Intravascular Neuromodulation Catheter for Autoimmune Sympathetic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current therapies for autoimmune and immune system conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and lupus, require long-term adherence and often fail to address the underlying sympathetic overactivity that exacerbates these conditions, leading to acute flares and reliance on steroids and immunosuppressive agents.

Innovation Solution

Immune system neuromodulation techniques, including electrical, thermal, and chemical methods, are applied to modulate nerves of immune system organs like the spleen and thymus to reduce sympathetic activity, offering localized and potentially long-term relief from autoimmune symptoms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current therapies (steroids and immunosuppressive agents) are used to treat autoimmune conditions, then immune system conditions can be managed, but long-term adherence is required and underlying sympathetic overactivity is not addressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in managing autoimmune conditionsVSAvoidlong-term adherence required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and targets the specific problematic element (sympathetic nerve fibers) that causes exacerbation of autoimmune conditions, rather than treating the entire immune system non-specifically. By isolating and modulating only the sympathetic nerves, the therapy addresses the root cause without requiring long-term systemic immunosuppression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physiological state of sympathetic nerve fibers through neuromodulation techniques (electrical, thermal, or chemical methods), altering their activity from overactive to a balanced state. This parameter change in nerve function provides durable relief without the need for continuous medication adherence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If current therapies are used, then autoimmune symptoms can be controlled, but reliance on steroids and immunosuppressive agents increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of autoimmune symptomsVSAvoidreliance on steroids and immunosuppressive agents

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical/pharmacological system (steroids and immunosuppressive agents) with a physical/neural modulation system. By using electrical, thermal, or chemical neuromodulation methods to directly affect nerve function, the therapy eliminates or reduces dependence on systemic immunosuppressive substances while maintaining symptom control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If current therapies are used, then immune system conditions can be treated, but acute flares occur and side effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment of immune system conditionsVSAvoidacute flares and side effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary neuromodulation to sympathetic nerve fibers before acute flares occur, establishing a balanced neural tone that prevents exacerbation. By proactively modulating nerve activity rather than reacting to symptoms, the therapy prevents acute flares and reduces the need for high-dose immunosuppression that causes side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

These methods effectively decrease markers of inflammation and reduce the need for steroids, providing durable benefits by targeting the root cause of autoimmune conditions and associated symptoms, while minimizing side effects and long-term compliance issues.

Implementation Method 1

delivering energy to the immune system nerve via the neuromodulation assembly to modulate a function of the immune system nerve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy delivery: Heating

Implementation Method 2

delivering energy to the immune system nerve via the neuromodulation assembly to modulate a function of the immune system nerve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy delivery: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS12478806B2Catheter-based devices and associated methods for immune system neuromodulation

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 MEDTRONIC IRELAND MFG UNLIMITED CO

AI summary

Catheter-based devices and associated methods for immune system neuromodulation of human patients are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods of treating a human patient diagnosed with an immune system condition. The methods can include intravascularly positioning a neuromodulation catheter within a blood vessel proximate to neural fibers innervating an immune system organ of the patient. The method also includes reducing sympathetic neural activity in the patient by delivering energy to the neural fibers innervating the immune system organ via the neuromodulation catheter. Reducing sympathetic neural activity improves a measurable physiological parameter corresponding to the immune system condition of the patient.