Vagal Nerve Stimulation With Selective Neck Electrode Waveforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation methods struggle to selectively stimulate the vagus nerve in the neck without causing pain or unintentionally stimulating other nerves, particularly those that cause pain, and there is a need for effective treatments for migraine and other primary headaches that are not refractory to current pharmaceuticals.
Innovation Solution
Non-invasive devices and methods that utilize electrodes or magnetic stimulators to transmit electrical impulses to the vagus nerve in the neck, with specific waveform parameters to selectively stimulate the nerve, avoiding pain and other nerve stimulation, and treat conditions like migraine and anxiety disorders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-invasive electrical stimulation is applied to the neck region to treat migraine, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but pain and unintentional stimulation of other nerves occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a bipolar electrode configuration where positive and negative electrodes are positioned at specific locations on the neck to create a localized electric field that selectively targets the vagus nerve. The electric field is concentrated between the two electrodes, allowing selective stimulation of the vagus nerve while minimizing activation of adjacent nerves such as the phrenic nerve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing stimulation waveform characteristics including pulse duration (20-200 microseconds), voltage amplitude (10-100 volts), and frequency (1-100 Hz) to achieve selective vagus nerve activation. These parameter adjustments allow the stimulation to preferentially activate the vagus nerve based on its specific electrophysiological properties while avoiding activation of other nerves with different activation thresholds.
2Reliability
If electrical impulses are transmitted through the skin to stimulate the vagus nerve, then nerve stimulation is achieved, but current leakage and non-specific tissue stimulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an electrically conductive gel as an intermediary medium between the electrodes and the skin surface. This gel enhances electrical contact and reduces impedance, allowing more efficient current transmission through the skin to the underlying vagus nerve. The conductive gel minimizes current leakage by providing a low-impedance pathway that directs current flow toward the target nerve rather than dispersing through surrounding tissues.
3Reliability
If high intensity electrical stimulation is used to ensure vagus nerve activation, then stimulation reliability is improved, but pain and side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using pulsed electrical stimulation rather than continuous DC current. The stimulation is delivered as discrete pulses with durations of 20-200 microseconds at frequencies of 1-100 Hz. This pulsed delivery allows the nerve to activate reliably during each pulse while providing inter-pulse intervals that prevent cumulative tissue heating and reduce pain perception, thereby maintaining efficacy while minimizing side effects.
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 rapid relief from headache pain and nasal congestion, lasting several hours without side effects, and effectively treats co-morbid disorders like anxiety and asthma, while avoiding collateral nerve stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
an energy source coupled to the electrodes. The energy source generates one or more electrical impulses and transmits the electrical impulses to the electrodes and transcutaneously through the outer skin surface of the patient at or near a vagus nerve
Implementation Method 2
non-invasive devices and methods that utilize electrodes or magnetic stimulators to transmit electrical impulses to the vagus nerve in the neck
Data Source
AI summary
Vagal nerve stimulation devices and methods are provided herein. A device comprises one or more electrodes having a contact surface for contacting an outer skin surface of a patient and an energy source coupled to the electrodes. The energy source generates one or more electrical impulses and transmits the electrical impulses to the electrodes and transcutaneously through the outer skin surface of the patient at or near a vagus nerve. The one or more electrical pulses comprise bursts of 2 to 20 pulses within each burst with each burst having a frequency of about 5 Hz to about 100 Hz.