Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device Selective Field Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive methods for stimulating the vagus nerve in the neck are limited by their inability to selectively stimulate the nerve without causing pain or inadvertently stimulating nearby nerves, and they often require invasive procedures or complex equipment.
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 that conforms to the skin's contour, producing a controlled electric field to selectively modulate the vagus nerve's electrical activity, minimizing pain and avoiding stimulation of other nerves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-invasive electrical stimulation is applied to the vagus nerve in the neck, then the nerve can be stimulated without surgical intervention, but the stimulation is not selective and inadvertently stimulates nearby nerves causing pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a highly focused electric field that concentrates stimulation energy specifically on the vagus nerve while minimizing spread to adjacent nerves. This is achieved through precise electrode positioning and waveform parameters that target the vagus nerve's specific electrical characteristics, enabling selective stimulation without invasive surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting electrical stimulation parameters such as pulse duration, frequency, and amplitude to match the specific excitability characteristics of the vagus nerve. By optimizing these parameters, the device achieves selective activation of the vagus nerve at lower intensities that do not trigger nearby pain-sensitive nerves.
2Length of stationary object
If higher intensity electrical stimulation is applied to achieve deeper nerve penetration, then the vagus nerve can be stimulated more effectively, but pain is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using prolonged pulse durations (e.g., 200-500 microseconds or longer) that enable deeper tissue penetration at lower amplitudes. This parameter optimization allows the electric field to reach the vagus nerve effectively while keeping the peak current intensity low enough to avoid activating pain-sensitive structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through pulsed stimulation waveforms with specific duty cycles, delivering stimulation in controlled bursts rather than continuous high-intensity signals. This periodic delivery allows tissue recovery between pulses and maintains therapeutic effect while minimizing cumulative pain and tissue damage.
3Device complexity
If conventional electrical stimulation parameters are used, then the equipment and methods are simple, but the stimulation is not selective and causes pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves enhanced selectivity through optimized electrical parameters including prolonged pulse durations (200-500 μs or longer), specific frequency ranges, and adjusted amplitudes that exploit the unique electrophysiological properties of the vagus nerve. These parameter modifications can be implemented with relatively simple equipment, maintaining ease of use while improving selectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or surgical intervention systems with optimized electrical parameter control. Instead of using invasive mechanical electrode placement or complex multi-component devices, the invention achieves selective stimulation through carefully tuned electrical waveforms that can be generated by straightforward stimulation circuits.
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 stimulation of the vagus nerve with reduced pain and deeper penetration, providing therapeutic effects without the need for invasive procedures or complex equipment, while minimizing stimulation of nerves that cause pain.
Implementation Method 1
nerve stimulation is thought to be accomplished directly or indirectly by depolarizing a nerve membrane, causing the discharge of an action potential; or by hyperpolarization of a nerve membrane, preventing the discharge of an action potential
Implementation Method 2
non-invasive devices and methods, particularly transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation devices that make use of capacitive electrical coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A method for modulating a nerve within a body of a patient includes generating a single signal comprising an electrical impulse, contacting an interface with an outer skin surface of a patient and delivering the electrical impulse from an electrode through the interface and the outer skin surface of the patient to a vagus nerve, thereby modulating the vagus nerve. The electrical impulse may comprise bursts of pulses with a silent intra-burst interval between each of the bursts based on the single signal, wherein each of the bursts has a frequency of about 5 Hz to about 100 Hz and each of the pulses has a duration from about 50 microseconds to about 1000 microseconds. The electrode may be spaced from the interface by a distance of about 0.25 to about 4 times an outer dimension of the interface.