Phrenic Nerve Stimulator Layout for Intubation-Safe Diaphragm Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiration promoting apparatuses face challenges in efficiently stimulating both Phrenic nerves without causing co-stimulation of surrounding tissues, are cumbersome to apply, and can interfere with other treatments due to space constraints and cable complications, often causing pain and requiring recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A respiration promoting apparatus with a support structure that positions first and second field generators laterally along the head to stimulate Phrenic nerves, using adjustable arms and locking mechanisms to ensure precise placement, avoiding front-facing components and minimizing interference, while allowing for flexible adjustment to individual patient anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrode arrays are placed on the patient's neck to stimulate Phrenic nerves, then the diaphragm can be activated, but the electrode arrays may interfere with other treatments like intubation and require recalibration when repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate field generators, each positioned independently on opposite sides of the neck. This segmentation allows each generator to be optimized for its specific location and function, reducing interference with other treatments while maintaining reliable diaphragm activation through coordinated stimulation of both Phrenic nerves
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single midline device to a distributed lateral configuration, moving the field generators from a centralized position to opposite lateral sides of the neck. This dimensional change eliminates interference with intubation and other front-facing procedures while maintaining effective nerve stimulation through spatial distribution
2Reliability
If two separate stimulator devices are used to stimulate both Phrenic nerves, then both nerves can be activated, but the electromagnetic fields may interfere with each other and positioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining two separate field generators for stimulating both Phrenic nerves, the invention merges their positioning systems through a common support structure with a head rest and adjustable arms. This combination allows independent nerve stimulation while simplifying overall positioning through a unified mounting system that coordinates both devices
Solution Approach 2:
A support structure with adjustable arms and a head rest serves as an intermediary between the two field generators and the patient's anatomy. This mediator provides a stable reference frame and positioning mechanism that coordinates the placement of both generators, reducing electromagnetic interference through proper spatial arrangement while maintaining stimulation effectiveness
3Reliability
If coil windings are positioned in parallel to access both Phrenic nerves, then both nerves can be stimulated, but space constraints in the neck region limit coil size and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation system is segmented into two separate field generators positioned on opposite sides of the neck, each with its own coil winding. This segmentation allows each coil to be optimally sized and positioned for its specific target nerve, overcoming the space constraints that would limit a single large coil while ensuring reliable access to both Phrenic nerves
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves from a single-plane coil arrangement to a three-dimensional distributed configuration with generators on opposite lateral sides of the neck. This dimensional change increases the effective working area by utilizing the lateral space around the neck rather than being constrained to a single viewing angle or plane, allowing adequate coil size while maintaining nerve accessibility
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
Enables efficient and pain-free stimulation of both Phrenic nerves, maintaining diaphragm function, overcoming space constraints, and simplifying application, thus supporting effective respiratory recovery without disturbing other treatments.
Implementation Method 1
A strong current pulse (typically a monophasic or biphasic current pulse) flows through a coil winding, which produces a strong, transient magnetic field. The current pulses cause a changing magnetic field that for example alters according to the phases of the current pulses. The changing magnetic field induces a corresponding electric field, which in turn depolarizes neuronal membranes, leading to action potentials through one or more nerves.
Implementation Method 2
A strong current pulse (typically a monophasic or biphasic current pulse) flows through a coil winding, which produces a strong, transient magnetic field. The current pulses cause a changing magnetic field that for example alters according to the phases of the current pulses. The changing magnetic field induces a corresponding electric field, which in turn depolarizes neuronal membranes, leading to action potentials through one or more nerves.
Data Source
AI summary
A respiration promoting apparatus (1) to coordinately stimulate two Phrenic nerves at a neck of a patient for activating a diaphragm of the patient, comprises a first field generator (21), a second field generator (21) and a support structure (3). The first field generator (21) is configured to generate a first spatial field and to be positioned at the patient to stimulate a first Phrenic nerve of the two Phrenic nerves of the patient by means of the first spatial field. The second field generator (22) is configured to generate a second spatial field and to be positioned at the patient to stimulate a second Phrenic nerve of the two Phrenic nerves of the patient by means of the second spatial field. The support structure (3) has an arm holder (33), a first arm (31) and a second arm (32). The first arm (31) and the second arm (32) extend from the arm holder (33). The first field generator (21) is mounted to the first arm (31) and the second field generator (22) is mounted to the second arm (32). The support structure (3) is configured to position the arm holder (33) above or behind a head the patient such that the first arm (31) and the second arm (32) laterally extend along the head towards the neck of the patient.