Splanchnic Nerve Stimulation for Closed-Loop Heart Preload Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to effectively modulate heart preload in patients with either excessively high or low preload, particularly in clinical settings such as emergency departments, intensive care units, and perioperative environments, leading to complications like acute pulmonary edema or cardiogenic shock.
Innovation Solution
A medical therapy system comprising a sensor device, electrical stimulation device, and controller that automatically modulates heart preload by stimulating or blocking splanchnic nerves to adjust venous blood vessel constriction or dilation, using electrical signals generated based on sensor measurements to maintain optimal preload levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to modulate heart preload, then operator control is maintained, but the response time is delayed and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensor measurements to automatically generate control signals that modulate heart preload without requiring continuous operator input. The controller receives sensor measurements, processes them, and generates appropriate control signals to stimulate or block splanchnic nerves, enabling the system to self-regulate preload within target ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where sensor measurements of heart preload are continuously monitored and fed back to the controller. Based on these measurements, the controller automatically adjusts stimulation parameters to maintain preload within the desired target range, improving precision and response time.
2Productivity
If automated control is implemented, then response time is reduced and precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is configured to automatically modulate heart preload without further operator input after initial activation. The controller continuously receives sensor measurements and generates control signals to stimulate or block splanchnic nerves, enabling fully automated preload management that improves response time and productivity.
3Reliability
If splanchnic nerve stimulation is used to modulate preload, then precise control is achieved, but the risk of adverse reactions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-loop feedback system continuously monitors heart preload via sensor measurements and automatically adjusts stimulation parameters to maintain preload within the target range. This precise control reduces the risk of adverse reactions by preventing both supracellular and intracellular acidosis through optimal preload management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters based on real-time sensor measurements to optimize preload modulation. By changing electrical stimulation parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration) in response to measured preload levels, the system achieves reliable control while minimizing adverse effects.
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 system provides precise and automated control of heart preload, reducing the need for manual interventions and minimizing adverse reactions, thereby stabilizing cardiac function and improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical stimulation device (150) configured to deliver an electrical stimulation signal to a splanchnic nerve
Data Source
AI summary
A medical therapy system includes an electrical stimulation device having a at least one electrode that stimulates a splanchnic nerve, a sensor device for providing a sensor measurement indicative of a heart preload, and a controller configured to, in response to the sensor measurement, generate a control signal for causing the electrical stimulation device to deliver an electric stimulation signal to the splanchnic nerve.