Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation for Autonomic Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapies for cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure and hypertension, often rely on invasive methods like spinal cord stimulation, which may have limitations in efficacy and invasiveness, and there is a need for more targeted approaches to modulate autonomic tone effectively.
Innovation Solution
A peripheral nerve field modulation (PNFM) therapy system using subcutaneously implanted electrodes to deliver current and control field potentials at specific peripheral nerve fields, particularly targeting intercostal nerves extending from the T1-T5 region of the spinal cord, to modulate sympathetic and parasympathetic tones, thereby addressing cardiovascular conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spinal cord stimulation is used to control pain and modulate sympathetic tone, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but invasiveness and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by stimulating peripheral nerve fields (subcutaneous tissue) rather than directly stimulating the spinal cord. This peripheral nerve field stimulation acts as a mediator to achieve sympathetic modulation and pain control without requiring invasive spinal cord access, thereby maintaining therapeutic efficacy while reducing surgical complexity and invasiveness
2Reliability
If invasive spinal cord stimulation is used to modulate autonomic tone, then sympathetic inhibition is achieved, but patient comfort and surgical risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs peripheral nerve field stimulation as an intermediary method to achieve sympathetic modulation. By stimulating the subcutaneous nerve fields rather than directly accessing the spinal cord, the system achieves the desired autonomic tone modulation while avoiding the surgical risks associated with invasive spinal procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive approach of spinal cord stimulation with a non-invasive peripheral nerve field stimulation approach. This substitution eliminates the need for surgical access to the spinal cord while maintaining the therapeutic effect through alternative neural pathways
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 PNFM system provides a less invasive method to reduce sympathetic tone, redistribute coronary blood flow, decrease total peripheral resistance, and stabilize the intracardiac nervous system, offering a synergistic effect with other therapies to prevent or treat ventricular remodeling and hypertension.
Implementation Method 1
The PNFM electrodes are electrically connected to the PNFM therapy system. The PNFM therapy delivery system and the PNFM electrodes are configured to deliver current and/or control the field potentials at one or more peripheral nerve fields
Data Source
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AI summary
Some embodiments provide a system, comprising a peripheral nerve field modulation (PNFM) therapy delivery system, PNFM electrodes configured to be implanted subcutaneously, and a controller. The PNFM electrodes are electrically connected to the PNFM therapy system. The PNFM therapy delivery system and the PNFM electrodes are configured to deliver current and/or control the field potentials at one or more peripheral nerve fields. The controller is configured to control the PNFM therapy delivery system to deliver a PNFM therapy to the one or more peripheral nerve fields. The controller includes a scheduler configured to control timing of the PNFM therapy.