Vagus Nerve Stimulation Dosing for Low-Power Noninvasive Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vagus nerve stimulators require continuous stimulation, which is power-intensive and impractical for non-implanted use, limiting their applicability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive system that applies electrical impulses to the vagus nerve at the neck using magnetic or electrical stimulation devices, allowing for selective modulation of nerve signals with controlled treatment paradigms, including intermittent dosing based on patient needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous stimulation is used to treat conditions, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic stimulation paradigms where stimulation is delivered in intermittent bursts rather than continuously. The system alternates between stimulation phases and rest phases, creating a periodic action pattern that maintains therapeutic effectiveness while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous stimulation approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters including intensity, duration, and frequency based on real-time physiological feedback and treatment requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize treatment effectiveness while minimizing power consumption by delivering stimulation only when and where needed, rather than maintaining constant stimulation levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If implanted electrodes are used for vagus nerve stimulation, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but invasiveness and surgical complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidsurgical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical implantation approach with a non-invasive transcutaneous stimulation system. Instead of surgically implanting electrodes directly onto the vagus nerve, the system uses external electrodes that deliver electrical stimulation through the skin and soft tissues, substituting a less invasive mechanical approach while maintaining treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces skin and soft tissues as intermediary layers between the external electrodes and the vagus nerve. These natural tissue layers serve as mediators that transmit the electrical stimulation signal without requiring direct electrode-nerve contact, thereby eliminating the need for surgical implantation while preserving the ability to effectively stimulate the target nerve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If high intensity stimulation is applied, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but side effects and patient discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidside effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies stimulation with locally optimized parameters tailored to the specific anatomical location and individual patient characteristics. By adjusting intensity, pulse duration, and frequency locally at the treatment site rather than using uniform high-intensity stimulation across all patients and all times, the system achieves effective treatment while minimizing adverse effects and patient discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes stimulation parameters including intensity, pulse width, and frequency based on real-time physiological responses and treatment progress. By adapting these parameters rather than maintaining fixed high-intensity settings, the system optimizes treatment effectiveness while reducing side effects and improving patient tolerance through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively treats various conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, depression, and stroke with reduced power consumption and minimal side effects, offering flexibility and ease of use beyond implanted devices.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic stimulator that generates a time-varying magnetic field to induce currents in a nerve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an electrode-based stimulator that applies electrical impulses to stimulate or modulate signals in a vagus nerve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250269173A1Treatment paradigms for nerve stimulation

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 ELECTROCORE INC

AI summary

Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for electrical stimulation of nerves to treat one or more symptoms in a user. The methods comprise transcutaneously transmitting electrical impulses to the nerve according to a treatment paradigm. The treatment paradigm may include generating and transmitting the electrical impulse as a single dose from about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes. The treatment paradigm may comprise a treatment session that includes applying each single dose for about 2 to 5 times during the day.