Thermoelectric Local Cooling for Reversible Nerve Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for nerve block, such as extreme cooling or heating, require significant energy and can cause nerve tissue damage, and high-frequency electrical stimulation induces initial nerve firing, making them unsuitable for chronic applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving reversible thermal block by heating nerves to 42-54°C and cooling to 15-30°C, using a thermoelectric device with a temperature controller and sensor to achieve a safe and reversible nerve block without initial response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extreme cooling (below 15°C) or heating (above 46°C) is applied to block nerve conduction, then nerve block is achieved, but significant energy is required and nerve tissue damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from extreme values (below 15°C or above 46°C) to moderate values (15-30°C for cooling, 42-54°C for heating) by applying brief thermal stimuli that temporarily alter nerve membrane properties, achieving block without sustained extreme temperatures that cause damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic or intermittent thermal stimulation rather than continuous extreme temperature application. Brief heating or cooling pulses are applied to induce temporary conduction block, allowing tissue recovery between applications and preventing cumulative damage
2Duration of action of stationary object
If high-frequency electrical stimulation is used to block nerve conduction, then chronic nerve block is achieved, but initial nerve firing occurs causing painful sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical stimulation with thermal stimulation as the mechanism for nerve block. Thermal energy directly affects nerve membrane fluidity and ion channel function without triggering action potentials, eliminating the initial firing problem inherent in electrical methods
3Reliability
If local anesthetic drugs are injected for nerve block, then acute nerve block is achieved, but chronic delivery is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological intervention with physical thermal stimulation. This substitution eliminates the need for repeated drug injections or complex delivery systems, using instead a physically implantable thermal device that can be activated chronically without drug-related complications
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
Provides a safe and reversible nerve block for treating chronic diseases like obesity, pain, heart failure, and bladder dysfunction, avoiding nerve damage and initial firing.
Implementation Method 1
heating the nerve to a temperature above 37°C and below a temperature and time duration at which an irreversible nerve block is produced
Implementation Method 2
cooling the nerve to a temperature below 37°C and above a temperature at which an irreversible nerve block is produced
Implementation Method 3
a temperature controller having a processor, a thermoelectric device in communication with the temperature controller
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Provided herein are methods of nerve blockage, for example for treatment of obesity, heart failure, cardiovascular disease, muscle spasms, chronic pain, or urinary retention in a patient. The method comprises first heating a nerve above physiological temperature (e.g. 37°C in a human), such as from 43°C to 54°C for a duration that leads to reversible nerve blockage as opposed to nerve damage. Second, reversible nerve blockage is produced by cooling the nerve below physiological temperature to a temperature in which reversible nerve blockage is achieved, for example from 15°C to 30°C.