Neuromodulation System for Reversible Hypertension Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for hypertension, such as renal nerve ablation, are irreversible and carry undesirable side effects, necessitating a more effective and reversible method to manage blood pressure without permanently affecting the renal nervous system.
Innovation Solution
A neuromodulation system that includes a sensor for blood pressure monitoring, modulation output circuitry, and a controller/processor to deliver electrical modulation energy to specific neural targets, such as afferent nerve fibers innervating the kidneys, to modulate action potentials and reduce blood pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If renal nerve ablation is performed to treat hypertension, then blood pressure control is improved, but the renal nervous system is permanently damaged causing undesirable side effects
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of destroying the renal nerves to treat hypertension, this invention applies electrical stimulation to activate the renal nerves. The inversion lies in switching from a destructive approach (ablation) to an activating approach (stimulation), thereby achieving blood pressure control without permanent nerve damage or harmful side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and parameters of neural interaction by applying controlled electrical stimulation pulses with specific amplitude, pulse width, and frequency parameters. This allows modulation of renal nerve activity to achieve therapeutic effect without the permanent structural changes caused by ablation
2Reliability
If continuous electrical stimulation is applied to treat hypertension, then blood pressure control is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic electrical stimulation pulses rather than continuous stimulation. The controller delivers stimulation in scheduled intervals or bursts, allowing the system to maintain therapeutic effect on blood pressure while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors physiological parameters and adjusts stimulation delivery accordingly. Stimulation is applied only when needed based on sensed conditions, optimizing the balance between maintaining blood pressure control and minimizing energy consumption
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 effectively reduces blood pressure by modulating the autonomic nervous system, providing a reversible and safer alternative to existing treatments by adjusting electrical stimulation based on sensed blood pressure thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
electrical stimulation energy conveyed to the electrodes creates an electrical field, which, when strong enough, depolarizes (or 'stimulates') the neural fibers within the spinal cord beyond a threshold level, thereby inducing the firing of action potentials
Data Source
AI summary
A neuromodulation system comprises a sensor configured for sensing a blood pressure of a patient, modulation output circuitry configured for conveying electrical modulation energy to at least one electrode, and a controller/processor coupled to the sensor and the modulation output circuitry. The controller/processor is configured for comparing the blood pressure sensed by the sensor to a first threshold blood pressure, and instructing the modulation output circuitry to convey the electrical modulation energy to the at least one electrode if the sensed blood pressure is greater than the first threshold blood pressure. A method for treating chronic hypertension comprises applying electrical modulation energy to a neural target site, thereby modulating an afferent nerve innervating a patient's kidney, thereby treating the chronic hypertension.