Splenic Nerve Stimulation for Post-Operative Inflammation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved methods to stimulate neural activity in the spleen and/or its supplying nerves to reduce post-operative surgical complications, as existing approaches do not effectively manage inflammation-driven complications post-surgery.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising at least one transducer or electrode in signaling contact with the spleen and/or splenic nerves, controlled by a controller to apply an electrical signal that stimulates neural activity, thereby reducing C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plasma levels and minimizing post-operative complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If splenic nerve stimulation is applied to reduce post-operative inflammation, then CRP and IL-6 plasma levels are reduced, but device complexity and surgical intervention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The splenic nerve is segmented into multiple fascicles that can be independently targeted. The device uses multiple electrodes arranged along the nerve to provide localized stimulation at different segments, enabling precise control of neural activity to reduce inflammation while minimizing unnecessary stimulation of other nerve components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic stimulation parameters including variable frequency, amplitude, and pulse width modulation. The controller adjusts these parameters in real-time based on feedback signals, allowing adaptive optimization of anti-inflammatory effects while managing device complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
2Reliability
If chronic splenic nerve stimulation is used to prevent post-operative complications, then surgical outcomes improve, but loss of time and hospital stay duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is activated during the surgical procedure itself, providing immediate neural stimulation to prevent the development of post-operative inflammation and complications. This preliminary action during surgery eliminates the need for prolonged post-operative hospitalization, as the anti-inflammatory effects begin at the source during the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation is delivered continuously or in repeated cycles throughout the surgical procedure to maintain consistent anti-inflammatory activity. This continuous action ensures sustained suppression of cytokine production and CRP levels, achieving reliable surgical outcomes without requiring extended post-operative monitoring or hospital stay.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical stimulation is applied to splenic nerves, then neural activity is enhanced and inflammation is reduced, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic pulsed stimulation rather than continuous energy application. Electrical pulses are delivered at optimized intervals and durations, allowing the neural tissue to recover between stimuli while maintaining cumulative anti-inflammatory effects. This periodic action significantly reduces total energy consumption compared to continuous stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters including frequency, amplitude, and pulse width based on real-time feedback and patient-specific responses. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves maximum anti-inflammatory efficacy with minimum energy input, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining effective neural modulation.
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 significantly reduces CRP levels on post-operative days 2 and 3, correlating with a decrease in post-operative complications, and potentially shortens hospital stays and improves survival rates.
Implementation Method 1
at least one controller electrically coupled to the at least one electrode. The at least one controller may be configured to control the operation of the at least one transducer or electrode to apply an electrical signal to the nerve
Data Source
AI summary
Stimulation of the spleen and/or neural activity of one or more nerves supplying the spleen, such as a nerve associated with the splenic arterial neurovascular bundle, can decrease C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels and post-operative surgical complications. The system for stimulating the spleen and/or neural activity of one or more nerves supplying the spleen for reducing post-operative surgical complications can include at least one transducer in signaling contact with the spleen and/or the one or more nerves; and at least one controller electrically coupled to the at least one transducer. The at least one controller can be configured to control the operation of the at least one transducer to apply a stimulating signal to the spleen and/or the one or more nerves. The stimulating signal may produce a change in a physiological parameter indicative of a target engagement of the nerves resulting in a reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) plasma levels and/or Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plasma levels after surgery and reducing post-operative surgical complications and/or days in hospital.