Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Stroke Neuroprotection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating strokes and transient ischemic attacks are only partially effective, both acutely and in rehabilitation, and invasive vagus nerve stimulation methods are limited in utility.
Innovation Solution
Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation using magnetic and/or electrical energy to modulate vagus nerve signals, reducing inflammation and inhibiting the formation, growth, rupture, or hemorrhage of aneurysms, and providing neuroprotection during acute stroke by inhibiting glutamate-mediated excitation through GABA, serotonin, and norepinephrine release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive vagus nerve stimulation is used to treat stroke, then neuroprotection can be achieved, but the device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical electrode implantation with non-invasive electromagnetic field delivery. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) are used to deliver stimulation through the skull to activate vagus nerve pathways, eliminating the need for surgical implantation while maintaining therapeutic efficacy for stroke rehabilitation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary to transmit stimulation energy non-invasively. The electromagnetic field acts as a mediator that can penetrate the skull and activate neural tissue without direct physical contact with the vagus nerve, thus achieving neuroprotection without invasive procedures
2Reliability
If current stroke treatment methods are used, then some therapeutic effect can be achieved, but the treatment effectiveness is only partial
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vagus nerve stimulation during the acute phase of stroke (within hours of onset) to prevent secondary damage before it occurs. By delivering electromagnetic stimulation early to activate neuroprotective pathways, the treatment prevents excitotoxicity and inflammation that would otherwise worsen the stroke outcome, thereby improving overall treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs repeated and continuous electromagnetic stimulation protocols during the acute and subacute phases of stroke. Multiple stimulation sessions are delivered over time to sustain neuroprotective effects, promote plasticity, and enhance rehabilitation outcomes, ensuring continuous therapeutic action rather than single-point intervention
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 non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation effectively reduces inflammation associated with aneurysms and provides neuroprotection during acute stroke, potentially preventing or limiting stroke damage without significant side effects.
Implementation Method 1
an energy source within the housing and coupled to the contact surface. The energy source generates at least one electric impulse and transmits the at least one electrical impulse transcutaneously and non-invasively from the contact surface through the outer skin surface of the patient to a selected nerve fiber in the patient
Implementation Method 2
The energy impulses (and/or fields) that are used to treat those conditions comprise electrical and/or electromagnetic energy, delivered non-invasively to the patient
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating one or more symptoms of central nervous system disorders in a patient, such as anxiety disorders, fibromyalgia, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and others. A method includes positioning a contact surface of a device in contact with an outer skin surface of patient and applying an electrical impulse transcutaneously from the device through the outer skin surface of the patient to a vagus nerve in the patient for about 90 seconds to about 3 minutes. The electrical impulse is sufficient to modify the vagus nerve such that the symptoms of the central nervous system disorder are reduced. For chronic treatment of such disorders, a stimulation protocol is provided that includes two or more doses administered per day for a period of time sufficient to relieve the symptoms.