Vagus Nerve Neuroregulator Pulse Width Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for gastrointestinal disorders and excess weight-related conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, are inadequate in effectively managing these health issues, leading to significant morbidity and mortality, with existing therapies often having limited efficacy and adverse side effects.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an implantable neuroregulator and electrodes placed on the vagus nerve to deliver electrical signals with specific frequency and pulse width parameters, modulating neural activity to treat gastrointestinal disorders and conditions associated with excess weight, including obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, while also administering agents that affect weight loss, blood pressure, or diabetes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional treatments are used for gastrointestinal disorders and obesity, then treatment coverage is provided, but treatment efficacy is limited and adverse side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by delivering electrical signals with specific frequency ranges (1-1000 Hz, preferably 10-200 Hz) and pulse widths (10-500 microseconds) to the vagus nerve, transforming the treatment approach from pharmacological to neuromodulation-based, thereby improving efficacy while reducing side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through intermittent electrical stimulation delivered in bursts or trains with specific duty cycles, allowing the nervous system to respond to rhythmic modulation patterns that enhance therapeutic effects while minimizing adverse responses
2Reliability
If electrical signals are applied to the vagus nerve with high frequency, then neural modulation effectiveness improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces energy consumption by delivering electrical signals in intermittent bursts rather than continuously, with each burst containing multiple pulses at frequencies of 1-1000 Hz, allowing energy savings during inter-burst intervals while maintaining neural modulation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using pulse widths of 10-500 microseconds, which is sufficient to achieve neural modulation threshold without excessive energy delivery, optimizing the balance between effectiveness and energy consumption
3Measurement precision
If multiple therapy parameters are adjusted to optimize treatment outcomes, then treatment precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves treatment precision through a programmable neuroregulator that can deliver multiple signal configurations (different frequencies, pulse widths, and burst patterns) through a single device, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining precise control over therapy parameters
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 provides effective treatment for gastrointestinal disorders and conditions associated with excess weight by modulating neural activity, achieving significant weight loss, improved blood pressure control, and glycemic management with reduced side effects by using a combination of electrical stimulation and pharmacological agents.
Implementation Method 1
an implantable neuroregulator for placement in the body of the patient beneath the skin layer, the implantable neuroregulator being configured to generate a therapy cycle, wherein the therapy cycle comprises an electrical signal comprising: a set of pulses applied at a first selected frequency of about 150-10,000 Hz
Data Source
AI summary
A system for designing a therapy or for treating a gastrointestinal disorder or a condition associated with excess weight in a subject comprising at least one electrode configured to be implanted within a body of the patient and placed at a vagus nerve, the electrode also configured to apply therapy to the vagus nerve upon application of a therapy cycle to the electrode; an implantable neuroregulator for placement in the body of the patient beneath the skin layer, the implantable neuroregulator being configured to generate a therapy cycle, wherein the therapy cycle comprises an on time during which an electrical signal is delivered, the electrical signal comprising: a) a set of pulses applied at a first selected frequency of about 150-10,000 Hz, wherein each pulse of the set of pulses has a pulse width of at least 0.01 milliseconds and less than the period of the first selected frequency.