Vagus Nerve Stimulation Using Skin-Impedance Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vagus nerve stimulation devices require invasive procedures and are not suitable for self-treatment, while non-invasive devices lack accuracy in applying electrical stimulation due to insufficient consideration of skin impedance variations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that apply electrical stimulation through a skin-contact electrode, using impedance measurement to derive and adjust stimulation values, ensuring accurate and safe delivery by monitoring impedance changes during application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive surgical procedures are used to expose and stimulate cervical vagus nerve branches, then stimulation reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an impedance measurement intermediary that indirectly assesses vagus nerve stimulation effectiveness by measuring electrical impedance at accessible body sites (ear, wrist, ankle) rather than requiring direct measurement at the cervical nerve. This intermediary measurement approach maintains stimulation reliability while eliminating complex surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/surgical system of exposing and directly stimulating cervical nerves with an electrical field-based system that uses impedance measurements. This substitution eliminates the need for surgical incisions, nerve exposure, and direct electrode placement while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If standard electrical stimulation is applied without considering skin impedance variations, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where impedance measurements are continuously or periodically taken before and during stimulation, and the stimulation parameters are automatically adjusted based on these measurements. This ensures precise and personalized stimulation while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the stimulation system dynamic by allowing real-time adjustment of stimulation parameters based on measured impedance values. The system adapts to changing physiological conditions (skin impedance variations) rather than using fixed parameters, thereby maintaining precision while remaining easy to operate.
3Measurement precision
If impedance measurement and real-time adjustment are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the device to perform multiple functions using the same hardware components: impedance measurement, electrical stimulation delivery, and parameter adjustment are all integrated into a single device. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
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
Enables accurate and continuous electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve by accounting for skin impedance variations, preventing tissue damage and enhancing treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
measuring impedance between the electrode and the skin
Implementation Method 2
applying electrical stimulation on the basis of the derived initial input value
Data Source
AI summary
A method for applying electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve through an electrode in contact with the skin of a human body includes an electrical stimulation guideline input step of inputting electrical stimulation guidelines including numerical values for electrical stimulation; an initial input value derivation step of measuring the impedance between the electrode and the skin, and using the measured impedance before applying electrical stimulation, so as to derive an input value that matches the electrical stimulation guidelines; and an electrical stimulation application step of applying electrical stimulation by using the derived initial input value.