tVNS Device with Motion Detection for Adaptive Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional invasive vagus nerve stimulation methods are unsuitable for patients with reduced mobility, such as stroke patients, as they require direct implantation and are not adaptable to individual patient needs or movements.
Innovation Solution
A device for transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) that includes a detection system to monitor patient movement and an open-loop or closed-loop control unit to initiate electrical pulses synchronously with detected movements, allowing for adaptive and non-invasive stimulation based on real-time physiological and external parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive vagus nerve stimulation is used for rehabilitation, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but patient suitability deteriorates due to invasive nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection means (motion sensors) that detects patient movements and triggers stimulation accordingly. This intermediary system allows the stimulation to be indirectly coupled to patient needs without direct invasive intervention, making the treatment suitable for broader patient groups including those with reduced mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive approach of direct nerve implantation with an electronic sensing and stimulation system. Motion sensors detect patient movements and trigger electrical stimulation pulses, substituting the need for direct mechanical intervention on the vagus nerve while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If conventional tVNS without movement detection is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but treatment effectiveness deteriorates due to lack of synchronization with patient movements
Solution Approach 1:
The detection means is configured to detect patient movements in advance and trigger the control unit to initiate stimulation pulses. This preliminary detection and triggering mechanism ensures that stimulation is synchronized with patient movements, optimizing neuronal plasticity utilization without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where detection means monitor patient movements and provide information to the control unit, which then adjusts stimulation pulse output accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures treatment effectiveness by synchronizing stimulation with actual patient movement patterns while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Ease of operation
If manual initiation of stimulation pulses is used, then ease of operation is improved, but treatment effectiveness deteriorates due to lack of automatic synchronization with movements
Solution Approach 1:
The device is configured to automatically detect patient movements and initiate stimulation pulses without requiring manual intervention. The detection means and control unit work together to self-regulate the stimulation timing, ensuring optimal synchronization with patient movements while maintaining ease of operation through automatic functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for carrying out a tVNS treatment with at least one electrode for generating a stimulation pulse. The device has at least one detection means which is designed to detect a patient movement, and the device has an open-loop or closed-loop control unit, designed to initiate the output of stimulation pulses through the electrode if a patient movement detected by the detection device reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold value.