Neuromodulation Guidewire Sensing for Real-Time Denervation Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methodologies for denervation lack adequate feedback regarding the site, extent, and effect of denervation, leading to non-responsive treatments in managing sympathetic hyperactivity-related diseases like hypertension and diabetes.

Innovation Solution

A microsurgical tool with a microfinger and sensing tip for monitoring electrophysiological activity within a lumen, including electrodes and sensors to interface with the lumen wall, providing real-time feedback for neuromodulation procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If current denervation methodologies are used, then treatment can be performed, but adequate feedback regarding site, extent, and effect of denervation is not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeedback informationVSAvoidtreatment effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensing tips that detect electrophysiological signals and provide real-time feedback during denervation procedures. This feedback mechanism allows monitoring of nerve activity, extent of denervation, and physiological response, enabling operators to adjust treatment parameters and confirm successful treatment while avoiding damage to surrounding structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If denervation is performed without feedback, then procedure simplicity is maintained, but non-responders in the clinic remain a concern

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure simplicityVSAvoidtreatment response

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Real-time electrophysiological monitoring provides immediate information about nerve block effectiveness and treatment progress, allowing operators to verify treatment response during the procedure and adjust parameters accordingly, thereby improving treatment reliability without significantly complicating the overall procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely mechanical denervation methods with an enhanced system that incorporates electrical sensing and monitoring capabilities, allowing non-invasive or minimally invasive monitoring of treatment effects through electrical signal detection rather than requiring complex mechanical feedback systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If sensing tips are added to provide feedback, then monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing tips are integrated within the tip of the denervation device, with the sensing elements nested inside or on the surface of the treatment electrode structure. This nested configuration allows multiple functions (treatment and monitoring) to be combined in a compact form factor, minimizing the increase in device complexity while maximizing monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device tip is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - delivering denervation treatment and sensing electrophysiological signals - through integrated electrodes and sensing elements that can both treat and monitor, thereby reducing the need for separate devices and minimizing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise neuromodulation by monitoring and adjusting sympathetic tone, reducing sympathetic hyperactivity, and potentially slowing or preventing the progression of diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

Implementation Method 1

a sensing tip electrically and mechanically coupled to the microfinger in the vicinity of the region, configured to interface with the wall of the lumen, the sensing tip configured to convey one or more electrophysiological signals associated with the activity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophysiological signal detection: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250255553A1Systems and methods for neurological traffic and/or receptor functional evaluation and/or modification

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 AUTONOMIX MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for controlled sympathectomy procedures for neuromodulation are disclosed. A system for controlled micro ablation procedures is disclosed. A guidewire including one or more sensors or electrodes for accessing and recording physiologic information from one or more anatomical sites within the parenchyma of an organ as part of a physiologic monitoring session, a diagnostic test, or a neuromodulation procedure is disclosed. A guidewire including one or more sensors and/or a means for energy delivery, for performing a neuromodulation procedure within a small vessel within a body is disclosed.