFAC nerve block to condition the nerve and eliminate the onset response. This preliminary action prepares the nerve for the upcoming block, preventing the harmful muscle contractions and pain that would normally occur when KHFAC is first applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-pulse stimulus acts as a preliminary anti-action by inducing a refractory state in the nerve that counteracts the onset response. This counter-stimulus creates a protective effect that prevents the intense muscle contractions and pain associated with the initial application of KHFAC.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If drugs are used to block neural activity, then the block is reversible, but the time course is slow and side effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereversibility of neural blockVSAvoidslow time course of drug action

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of drug action with an electrical mechanism (KHFAC). Instead of relying on pharmacological agents that diffuse and bind to receptors over minutes to hours, the invention uses electrical fields to directly interfere with action potential propagation, achieving nerve block within milliseconds while maintaining reversibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If surgery is performed to block neural activity, then the block is immediate and effective, but it is usually irreversible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmediacy of neural blockVSAvoidreversibility of neural block

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of nerve block from permanent structural alteration (surgery) to reversible electrical field application. By controlling the frequency (kilohertz range), amplitude, and duration of the electrical stimulus, the invention achieves immediate block效果 that can be turned on and off at will, unlike surgical interventions that permanently alter nerve structure.

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

The combined heat and electrical signal approach achieves a fast and reversible nerve block without the onset response, allowing for instantaneous control of spasticity and chronic pain management without systemic side effects, and can be repeated without damaging neural structures.

Implementation Method 1

an optrode that provides heat to a nerve causing the spasticity to block conduction in the nerve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

an electrode that provides an electrical signal to the nerve to block the conduction in the nerve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS10758738B2Systems and methods for fast and reversible nerve block

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIV

AI summary

One aspect of the present disclosure relates a system that can quickly and reversibly block conduction in a nerve. The system can include a first nerve block modality that provides heat to the nerve to block conduction in the nerve. For example, the heat can provide the quick nerve block. The system can also include a second nerve block modality that provides an electrical signal to the nerve to block the conduction in the nerve. For example, the electrical signal can provide the reversibility. In some instances, the heat can be provided by an infrared light signal and the electrical signal can be provided by a kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC) signal or a direct current (DC) signal.