Intravascular Optical Magnetic Sensor for Neuromodulation Evaluation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques for measuring small magnetic fields generated by nerves inside a human patient are expensive, bulky, and difficult to position intravascularly, limiting the effectiveness of neuromodulation therapy evaluation.

Innovation Solution

A neuromodulation system with an optical magnetic sensor positioned intravascularly within a blood vessel, capable of measuring neural magnetic fields before, during, and after a procedure, and a magnet assembly to amplify these fields for improved detection, allowing for precise evaluation of neuromodulation efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional techniques are used to measure magnetic fields generated by nerves, then measurement capability is achieved, but the devices are expensive, bulky, and difficult to position intravascularly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field measurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice size and positioning difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/superconducting magnetometer systems with an optical detection system based on the Zeeman effect. Lasers illuminate vapor cells containing alkali metals (e.g., rubidium), and magnetic fields from neural activity are detected through optical polarization changes, eliminating the need for bulky superconducting components while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the detection system by using room-temperature vapor cells instead of cryogenically-cooled superconductors. The system operates at physiological temperatures using optical pumping and Zeeman splitting of atomic energy levels, enabling intravascular positioning without liquid helium cooling infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If conventional magnetometers are used, then magnetic field detection is possible, but the cost is significantly high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneural magnetic field detectionVSAvoidcost of equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable or reusable vapor-filled glass cells containing alkali metals instead of expensive superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). These optical detection cells can be manufactured at lower cost and do not require cryogenic cooling infrastructure, significantly reducing overall system cost while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for neural activity detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention substitutes expensive superconducting electronics with optical physics-based detection using readily available laser diodes and vapor cells. This replacement of superconducting technology with optical methods dramatically reduces component costs and eliminates the need for expensive cryogenic cooling systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If intravascular positioning is attempted with conventional devices, then proximity to nerves is achieved, but positioning becomes excessively difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity to neural targetsVSAvoidintravascular positioning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the optical magnetic sensor into a flexible catheter system with a soft, compliant structure that can navigate intravascular anatomy. The vapor cell and optical components are housed in a flexible housing that conforms to vessel walls, enabling easy advancement through tortuous vasculature and stable positioning adjacent to renal nerves for optimal signal detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enhances the evaluation of neuromodulation procedures by providing detailed information on neural activity reduction and ablation location, improving the accuracy and efficacy of renal denervation therapies.

Implementation Method 1

an optical magnetic sensor configured to measure the magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical magnetic sensing: Magnetometer

Implementation Method 2

a magnet assembly configured to amplify the neural magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Data Source

PatentUS11864904B2Systems, devices, and methods for evaluating neuromodulation therapy via detection of magnetic fields

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 MEDTRONIC IRELAND MFG UNLIMITED CO

AI summary

Systems and methods for measuring the magnetic fields generated by renal nerves before and/or after neuromodulation therapy are disclosed herein. One method for measuring the magnetic field of target nerves during a neuromodulation procedure includes positioning a neuromodulation catheter at a target site within a renal blood vessel of a human patient near the target nerves, and detecting a measurement of the magnetic field generated by the target nerves. The method can further include determining, based on the measurement of the magnetic field, a location of the target nerves, a location of ablation at the target nerves, and/or a percentage the target nerves were ablated by delivered neuromodulation energy.