Ultrasound Neuromodulation Patch for Precise Home Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation techniques face challenges in achieving selective and targeted nerve stimulation due to complex neural pathways and the need for accurate electrode positioning, which is often invasive and requires surgical placement, leading to non-specific physiological effects and difficulty in self-administration at home.
Innovation Solution
A neuromodulation positioning patch with a conformable substrate and resilient frame that supports an ultrasound therapy probe, allowing for non-invasive, accurate, and reproducible energy application to a specific region of interest, guided by imaging and adaptable to different anatomies, enabling self-administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgical placement of electrodes is used to achieve accurate nerve targeting, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces surgical mechanical placement with a non-invasive ultrasound-guided positioning system. The ultrasound probe provides real-time imaging to guide electrode placement, substituting the need for surgical intervention while maintaining positioning accuracy through visual feedback and anatomical landmark identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an ultrasound imaging system as an intermediary between the electrode and the target nerve. This intermediary provides real-time visualization of nerve locations and electrode positioning, enabling non-invasive accurate placement without requiring surgical expertise or complex surgical procedures.
2Reliability
If implanted electrodes are used to stimulate specific nerves, then neuromodulation effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability of self-administration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by providing a non-invasive, portable ultrasound-guided neuromodulation system that patients can administer themselves at home. The system includes user-friendly controls and real-time imaging feedback, allowing patients to independently position electrodes and deliver treatments without requiring surgical implants or clinical supervision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic, adjustable parameters for neuromodulation treatment including variable pulse width, amplitude, and frequency that can be modified by the patient based on real-time ultrasound feedback and individual response. This dynamic adjustability maintains treatment effectiveness while enabling self-administration through programmable parameters and adaptive control.
3Device complexity
If conventional electrodes are used for neuromodulation, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to selectively target specific nerves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal platform that combines ultrasound imaging, electrode positioning, and neuromodulation delivery in a single integrated system. This multi-functional device can target different nerves and treatment locations by adjusting the ultrasound probe position and electrode placement, providing precise targeting without requiring multiple specialized devices or complex surgical procedures.
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
Facilitates targeted neuromodulation with reduced variability and dose accuracy, allowing patients to administer treatments at home without complex imaging devices, enhancing flexibility and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound therapy probe configured to fit within or couple to the frame to apply neuromodulating energy through the portion of the subject's skin to a region of interest of an internal tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to techniques for accurate positioning of an energy application device for neuromodulation treatment protocols. In one embodiment, a neuromodulation positioning patch is applied to a patient's skin. The energy application device is configured to couple to a frame of the neuromodulation positioning patch to position a transducer of the energy application device within an opening at a treatment position within the opening. In one embodiment, the frame is also configured to couple to a removable dock for an imaging probe that, when coupled to the removable dock and, in turn, the frame of the neuromodulation positioning patch, is configured to acquire image data through the opening to identify or verify a treatment position.