Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation With Pain-Selective Waveforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a long-felt need to stimulate the vagus nerve electrically in the neck non-invasively, selectively, and without causing significant pain, as existing methods often result in unintentional stimulation of other nerves or muscle, leading to discomfort and pain.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive device that transmits electrical signals through the skin to the vagus nerve using specific waveform parameters, including burst periods and alternating positive and negative voltages, with electrodes separated by insulating material and a conducting medium, to selectively stimulate the nerve while minimizing pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical stimulation is applied to the vagus nerve in the neck, then therapeutic effects are achieved, but unintentional stimulation of other nerves or muscle occurs causing pain and discomfort
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. This creates a localized electric field that targets the vagus nerve specifically, while the insulating material confines the electric field to a localized region, preventing spread to adjacent nerves and muscles. The selective positioning and field confinement achieve precise local stimulation of the intended target.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an insulating material as an intermediary between the electrodes and surrounding tissues. This intermediary component confines and directs the electric field, acting as a mediator that channels stimulation energy specifically toward the vagus nerve while blocking spread to other structures. The insulating material serves as a controlled interface that enhances selectivity without requiring direct invasive contact with the nerve.
2Ease of operation
If non-invasive electrical stimulation is used, then patient comfort is improved, but stimulation depth and selectivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from invasive (spatial penetration) to non-invasive (surface application) by utilizing the dimensional space available on the skin surface. Multiple electrodes are arranged in specific two-dimensional patterns on the neck surface, creating electric field vectors that converge on the deeper vagus nerve. This dimensional approach allows non-invasive access while maintaining targeting precision through geometric electrode configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by using bipolar alternating current with specific frequency and amplitude characteristics. The electrical parameters are optimized to penetrate through skin and tissue layers non-invasively while maintaining sufficient intensity to stimulate the deep vagus nerve. The alternating current parameters are tuned to achieve both non-invasive application and precise nerve targeting simultaneously.
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
The device achieves selective stimulation of the vagus nerve in the neck with minimal pain, providing therapeutic benefits without the drawbacks of invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A non-invasive device that transmits electrical signals through the skin to the vagus nerve using specific waveform parameters, including burst periods and alternating positive and negative voltages, with electrodes separated by insulating material and a conducting medium
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for the non-invasive stimulation of nerves, such as the vagus nerve, include a housing and an electrode coupled to the housing. The electrode is configured to be positioned adjacent to, or in contact with, an outer skin surface of a patient. A source of energy is coupled to the housing and operably coupled to the electrode. The source of energy emits an electrical signal to the electrode such that the electrical signal passes through the outer skin surface of the user to a nerve at a target region in the patient sufficient to modulate the nerve. The electrical impulse comprises burst periods and constant periods and each burst period includes a plurality of pulses. The pulses have a frequency of about 1 kHz to about 20 kHz and alternate between a positive voltage and a negative voltage within each burst period.