tACS Applicator for Retinal Ganglion Cell Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for visual-field defects and cognitive deficits, particularly in long-term Covid patients, lack effective solutions for improving visual and cognitive functions due to disrupted blood flow and neuronal dysregulation, with existing applicators being unsuitable for home use and often causing discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) system with an ergonomic applicator and impulse generator, using electrodes positioned at the temples to stimulate retinal ganglion cells and improve blood flow, combined with data processing for patient-specific signal sequences and non-invasive monitoring of blood flow and oxygen saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-invasive transcranial alternating current stimulation is applied to treat visual-field defects and cognitive deficits, then residual vision can be enhanced and cognitive functions improved, but the treatment requires complex applicator design and patient-specific signal sequences that increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into separate functional components: electrode modules, headband structure, and control unit. Each electrode module can be independently positioned on the head, allowing complex stimulation patterns without increasing overall device complexity. The electrode modules are replaceable and can be configured for different treatment protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator incorporates adjustable electrode positioning systems that allow dynamic adaptation to different patient head shapes and sizes. The headband includes flexible components and adjustable straps, enabling the device to conform to individual anatomical variations while maintaining consistent electrode-skin contact.
2Reliability
If electrodes are positioned at the temples to stimulate retinal ganglion cells, then visual and cognitive functions can be improved, but proper electrode placement requires precise positioning that increases difficulty of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator includes pre-marked positioning guides and templates that indicate correct electrode placement locations on the head. These guides are prepared in advance and do not require real-time adjustment during application, allowing patients to correctly position electrodes without specialized training.
Solution Approach 2:
Conductive gel or adhesive pads are used as intermediaries between the electrodes and skin surface. These intermediaries facilitate proper electrode-skin contact and can be pre-applied to the electrode surfaces, simplifying the placement process and ensuring consistent electrical contact without requiring precise manual positioning.
3Reliability
If patient-specific stimulation signal sequences are used to optimize treatment effects, then visual and cognitive improvements are enhanced, but individualized treatment protocols increase treatment time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes feedback mechanisms that monitor patient response during treatment sessions and automatically adjust stimulation parameters. This real-time feedback allows the device to optimize treatment effects without requiring lengthy manual adjustment periods, reducing overall treatment time while maintaining personalized effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The impulse generator can rapidly switch between pre-programmed stimulation parameters and frequencies. Multiple patient-specific protocols are stored in memory, allowing the device to quickly transition between different treatment modes without requiring time-consuming manual reconfiguration, thus optimizing treatment effects while minimizing time loss.
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 effectively enhances residual vision, improves cognitive functions, and reduces vascular dysregulation, leading to sustained improvements in visual acuity and cognitive performance, even in long-term Covid patients, with the applicator designed for intuitive use and long-term effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
impulse generator for producing electrical stimulation signals
Implementation Method 2
improve blood flow, combined with data processing for patient-specific signal sequences and non-invasive monitoring of blood flow
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for activating nerve cells in the human eye and brain for enhancing the residual vision in existing visual-field defects, for reducing or correcting other visual disturbances or cognitive deficits by means of neurostimulation, in particular non-invasive application of microcurrent to the head, more particularly non-invasive transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), the system consisting of: a non-invasive applicator for guiding a flow of energy to the eye and brain and for stimulating the blood flow and activation of nerve cells, in particular retinal ganglion cells and brain cells; an impulse generator for generating electrical or magnetic stimulation signals; and a data-processing and control unit for providing patient-specific stimulation signal sequences; wherein the applicator comprises for example at least two electrodes, which can be brought into contact with the head of the test subject and in this respect stimulation electrodes, in particular replaceable stimulation electrodes, are fixed on the applicator such that they rest or make contact on the right and left of the eye in the region of the temple of the patient's head; wherein the stimulation signal sequences are provided repeatedly for application until a demonstrable reduction in an existing vascular dysregulation in the eyes and in the brain is determined.