Selective Nerve Fiber Block Using Charge-Balanced High-Frequency AC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selectively blocking nerve fibers using electrical stimulation are not reliable, consistent, or safe, as they often cause damage to nervous tissue, painful sensations, or unwanted muscle contractions, and lack a practical and effective system for selective nerve block without affecting non-targeted nerves.
Innovation Solution
The method involves delivering charge-balanced high-frequency alternating current electrical stimulation to peripheral nerves, specifically targeting C-fibers while sparing A-fibers, using electrode assemblies like nerve cuffs or percutaneous electrodes, with frequencies above 30 kilohertz and amplitudes below 25 milliamps, to block nerve signal transmission effectively without causing pain or muscle contractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional DC stimulation is used to block nerve fibers, then nerve signal transmission can be blocked, but nervous tissue and metal electrodes may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stimulation parameters from conventional DC to charge-balanced AC waveforms with frequencies between 10-100 kHz. This parameter change allows effective nerve blocking while preventing tissue damage through charge balancing, where the net charge delivered over a complete cycle is zero, eliminating electrode corrosion and tissue electrolysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic alternating current stimulation instead of continuous DC. The periodic waveform with controlled frequency and charge balance delivers blocking effects while allowing tissue recovery during each cycle, preventing cumulative damage that occurs with unbalanced DC stimulation
2Reliability
If electrical stimulation is used to block nerve fibers, then nerve block can be achieved, but painful sensations and unwanted musclecontractions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies charge-balanced AC stimulation with specific frequency ranges (10-100 kHz) that selectively affect different nerve fiber types. The local quality of the electrical field is optimized to preferentially block small-diameter C-fibers and A-delta fibers while sparing large-diameter A-beta fibers, achieving selective analgesia without motor side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamically adjustable stimulation parameters including frequency modulation between 10-100 kHz and variable amplitude control. This dynamic adjustment allows real-time optimization of the blocking effect while maintaining patient comfort and avoiding painful sensations or muscle contractions
3Reliability
If traditional electrophysiological stimulation is used, then nerve block may be achieved, but consistent and predictable results are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust stimulation parameters in real-time. By monitoring physiological responses and adjusting the charge-balanced AC waveform parameters accordingly, the system achieves consistent and predictable nerve blocking results across different patients and conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a systematic approach where charge-balanced AC stimulation is applied at predetermined frequency ranges (10-100 kHz) and amplitudes before clinical use. This preliminary characterization of optimal parameters ensures consistent and reliable blocking results when the device is deployed
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 approach allows for selective and reliable nerve blockage of C-fibers while preserving A-fiber function, reducing the risk of tissue damage and unwanted side effects, and can be applied transcutaneously or percutaneously, providing a safe and effective means to modulate nerve activity.
Implementation Method 1
delivering charge-balanced high-frequency alternating current electrical stimulation to peripheral nerves
Implementation Method 2
high frequency alternating current waveforms have a monotonic relationship between frequency and blocking thresholds for C-fibers
Data Source
AI summary
A system for selectively blocking nerve fiber activity in a target nerve is provided. The system includes one or more electrodes. The system further includes an electronic control system electrically attached to each electrode to deliver electrical stimulation to a target nerve to block nerve signal transmission of C-fibers in the target nerve such that the nerve signal transmission of A-fibers in the target nerve providing motor function and/or low-threshold sensory function is not blocked. A method of delivering electrical stimulation to selectively block nerve fiber activity in a target nerve and a kit for performing a procedure to selectively block nerve fiber activity are disclosed.