Neuromagnetic Stimulation for Non-Invasive Demyelinated Nerve Pathway Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for assessing demyelinated nerve pathways, particularly in proximal peripheral nerves, are invasive, painful, or inconvenient, and lack effective means to differentiate between demyelinating and non-demyelinating peripheral neuropathies.

Innovation Solution

A computer-based system that processes compound muscle action potential (CMAP) values to determine demyelinating boundary values using normal population data, indicating demyelinated nerve pathways through anatomical diagrams, employing methods such as percentage, specificity, and Z regression approaches to accurately identify demyelination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If conventional electrical stimulation methods are used to assess proximal peripheral nerve pathways, then measurement capability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to pain and inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electrical stimulation methods with magnetic field-based neuromagnetic stimulation. This substitution eliminates the need for direct electrical contact with nerves, thereby maintaining measurement capability while eliminating pain and discomfort associated with percutaneous high-voltage or direct needle stimulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic field as an intermediary between the stimulation source and the nerve pathways. By using magnetic field coupling rather than direct electrical stimulation, the system achieves effective nerve pathway assessment without direct invasive contact, thus improving patient comfort while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If conventional electrical stimulation methods are used, then nerve pathway assessment is possible, but invasiveness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve pathway assessment capabilityVSAvoidinvasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes electrical stimulation with magnetic field-based stimulation. This replacement enables non-invasive assessment of proximal peripheral nerve pathways, eliminating the need for percutaneous needle insertion or direct electrical contact with nerves, thus maintaining diagnostic capability while removing invasiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If demyelinating neuropathy is treated without accurate diagnosis, then treatment may be provided, but treatment cost and side effects increase due to lack of differentiation between demyelinating and non-demyelinating neuropathies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment appropriatenessVSAvoidtreatment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses magnetic field-based neuromagnetic stimulation combined with specific analysis methods to differentiate demyelinating from non-demyelinating neuropathies. This approach provides accurate diagnosis without requiring expensive or invasive procedures, enabling appropriate treatment selection while avoiding unnecessary treatment costs and side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs automated analysis of neuromagnetic stimulation data with built-in algorithms to differentiate between demyelinating and non-demyelinating neuropathies. This self-diagnostic capability reduces reliance on expensive specialist consultations and complex diagnostic procedures, making accurate differentiation more accessible and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system provides a non-invasive, painless method to accurately identify demyelinated nerve pathways, improving diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, and aiding in the treatment of demyelinating neuropathies by visually indicating affected areas.

Implementation Method 1

Another method uses a magnetic coil (MC) for paravertebral neuromagnetic stimulation over the lower lumbar and sacral spine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10492717B2Methods, systems, and devices for determining and visually indicating demyelinated pathways

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 THE RES FOUND OF STATE UNIV OF NEW YORK

AI summary

A method includes receiving multiple compound muscle action potential values (CMAPs), wherein each CMAP is an onset latency, a peak latency, a conduction velocity, or a response amplitude measured from a baseline; for each of the CMAPs and for each of a number parameters calculated from the CMAPs, determining a corresponding demyelinating boundary value using a normal value from a preselected population; determining whether each of the CMAPs and each of the parameters exceeds the corresponding demyelinating boundary value; determining one or more demyelinated nerve pathways based on which of the CMAPs and the parameters exceeds the corresponding demyelinating boundary value; indicating on a display which of the CMAPs and the parameters exceed the corresponding demyelinating boundary value; and displaying, in pictorial form, an anatomical diagram indicating the demyelinated nerve pathways.