Vagus Nerve Stimulation via Upper GI Tract for Consciousness Disorders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for disorders of consciousness, such as coma and unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, are limited in effectiveness and often invasive, failing to adequately address the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of altered wakefulness and awareness.
Innovation Solution
Electrical stimulation devices are used to stimulate sensory nerves, specifically the vagus nerve, in the upper gastrointestinal tract to enhance neural activity and consciousness levels, employing a non-invasive method that includes positioning a conductive element in the pharynx and delivering stimulation energy to improve wakefulness, awareness, and autonomic responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing treatments for disorders of consciousness are used, then treatment is provided, but effectiveness is limited and invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the upper gastrointestinal tract as an intermediary pathway to access and stimulate the vagus nerve. By positioning a conductive element in the upper GI tract, the system can stimulate the vagus nerve indirectly without requiring direct surgical access to the nerve itself, thus reducing invasiveness while maintaining treatment effectiveness for disorders of consciousness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical surgical procedures with electrical stimulation delivered through a conductive element. Instead of mechanically accessing the vagus nerve through surgery, the system uses electrical fields to stimulate the nerve via the upper GI tract pathway, reducing physical invasion while achieving the same therapeutic effect
2Reliability
If existing treatments for disorders of consciousness are used, then treatment is provided, but the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are not adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifically targeting the vagus nerve in the upper GI tract region to address the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of disorders of consciousness. Rather than providing generalized treatment, the system focuses electrical stimulation on the specific neural pathway (vagus nerve) that is implicated in the disease mechanism, thereby improving both effectiveness and mechanism-specific adaptability
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 electrical stimulation method induces neural plasticity, increases cortical activity, and improves consciousness levels by targeting central nervous system regions associated with consciousness, offering a more effective and less invasive treatment option compared to existing vagus nerve stimulation techniques.
Implementation Method 1
stimulating a sensory nerve proximate the lumen... electrical stimulation devices configured to perform electrical stimulation of a patient's upper gastrointestinal tract
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical stimulation devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the electrical stimulation device comprises an elongated member configured to be orally or nasally inserted into a patient's upper gastrointestinal tract. The device may further include a conductive element carried by a distal portion of the elongated member and configured to deliver stimulation energy to nearby tissue to treat disorders of consciousness.