Optrode Infrared Modulation for Peripheral Nerve Activity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional treatments for disrupted respiration, such as mechanical ventilation and diaphragmatic pacing, come with serious physiological consequences and high costs, while intermittent hypoxia can lead to adverse effects like hippocampal cell death and inflammation, necessitating an alternative for long-term modulation of peripheral nerve activity.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing light, specifically infrared modulation, applied through an optrode to achieve long-term modulation of peripheral nerve activity, comprising a controller, light generator, and optrode, configured to deliver light of specific intensity and duration to target biological responses without the need for contact or external agents, offering spatial selectivity and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical ventilation is used to treat disrupted respiration, then respiratory function is improved, but physiological consequences and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical ventilation systems with optical stimulation. An optrode delivers focused light (e.g., infrared laser) directly to the peripheral nerve, using photostimulation to modulate nerve activity and improve respiratory function without the mechanical invasiveness and physiological consequences of ventilation machines
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the stimulation parameter from mechanical force to optical energy. By controlling light parameters (wavelength, intensity, duration), the system achieves specific neural modulation effects. For example, using infrared light at specific wavelengths and pulse durations to activate TRPV channels and modulate phrenic nerve activity without mechanical intervention
2Reliability
If diaphragmatic pacing is used to treat disrupted respiration, then respiratory function is improved, but physiological consequences and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical diaphragmatic pacing with optical stimulation. Instead of using electrodes to deliver electrical pulses to the diaphragm or phrenic nerve, the system uses an optrode to deliver focused light, achieving the same respiratory stimulation effect through a non-invasive optical mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary to modulate nerve activity. The optrode delivers optical energy that acts as a mediator between the external controller and the peripheral nerve, triggering neural responses without direct electrical contact or mechanical intervention
3Reliability
If intermittent hypoxia is used to increase motor output to respiratory muscles, then respiratory muscle activity is improved, but adverse effects occur including hippocampal cell death, hypertension, and inflammation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physiological stress mechanism of intermittent hypoxia with direct optical stimulation. Instead of relying on hypoxic stress to indirectly increase motor output, the system uses focused light to directly modulate nerve activity and trigger respiratory muscle contraction, avoiding the harmful physiological consequences of hypoxia
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the stimulus parameter from chemical (hypoxia) to optical. By controlling light parameters (wavelength, intensity, pulse duration), the system achieves respiratory muscle activation without the adverse effects of hypoxic stress. The optical stimulus selectively activates TRPV channels and serotonin pathways without causing systemic physiological distress
4Duration of action of stationary object
If light is applied to peripheral nerve, then long-term modulation of nerve activity is achieved, but device complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the light source within the optrode structure. The optrode contains an integrated light generator (e.g., LED or laser diode) and fiber optic delivery system, creating a compact nested unit that can be implanted or positioned at the nerve site, reducing overall system complexity while enabling prolonged modulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic or pulsed light application to achieve long-term neural modulation. By delivering light in controlled pulses or cycles, the system triggers sustained neural responses that persist after stimulation ends. The periodic stimulation pattern activates TRPV channels and serotonin pathways in a rhythm that promotes long-lasting plastic changes in nerve activity
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 light-based system achieves long-term modulation of peripheral nerve activity with reduced physiological consequences, increasing amplitude without affecting breathing frequency, and is shown to evoke effects similar to intermittent hypoxia through serotonin pathways, providing a precise and non-invasive treatment option.
Implementation Method 1
applying light to the peripheral nerve... The configured illumination can be delivered to the peripheral nerve by an optrode
Implementation Method 2
INFRARED MODULATION... applying light, which can lead to long-term modulation of this peripheral nerve activity... The generator can be configured to receive the configuration from the controller and generate the light according to the configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for using a light signal (e.g., an infrared (IR) light signal) for long-term modulation of peripheral nerve activity. Light generated with parameters (including intensity and time) can be applied to a peripheral nerve to achieve a target biological response. The target biological response can extend for a period after the light is applied. For example, when the light is applied for short period of time (e.g., 20 seconds), the target biological response can extend for a long period of time (e.g., over one hour).