Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for Subcerebral Ischemia Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting subcerebral ischemia, such as MRI and PET, are time-consuming, costly, and not readily available, making it challenging to effectively diagnose this condition.

Innovation Solution

An implantable medical device system that delivers phrenic nerve stimulation to induce respiration and measure spontaneous breathing responses, which indicates increased sensitivity of CNS chemoreceptors to blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels, thereby detecting subcerebral ischemia.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If MRI or PET imaging is used to detect subcerebral ischemia, then detection capability is improved, but cost and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex imaging systems (MRI/PET) with a physiological monitoring system that measures spontaneous breathing responses. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive imaging equipment while providing continuous, real-time detection of subcerebral ischemia through respiratory parameter analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the patient's own spontaneous breathing responses as the detection signal, eliminating the need for external imaging equipment. The body's natural physiological response serves as both the subject and the diagnostic indicator, reducing dependency on expensive external devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If MRI or PET imaging is used to detect subcerebral ischemia, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive physiological sensors and monitoring equipment instead of expensive imaging systems. The detection relies on affordable respiratory monitoring technology that can be continuously used without the high costs associated with MRI or PET scanners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces expensive mechanical imaging systems with a cost-effective physiological monitoring approach, substituting the need for sophisticated imaging hardware with simpler, more affordable respiratory parameter measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If phrenic nerve stimulation is used to induce respiration, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The phrenic nerve stimulation system serves multiple functions: it induces respiration for detection purposes, can provide therapeutic breathing support, and monitors respiratory parameters. This multi-functionality justifies the device complexity by providing both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities through a single system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor spontaneous breathing responses and adjust stimulation parameters accordingly. This feedback control optimizes detection sensitivity while managing device complexity through automated regulation of stimulation intensity and duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This method provides a more accessible and efficient means to detect subcerebral ischemia by analyzing spontaneous breathing responses to induced respiration, potentially reducing the reliance on costly and time-consuming imaging technologies.

Implementation Method 1

delivering stimulation to induce activation of the diaphragm to induce respiration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhrenic nerve stimulation:

Implementation Method 2

measure a spontaneous breathing response to the induced respiration. The spontaneous breathing response to the induced respiration may therefore provide indications of increased sensitivity of CNS chemoreceptors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemoreceptor sensitivity:

Data Source

PatentUS8805511B2Method and apparatus to detect subcerebral ischemia

Publication Date: 2014.08.12 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

A medical device and associated method detect ischemia using stimulation delivered to induce respiration. A spontaneous breathing response to the stimulation-induced respiration is determined. Ischemia is detected in response to the spontaneous breathing response. The spontaneous breathing response is measured as a response to adjusting a parameter controlling the stimulation.