Nerve Stimulation Device with Synchronized Opposite-Direction Stimuli
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation, such as using direct or alternating current, are invasive, costly, and lack adjustability, leading to unpredictable effects on mental and physical health due to incomplete targeting of nerve fiber types and conduction directions.
Innovation Solution
A nerve stimulation device with synchronized first and second stimulators, each generating stimuli that propagate in opposite directions within a nerve fiber, allowing for precise control of stimulation pulses to block each other and target specific fiber types, using electrodes or electromagnets to deliver current or magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct current or alternating current is used to influence the vagus nerve, then the nerve can be stimulated, but the effects on mental states are unpredictable and not specifically reproducible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vagus nerve stimulation by using multiple electrode pairs (first and second electrode pairs) positioned at different locations along the nerve. Each electrode pair targets specific segments of the nerve, allowing selective stimulation of different fiber types (afferent, efferent, sensory, motor) based on their spatial distribution and conduction properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by delivering different current characteristics (direction, amplitude, frequency) to different electrode pairs. The first electrode pair delivers current in one direction while the second electrode pair delivers current in the opposite direction, creating localized stimulation patterns that selectively affect specific fiber types at specific locations along the vagus nerve.
2Reliability
If a pacemaker is surgically implanted to deliver current pulses to the vagus nerve, then the nerve can be stimulated, but the procedure involves surgical risk and high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses surface electrodes placed on the skin as an intermediary to deliver electrical current to the vagus nerve without direct surgical implantation. The current passes through the skin and underlying tissues to reach the nerve, eliminating the need for surgical implantation while still achieving reliable nerve stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical implantation process with a non-invasive electrical stimulation approach. Instead of physically implanting a pacemaker through surgery, the system uses externally applied electrical fields to stimulate the nerve, substituting a mechanical invasive procedure with a non-mechanical non-invasive method.
3Ease of operation
If current pulses are adjusted during operation based on muscle contractions, then the pacemaker can be tuned, but the adjustments cannot be easily or arbitrarily made after implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability by allowing real-time modification of stimulation parameters (current amplitude, frequency, pulse duration) for each electrode pair independently. The system can dynamically adapt the stimulation protocol based on patient response, enabling easy reconfiguration without surgical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic stimulation pulses with adjustable frequency and duration parameters. The stimulation can be delivered in repeated cycles, allowing systematic adjustment of parameters to achieve optimal effects while monitoring patient response over multiple stimulation periods.
4Measurement precision
If only a specific type of afferent fiber is targeted for migraine treatment, then that fiber type can be stimulated, but other relevant fiber types for psychosomatic symptoms are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal stimulation system that can address multiple fiber types (afferent, efferent, sensory, motor) simultaneously or selectively by configuring multiple electrode pairs. Each electrode pair can be independently controlled to target different fiber types, making the system versatile enough to treat various conditions requiring different fiber type stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of spatial distribution along the nerve by positioning electrode pairs at different locations. This spatial dimension allows selective targeting of different fiber types based on their anatomical distribution, enabling comprehensive coverage of all relevant fiber types while maintaining precise control over which types are stimulated.
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 enables targeted and reproducible effects on mental and physical health by blocking stimulus propagation, reducing the risk of adverse effects and improving treatment efficacy for conditions like depression and chronic pain.
Implementation Method 1
The first stimulator 11 is designed to trigger a first stimulus in a nerve fiber F of a nerve of a human being or a mammal, which propagates in a first direction R1 in the nerve fiber F
Implementation Method 2
Each of the two stimulators 11, 12 comprises an electromagnet 41, 42 which, when current flows through it, is capable of generating a magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
The first stimulator 11 and the second stimulator 12 are synchronized in such a way that the first stimulus and the second stimulus are generated within a predetermined time window
Data Source
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AI summary
A nerve stimulation appliance is described which has a first stimulator (11), which is designed to trigger a first stimulus in a nerve fibre of a nerve of a human or mammal, which stimulus propagates in a first direction in the nerve fibre, a second stimulator (12), which is designed to trigger a second stimulus in the nerve fibre, which stimulus propagates in the nerve fibre in a second direction counter to the first direction, wherein the first stimulator (11) and the second stimulator (12) are synchronized in such a way that the first stimulus and the second stimulus are generated within a predefined time window.