Temporal Interference Stimulation of Motor Neurons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spinal cord injuries often result in paralysis, particularly affecting muscles like the diaphragm, necessitating ventilator support, which limits mobility and participation in activities.
Innovation Solution
Application of periodic electrical signals with differing frequencies to specific electrodes on the patient's body to stimulate selected motor neurons, creating a temporal interference pattern that excites these neurons, thereby activating muscles like the diaphragm without invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a patient requires ventilator support for paralyzed muscles, then the patient can maintain breathing function, but the patient's mobility and ability to participate in activities is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ventilator system with an electrical stimulation system that uses multiple periodic electrical signals to directly activate motor neurons. This substitution allows the patient to breathe independently without mechanical assistance, resolving the contradiction between reliable breathing function and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies electrical signals with specific frequency parameters (first frequency and second frequency that differ by a non-zero frequency difference) to stimulate motor neurons. By changing the electrical signal parameters, the system achieves reliable muscle activation without the need for mechanical ventilator support, thereby improving mobility while maintaining breathing function.
2Measurement precision
If invasive procedures are used to stimulate motor neurons, then precise neural activation can be achieved, but the complexity and risk of the treatment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrical signals as an intermediary medium to activate motor neurons without direct invasive contact. The electrical signals transmit energy through the tissue to stimulate neurons, achieving precise neural activation while avoiding the complexity and risk of invasive surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical or surgical methods with non-invasive electrical stimulation. This substitution maintains the precision of neural activation while significantly reducing treatment complexity and patient risk.
3Productivity
If traditional electrical stimulation is applied to activate muscles, then muscle activation can be achieved, but selective activation of specific motor neuron sets is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical stimulation into multiple distinct signals with different frequencies applied through separate electrode sets. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific motor neuron sets by targeting different frequency responses, achieving both efficient muscle activation and precise neural selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameters of electrical signals to achieve selective motor neuron activation. By using a first frequency and a second frequency that differ by a non-zero frequency difference, the system can selectively stimulate different motor neuron populations, improving both activation efficiency and selection precision.
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 method provides a non-invasive, rapid solution for severe hypoventilation after neurological injuries or drug overdoses, allowing for temporary removal from ventilator dependence and potential use in respiratory rehabilitation, enhancing mobility and activity participation.
Implementation Method 1
applying the periodic electrical signals results in a temporal interference pattern that has a frequency within the range of 1 to 100 Hz. The temporal interference pattern may cause one or more selected sets of motor neurons to be excited.
Data Source
AI summary
An example system for exciting a selected set of motor neurons of a patient comprises one or more signal generators configured for generating a first electrical signal and a second electrical signal; a first set of wires configured to provide the first electrical signal to a first set of electrodes, wherein the first set of electrodes are configured for being secured to a first set of positions on the patient; a second set of wires configured to provide the second electrical signal to a second set of electrodes, wherein the second set of electrodes are configured for being secured to a second set of positions on the patient; and a controller configured to control operation of the one or more signal generators. The first electrical signal is a periodic signal of a first frequency. The second electrical signal is a periodic signal of a second frequency. The first frequency and the second frequency differ by a non-zero frequency difference. The first signal is provided to the first electrodes and the second signal is provided to the second electrodes for exciting the set of motor neurons of the patient.