Sodium Channel Blocker Restoring Superficial Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments fail to effectively restore superficial sensitivity or sense of touch in individuals experiencing numbness due to conditions like diabetes mellitus, chemotherapy, or viral infections, which can lead to unnoticed severe infections or wounds.
Innovation Solution
A sodium channel blocker, such as saxitoxin or tetrodotoxin derivatives, is used to specifically block sodium channels in neurons, allowing for the restoration of superficial sensitivity and sense of touch, administered through a pharmaceutical composition that can be applied topically or systemically, including in the form of creams or injections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pain treatments are used, then pain relief is achieved, but superficial sensitivity restoration is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using specific sodium channel blockers (saxitoxin, tetrodotoxin, or tricyclic 3,4-propinoperhydropurine compounds) at controlled dosages to selectively restore superficial sensitivity. The treatment modifies the physiological parameters of nerve conduction to achieve sensitivity restoration independent of pain relief, thereby addressing the harmful numbness without relying on traditional pain treatment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If sodium channel blockers are used at higher dosages, then pain relief is enhanced, but superficial sensitivity may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by targeting specific sodium channels in superficial nerves with selective blockers. The treatment creates a localized effect on superficial sensitivity restoration while avoiding complete blockage of action potentials. This is achieved through the specific pharmacological properties of the sodium channel blockers used, which preferentially affect superficial nerve conduction without completely blocking deeper nerve functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using sodium channel blockers at dosages that are sufficient to restore superficial sensitivity but controlled to avoid excessive blockage of action potentials. The treatment achieves the desired sensitivity restoration with a partial effect on sodium channel function, preventing the harmful complete blockage that would occur at higher dosages.
3Reliability
If local anesthetics like lidocaine are used, then pain is relieved, but sensitivity is lost in the treated area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the effect of traditional local anesthetics. Instead of causing loss of sensitivity like lidocaine, the sodium channel blockers used in this invention specifically restore superficial sensitivity. This inverted approach achieves the opposite effect of conventional anesthetics, thereby solving the contradiction between pain relief and sensitivity preservation.
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 sodium channel blockers effectively restore sensitivity independent of pain relief, providing a unique effect that differs from traditional pain treatments, with noticeable improvements in sensitivity within days to weeks of application.
Implementation Method 1
a sodium channel blocker is a compound that specifically binds to a sodium channel in an axon of a neuron and specifically blocks the passage of sodium ions through that sodium channel
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a sodium channel blocker for the treatment of a reduction or loss of superficial sensitivity or sense of touch of a human being or another mammal.