Neural Interface Impedance Feedback for Targeted Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neuromodulation devices lack real-time feedback for ensuring the correct dosage of nerve stimulation, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis therapies, as immune system modulation effects are not immediately observable, and cytokine analysis is not fast enough.
Innovation Solution
A neural interface device with electrodes and impedance measuring modules that adjust stimulation based on real-time impedance measurements to induce a target action potential or downstream effect, using a controller to correlate impedance with physiological responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct feedback methods (such as cytokine analysis) are used to monitor nerve stimulation effects, then measurement accuracy of therapeutic effect is improved, but response time is too slow to provide real-time feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces impedance as an intermediary parameter that correlates with nerve activation. Instead of directly measuring slow immune system modulation effects via cytokine analysis, the system measures electrical impedance changes that occur rapidly in response to nerve stimulation. This intermediary measurement provides real-time feedback while maintaining correlation with the ultimate therapeutic effect, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and response time.
2Ease of operation
If impedance measurement electrodes are positioned to measure longitudinal impedance along the nerve, then measurement of nerve activation is simplified, but measurement precision is reduced due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric electrode positioning where the first pair of electrodes is positioned longitudinally along the nerve for stimulation, while the second pair of electrodes is positioned transversely (perpendicularly) across the nerve for impedance measurement. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the measurement electrodes are not collinear with the stimulation electrodes, thereby eliminating or reducing signal interference while maintaining measurement precision.
3Reliability
If stimulation electrodes are positioned longitudinally along the nerve, then effective nerve activation is achieved, but impedance measurement precision deteriorates due to electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second pair of transverse electrodes as an intermediary measurement system that is electrically isolated from the longitudinal stimulation electrodes. This separate measurement pathway acts as an intermediary that captures impedance changes without being contaminated by the strong electromagnetic signals from the stimulation electrodes, thereby maintaining both effective nerve activation and precise impedance measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric electrode positioning where the first pair of electrodes is positioned longitudinally along the nerve for stimulation, while the second pair of electrodes is positioned transversely (perpendicularly) across the nerve for impedance measurement. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the measurement electrodes are not collinear with the stimulation electrodes, thereby eliminating or reducing signal interference while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Enables real-time monitoring and adjustment of nerve stimulation dosage to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, using impedance as a surrogate marker for nerve activation, ensuring effective neuromodulation.
Implementation Method 1
an impedance measuring module operatively connected to at least a subset of the electrodes, wherein the impedance measurement module is configured to measure the impedance between the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A system for stimulation of a nerve and measuring impedance. The system includes a neural interface device including a plurality of electrodes; a voltage or current source operatively connected to at least a subset of the electrodes, wherein the voltage or current source is configured to generate an electrical signal to be applied to the electrodes; an impedance measuring module operatively connected to at least a subset of the electrodes, wherein the impedance measurement module is configured to measure the impedance between the electrodes; and a controller arranged to determine an amplitude of an action potential induced in the nerve, via the electrical signal, based on the measured impedance and to adjust the electrical signal in order to induce an action potential having a target amplitude.