Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator Using Capacitive Coupling
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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 often inadvertently stimulate other nerves, leading to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive stimulator device that uses a source of electrical power and remote electrodes configured to stimulate deep nerves, with a continuous electrically conducting medium for capacitive or ohmic coupling, applying specific waveform parameters to selectively modulate the vagus nerve's electrical activity, minimizing stimulation of surrounding nerves and tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive stimulation methods are used to stimulate the vagus nerve, then patient safety and comfort are improved, but stimulation effectiveness and selectivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating highly focused electric fields through specifically configured electrode arrangements and waveform parameters that concentrate stimulation energy on the vagus nerve while minimizing spread to surrounding tissues. This localized field concentration enables effective vagus nerve stimulation without requiring high overall energy levels that would cause patient discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing specific waveform characteristics including pulse duration, frequency, and amplitude modulation that are optimized to selectively activate vagus nerve fibers. By carefully controlling these electrical parameters, the system achieves selective nerve stimulation with reduced current requirements, thereby improving both effectiveness and patient comfort.
2Length of stationary object
If higher energy levels are applied to achieve deeper nerve penetration, then stimulation depth is improved, but patient discomfort and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves deep penetration without high energy by concentrating the electric field locally at the nerve interface through optimized electrode geometry and capacitive coupling mechanisms. This focused field delivery allows sufficient current density at the vagus nerve location while keeping overall energy levels low enough to avoid patient discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary capacitive coupling layer between the electrode and the nerve that enhances field penetration efficiency. This intermediary structure allows the electric field to penetrate deeper into the tissue by reducing impedance mismatches and improving energy transfer to the target nerve.
3Reliability
If broader stimulation areas are used to ensure vagus nerve activation, then stimulation reliability is improved, but off-target nerve stimulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves reliable vagus nerve stimulation with minimal collateral effects by creating highly localized electric fields through specific electrode configurations. The field geometry is optimized to match the spatial distribution of vagus nerve fibers, ensuring selective activation without requiring broad stimulation areas that would activate adjacent nerves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs segmented electrode arrangements that create multiple focused field zones, each targeting specific portions of the vagus nerve. This segmentation allows comprehensive nerve coverage while maintaining spatial selectivity, as each electrode segment contributes to a localized field that minimizes off-target stimulation.
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 pain-free stimulation of the vagus nerve, allowing for deeper penetration of the stimulus with reduced discomfort, thereby providing therapeutic benefits without the drawbacks of invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A non-invasive stimulator device that uses a source of electrical power and remote electrodes configured to stimulate deep nerves, with a continuous electrically conducting medium for capacitive or ohmic coupling
Implementation Method 2
A non-invasive stimulator device that uses a source of electrical power and remote electrodes configured to stimulate deep nerves, with a continuous electrically conducting medium for capacitive or ohmic coupling
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.