Subthreshold DC Nerve Conduction Block After Suprathreshold Priming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nerve conduction block technologies using direct current (DC) face a delay in recovery when applied at a block threshold for prolonged periods, which is undesirable for many applications requiring instantaneous recovery.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that deliver a subthreshold DC nerve conduction block after priming with a suprathreshold DC, utilizing a waveform generator to configure a first phase with a suprathreshold amplitude for initial block and a second phase with a subthreshold amplitude to maintain the block, reducing power consumption and enabling near-instantaneous recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If DC is applied at a block threshold for a prolonged period to maintain nerve conduction block, then the block is sustained, but recovery of neural conduction is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a suprathreshold DC pulse before the subthreshold DC to prime the neural tissue. This preliminary action alters the membrane potential and ion channel states in advance, enabling the subsequent subthreshold DC to maintain block effectiveness while allowing faster recovery after cessation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the amplitude parameter of DC from suprathreshold to subthreshold levels. By transitioning from high-amplitude suprathreshold DC that causes prolonged block to low-amplitude subthreshold DC that maintains block with minimal interference to neural physiology, the recovery time is significantly reduced while maintaining therapeutic effect.
2Speed
If suprathreshold DC is applied to achieve rapid nerve conduction block, then block is achieved quickly, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suprathreshold DC pulse serves as a brief priming action that rapidly establishes the desired neural state. This short-duration high-amplitude pulse achieves the block quickly, followed by a low-power subthreshold maintenance phase, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining fast onset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a two-phase periodic waveform structure: a brief suprathreshold phase for rapid block establishment followed by a extended subthreshold phase for maintenance. This periodic alternation between high-power and low-power phases optimizes both speed of action and energy efficiency.
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 maintains the nerve conduction block while significantly reducing power consumption, extending battery life and allowing for rapid recovery of neural conduction, making it suitable for various neurological disorders and applications.
Implementation Method 1
application of an electrical field to neural tissue has been shown to produce an electrical block of such conduction of neural activity within the neural tissue
Implementation Method 2
application of a DC alone can provide either depolarization or hyperpolarization (depending on the polarity of the signal) and produce a complete nerve conduction block
Implementation Method 3
application of a DC alone can provide either depolarization or hyperpolarization (depending on the polarity of the signal) and produce a complete nerve conduction block
Data Source
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AI summary
A DC nerve conduction block can be maintained by delivering a subthreshold direct current (DC) after priming a neural structure with a suprathreshold DC. A waveform generator can provide a DC waveform including a first phase with a first amplitude capable of providing a nerve conduction block of a neural structure within 1 second and a second phase with a second amplitude less than the first amplitude. One or more electrodes can deliver the first phase for to the neural structure for a first time to provide the nerve conduction block of the neural structure within 1 second and deliver the second phase to the neural structure for a second time to maintain the block of the neural structure. By maintaining the DC nerve conduction block with the subthreshold DC, significant power can be saved, resulting in an extended battery life of the waveform generator.