Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation via Intermittent Pulse Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vagal nerve stimulators require continuous stimulation, which is power-intensive and difficult to implement non-invasively, limiting their effectiveness and applicability.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive system for selectively applying electrical energy to the vagus nerve using a magnetic or electrode-based device, allowing for modulated stimulation protocols that can be tailored for specific conditions, such as stroke or asthma, without continuous power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous stimulation is used to treat conditions with vagal nerve stimulators, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases and non-invasive implementation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing intermittent stimulation protocols where the vagal nerve stimulator delivers stimulation pulses in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The device alternates between stimulation phases and rest phases, maintaining therapeutic effectiveness while significantly reducing power consumption and enabling non-invasive implementation through portable devices.
2Reliability
If continuous stimulation is used to treat conditions with vagal nerve stimulators, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but device portability and non-invasive implementation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic stimulation protocols that enable the use of portable, non-invasive vagal nerve stimulators. By delivering therapy in intermittent pulses rather than continuous stimulation, the device achieves therapeutic effectiveness while maintaining small size, portability, and non-invasive operation that can be performed outside clinical settings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modulated stimulation protocols are implemented, then treatment flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing modulated stimulation protocols that vary multiple electrical parameters including pulse amplitude, pulse width, frequency, and duty cycle. The device can adjust these parameters dynamically to optimize treatment for different conditions and patient responses, achieving high treatment flexibility through programmable parameter modulation while managing device complexity through integrated control systems.
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 system enables effective treatment of various conditions by modulating vagus nerve signals non-invasively, reducing side effects and improving patient comfort, while also conserving energy and allowing for more flexible treatment paradigms.
Implementation Method 1
The energy impulses (and/or fields) that are used to treat those conditions comprise electrical and/or electromagnetic energy, delivered non-invasively to the patient
Implementation Method 2
A non-invasive system for selectively applying electrical energy to the vagus nerve using a magnetic or electrode-based device
Data Source
AI summary
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 of 2 to 4 times within an hour time period and/or as a single dose from 2 to 5 times during a day.