Neurohydrodissection for Peripheral Nerve Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current headache treatments often focus on the central nervous system, neglecting the potential benefits of addressing peripheral nerve system disorders, which are thought to contribute to migraines and other headaches, leading to inadequate relief for many patients.
Innovation Solution
The method of neurohydrodissection involves physically inspecting and imaging patients to locate inflamed nerve compression sites, followed by injecting a solution, such as dextrose 5% in water, to dissect the nerve from surrounding tissues like muscle, fascia, and ligaments, thereby reducing pain perception and headache symptoms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional treatments focusing on the central nervous system are used, then treatment coverage is broad, but effectiveness for peripheral nerve-related headaches is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment approach is segmented into two distinct components: (1) conventional central nervous system treatments for broad coverage, and (2) peripheral nerve hydrodissection for targeted effectiveness. This segmentation allows each treatment modality to address specific aspects of headache pathology without compromising overall treatment coverage while improving effectiveness for peripheral nerve-related cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary diagnostic and treatment process (peripheral nerve hydrodissection) that bridges the gap between conventional CNS treatments and peripheral nerve pathologies. This intermediary approach uses imaging guidance and targeted injection to address peripheral nerve compression sites that conventional treatments miss, thereby improving overall treatment effectiveness without sacrificing broad coverage.
2Manufacturing precision
If peripheral nerve hydrodissection is performed without imaging guidance, then the procedure is simpler, but precision in locating compression sites is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing imaging scans (ultrasound, MRI, or CT) before the hydrodissection procedure to identify and map compression sites. This preliminary imaging step provides precise anatomical information that guides subsequent needle placement and injection, ensuring high precision in locating compression sites while managing procedure complexity through structured pre-planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual palpation and anatomical estimation (mechanical/manual methods) with imaging-based localization systems. By substituting physical exploration with visual guidance from ultrasound, MRI, or CT imaging, the procedure achieves superior precision in identifying compression sites while maintaining a manageable procedural workflow through image-guided navigation.
3Reliability
If multiple compression sites are treated sequentially, then comprehensive relief is achieved, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using imaging technology to identify and map all compression sites along the affected nerve pathway before beginning treatment. This advance mapping allows the clinician to plan the treatment sequence efficiently, potentially treating multiple sites in a single procedure while minimizing total treatment time through optimized workflow and reduced need for repeated imaging or exploration.
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 effectively reduces headache symptoms by targeting inflamed nerves in the peripheral nervous system, providing alternative relief for patients whose symptoms are not adequately addressed by conventional treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The method comprises the step of ultrasound imaging the patient at the first compression site
Data Source
AI summary
A method of neurohydrodissection for reducing a perception of pain in a patient is disclosed. The method comprises a step of physically inspecting the patient and locating a first compression site of a nerve of the patient where the nerve passes through a tissue and is inflamed. The method comprises a step of imaging the patient at the first compression site. The method comprises a step of inserting a syringe at the first compression site, wherein while the imaging the patient at the first compression site occurs, guiding the syringe to an intersection between the nerve and the tissue, injecting a solution with the syringe at the intersection and dissecting the nerve from the tissue.