Patient Neuromodulation Interface for Personalized Glycemic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Type 2 diabetes is challenging to effectively treat, with patients frequently struggling to maintain desirable glycemic levels, leading to complications and high global expenditures, and existing treatments face compliance issues due to self-management.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an implantable pulse generator, electrodes, and a user interface for stimulating or blocking the celiac and hepatic vagal trunks to adjust glucose levels, utilizing a user interface for programming and monitoring neuromodulation therapy, including machine learning algorithms for optimal parameter determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If patients self-manage diabetes treatment (self-inject insulin), then treatment flexibility is improved, but compliance or adherence becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment flexibilityVSAvoidcompliance or adherence

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables patients to self-manage their diabetes treatment through a user-friendly interface that allows them to program stimulation parameters, monitor glucose levels, and adjust therapy settings independently. The patient can access the system via mobile devices and receive guidance through the interface, maintaining autonomy while improving compliance through automated reminders and monitoring features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If frequent monitoring and adjustment of glucose levels is performed, then glycemic control is improved, but treatment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglycemic controlVSAvoidtreatment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors glucose levels and provides real-time feedback to both the patient and clinician. The interface displays glucose trends, stimulation efficacy, and recommendations for parameter adjustments. This automated feedback loop enables frequent monitoring and adjustment without increasing perceived complexity, as the system handles the data processing and interpretation automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual glucose monitoring and calculation processes with automated electronic monitoring and algorithm-based recommendations. The implantable pulse generator and mobile device work together to automatically track glucose levels, calculate stimulation efficacy, and suggest parameter changes, reducing the manual complexity of frequent adjustments while maintaining glycemic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If personalized therapy parameters are programmed, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but user interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoiduser interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides a user interface that allows patients to adjust stimulation parameters such as pulse width, frequency, and amplitude in a simplified manner. The interface includes pre-configured parameter sets and automated recommendations based on glucose trends, enabling personalized therapy without requiring complex manual programming. The system automatically processes parameter changes and monitors their effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 personalized glycemic control, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing postprandial glycemic responses, thereby mitigating complications and enhancing treatment adherence.

Implementation Method 1

an implantable pulse generator configured to generate a current; an electrode device electrically coupled to the implantable pulse generator, the electrode device comprising a plurality of electrodes configured for placement on or around the anatomical element of the patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a user interface for programming and monitoring neuromodulation therapy, including machine learning algorithms for optimal parameter determination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMachine learning:

Data Source

PatentUS12569680B2Patient user interface for a stimulation/block therapy for treatment of type 2 diabetes

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

A system is provided herein for stimulating an anatomical element of a patient. For example, a device may be configured to generate a current, and an electrode device coupled to the device may be configured to apply the current to the anatomical element. Additionally, the system may include a user interface in communication with the implantable pulse generator, the electrode device, or both. In some examples, the user interface may include a first element that is configured to display information associated with the patient. Additionally, the user interface may include a second element that is configured to receive inputs for programming parameters of the current. The user interface may also include a third element that is configured to display diagnostic information associated with applying the current to the anatomical element.