Thermal Applicator Fluid Circulation for Reversible Nerve Blockade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for thermal modulation of nerves often cause irreversible damage due to extreme temperatures, lacking flexibility and efficiency in delivering controlled thermal modulation to mammalian tissue.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a thermal energy source, heat exchangers, and a fluid conduit for controlled delivery and withdrawal of thermal energy to achieve reversible nerve blockade by moderate heating and cooling, allowing selective modulation of different nerve fiber types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extreme temperatures are used for thermal modulation of nerves, then nerve blockade effect is achieved, but irreversible nerve damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the temperature parameter from extreme temperatures to moderate temperatures (heating to 40-50°C and cooling to 10-30°C). This changes the thermal modulation approach to achieve reversible nerve blockade without causing irreversible damage, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving blockade effect and avoiding nerve damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through cyclic thermal modulation, alternating between heating and cooling phases. This periodic application of moderate temperatures allows the nerve to undergo reversible functional changes without sustained exposure to damaging extreme temperatures, achieving reliable blockade while preventing permanent injury
2Reliability
If moderate temperatures are used for thermal modulation, then reversible nerve blockade is achieved, but control precision and delivery efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control through temperature sensors that continuously monitor the tissue temperature and provide real-time data to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables precise adjustment of heating and cooling power to maintain moderate temperatures within the desired range (40-50°C for heating, 10-30°C for cooling), ensuring reversible blockade while compensating for the lower inherent precision of moderate temperature delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct extreme thermal mechanical action with a controlled fluid circulation system. The fluid conduit system delivers moderate temperatures through controlled flow rates, allowing precise temporal and spatial control of thermal energy delivery to achieve reversible modulation with improved control precision
3Reliability
If thermal energy is delivered to raise nerve temperature above physiologic temperature, then pain signal blockade is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic thermal modulation with alternating heating and cooling phases. During the heating phase, moderate energy is delivered to raise nerve temperature to 40-50°C for pain blockade. During the cooling phase, energy delivery is reduced or reversed. This periodic approach achieves reliable pain signal blockade while reducing overall energy consumption compared to sustained extreme heating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers thermal energy by using the cooling phase to dissipate heat from the tissue back to the circulation system or environment. The fluid circulation system can recover thermal energy during the cooling phase, reducing the net energy consumption required for subsequent heating phases, thereby achieving pain blockade with improved 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
Achieves reversible thermal modulation of nerves, selectively blocking pain signals without impairing motor function, reducing the risk of nerve damage and enhancing post-therapeutic durability.
Implementation Method 1
The first heat exchanger is coupled to the thermal energy source and configured to receive thermal energy therefrom
Implementation Method 2
The thermal applicator is configured to transfer thermal energy to the skin or tissue to raise the temperature of the treatment portion of the nerve above a physiologic temperature
Implementation Method 3
The second heat exchanger is coupled to the thermal applicator and configured to transfer thermal energy thereto
Implementation Method 4
The fluid conduit is configured to have fluid circulated therethrough to convey thermal energy from the thermal energy source via the first heat exchanger and to the thermal applicator via the second energy at a temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed include systems, methods, and apparatuses, directed to administering thermal neural modulation to mammalian tissue to control nerve conduction. Embodiments disclosed include an apparatus comprising a thermal energy source, a first heat exchanger coupled to the thermal energy source and configured to receive thermal energy therefrom, a thermal applicator configured to be disposed and secured to the anatomy of a subject having a nerve therein, in contact with the skin on the anatomy and overlying a treatment portion of the nerve, the thermal applicator configured to transfer thermal energy to the skin to raise the temperature of the treatment portion of the nerve above a physiologic temperature, a second heat exchanger is coupled to the thermal applicator and configured to transfer thermal energy thereto, and a fluid conduit having a first portion coupled to the first heat exchanger and a second portion coupled to the second heat exchanger. The fluid conduit is configured to have fluid circulated therethrough to convey thermal energy from the thermal energy source via the first heat exchanger and to the thermal applicator via the second energy at a temperature.