Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation via Segmented Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive methods for stimulating the vagus nerve in the neck are not effective in achieving selective stimulation without causing pain and inadvertently stimulating nearby nerves, which limits their therapeutic efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive stimulator device that uses a source of electrical power and electrodes configured to stimulate deep nerves, with a conducting medium that conforms to the body's surface, producing a controlled electric field to selectively modulate the vagus nerve, minimizing stimulation of other nerves and reducing pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-invasive electrical stimulation is applied to the vagus nerve, then therapeutic effects can be achieved without surgery, but selective stimulation is difficult and nearby nerves are inadvertently stimulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating highly focused electric fields at specific locations along the vagus nerve using segmented electrode arrays. Each electrode can be independently controlled to deliver stimulation to precise segments of the nerve, enabling localized therapeutic effects while avoiding adjacent nerves. The electric field confinement is achieved through careful electrode geometry and positioning, ensuring that stimulation energy is concentrated where needed rather than dispersed broadly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the vagus nerve into multiple stimulable segments using an array of discrete electrodes. This allows independent control of different nerve segments, enabling selective stimulation of specific regions while leaving others unaffected. The segmented approach transforms a single undifferentiated stimulation field into multiple controllable zones, achieving precision without invasive procedures.
2Length of stationary object
If higher energy is used to penetrate deeper to reach the vagus nerve, then stimulation depth is improved, but pain and stimulation of other nerves increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves deep yet selective stimulation by concentrating electric field energy locally at the target nerve depth while maintaining spatial confinement. Rather than using broad high-energy fields that penetrate deeply but affect surrounding tissues, the system uses focused fields that reach the desired depth with minimal lateral spread. This is accomplished through electrode geometry optimization and controlled potential distribution, ensuring that high energy is delivered only where the vagus nerve is located.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses segmented electrodes to achieve deep penetration with controlled energy distribution. By activating only specific electrodes in the array that are positioned over the vagus nerve, the system can deliver deep stimulation to the target nerve while leaving adjacent areas unaffected. This segmented activation pattern allows deep reach without the collateral effects that would result from omnidirectional high-energy application.
3Reliability
If conventional electrical stimulation is used, then nerve activation is achieved, but pain is caused during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces pain by localizing stimulation to the precise location of the vagus nerve rather than applying broad-field stimulation that activates multiple tissue types. The electric field is shaped and positioned to concentrate energy only where the nerve is located, minimizing activation of pain-sensitive structures such as skin, muscle, and other nerves. This spatial precision allows reliable nerve activation at lower overall energy levels, reducing painful sensations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using surface electrodes that couple to the nerve through the body's natural tissue pathways rather than direct contact. The electric field acts as an intermediary that can selectively activate the vagus nerve at depth without requiring invasive penetration or direct electrode-to-nerve contact. This indirect stimulation method reduces pain by avoiding mechanical discomfort and excessive activation of superficial pain-sensitive tissues.
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 and deep penetration of the vagus nerve stimulation with reduced pain, allowing for effective therapeutic outcomes without the need for invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A non-invasive stimulator device that uses a source of electrical power and electrodes configured to stimulate deep nerves, with a conducting medium that conforms to the body's surface, producing a controlled electric field
Data Source
AI summary
A non-invasive electrical stimulation device shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve, such as a vagus nerve in a patient's neck, producing a desired physiological response in the patient. The stimulator comprises a source of electrical power, at least one electrode and a continuous electrically conducting medium in which the electrode(s) are in contact. The stimulation device is configured to produce a peak pulse voltage that is sufficient to produce a physiologically effective electric field in the vicinity of a target nerve, but not to substantially stimulate other nerves and muscles that lie between the vicinity of the target nerve and patient's skin. Current is passed through the electrodes in bursts of preferably five sinusoidal pulses, wherein each pulse within a burst has a duration of preferably 200 microseconds, and bursts repeat at preferably at 15-50 bursts per second.