Peripheral Nerve Signal Conversion for Personalized Neuromodulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for conditions such as epilepsy and depression rely on invasive surgical implantation of devices to stimulate the vagus nerve, which is costly and invasive, and transcutaneous methods lack personalized therapeutic benefits.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for processing measured peripheral nerve tissue signals into synthetic neuromodulatory signals (NMS) using a state-machine model, allowing for the generation and application of personalized therapeutic benefits without surgery, through electronic devices that convert neurograms into NMS for targeted nerve stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive surgical implantation of devices is used to stimulate the vagus nerve, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but invasiveness and surgical risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/surgical implantation system with an acoustic signal delivery system. Instead of surgically implanting electrodes to directly stimulate the vagus nerve, the invention uses acoustic signals (sound waves) that can be applied transcutaneously to trigger neuromodulatory effects, thereby eliminating surgical invasiveness while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary between the external stimulus and the vagus nerve. Rather than directly contacting or implanting electrodes on the nerve, acoustic waves serve as a mediator that can penetrate tissue and trigger neural responses indirectly, reducing surgical risk while preserving therapeutic benefits
2Object-affected harmful factors
If transcutaneous devices are used to stimulate the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, then invasiveness is reduced, but personalized therapeutic benefits are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where neural activity signals are monitored and used to adjust the acoustic stimulation parameters. The system measures neural responses and uses this information to personalize and optimize the therapeutic effect for each individual, thereby maintaining adaptability while using non-invasive transcutaneous delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of stimulation parameters based on real-time neural activity measurements. The acoustic stimulation characteristics (frequency, intensity, duration) can be dynamically modified to match the individual's neural response patterns, enabling personalized therapy without requiring surgical implantation
3Adaptability or versatility
If measured peripheral nerve tissue signals are converted to synthetic neuromodulatory signals, then personalized therapy is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified synthetic representations (copies) of complex neural activity patterns. Instead of directly using raw neural signals for control, the system extracts key features and creates simplified synthetic neuromodulatory signals that capture the essential therapeutic information, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining personalized therapy capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential features from measured neural activity signals that are necessary for therapeutic control. By selecting and extracting specific relevant features rather than processing the complete raw signal, the system reduces computational complexity while preserving the ability to deliver personalized therapy
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods of generating and applying a synthetic neuromodulatory signal are described. A subject may be put under a particular condition that causes an effect in the subject. While the subject is under the condition, a recording of neurogram signals derived from the condition can be made from the subject. For example, neuronal signals traveling on the vagus nerve of the subject may be monitored and recorded. The neurogram may then be used to create a synthetic neuromodulatory signal that can be administered to a user. When the synthetic neuromodulatory signal is administered to the user, the user may experience the same effect as the subject that had been placed in the condition, even though the user was never put under the same condition.