Vestibular Stimulation Device Using Thermoelectric Waveforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) are crude and lack controlled thermal delivery, limiting its therapeutic potential despite activation of specific brainstem and cerebellar sites, and lack of patient habituation and side effects, hindering widespread therapeutic use.
Innovation Solution
A vestibular stimulation device comprising a thermoelectric device (TED) and controller to deliver controlled thermal waveforms to the vestibular system, with a physician control device for generating prescriptions and a patient control device for data transmission and analysis, facilitating precise and safe thermal stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional CVS methods (squirting or blowing warm/cold water/air into ear) are used, then the vestibular system can be activated, but the thermal delivery is crude and uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical method of squirting or blowing water/air into the ear with a thermoelectric device (TED) that uses electrical energy to generate controlled thermal waveforms. This substitution enables precise temperature and thermal delivery control while maintaining ease of operation through electronic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of thermal delivery by using a thermoelectric device to generate controlled thermal waveforms with specific temperature ranges, rates of change, and duration. This allows precise control over the thermal parameters applied to the vestibular system, transforming crude thermal delivery into a controlled therapeutic modality.
2Measurement precision
If CVS is used for therapeutic purposes, then specific brainstem and cerebellar sites can be activated, but the method lacks consistency with medical dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through physician control devices and patient control devices that monitor and adjust thermal waveform delivery. This feedback system ensures consistent medical dosing by allowing physicians to prescribe specific thermal parameters and track delivery accuracy, while the automated control systems maintain precision without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where a single vestibular stimulation device can deliver various thermal waveforms for different therapeutic conditions. The system integrates physician control, patient control, and automated delivery mechanisms into one universal platform, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision through standardized control protocols.
3Reliability
If uncontrolled thermal delivery is used, then therapeutic activation can occur, but side effects and patient habituation limit widespread use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic thermal waveforms that can be adjusted in real-time based on patient response and therapeutic needs. The thermoelectric device delivers variable thermal stimuli with controlled rates of temperature change and specific waveform patterns, preventing patient habituation by varying the stimulation parameters while maintaining reliable therapeutic activation of vestibular pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to self-regulate thermal delivery parameters based on built-in sensors and control algorithms. The device monitors its own performance and adjusts thermal waveform delivery to maintain optimal therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects, reducing the need for complex external monitoring and intervention.
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 precise and controlled delivery of thermal waveforms to the vestibular system, enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects and patient habituation, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional CVS methods.
Implementation Method 1
A vestibular stimulation device comprising a thermoelectric device (TED) and controller to deliver controlled thermal waveforms to the vestibular system
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for delivering one or more thermal waveforms to the vestibular system and/or the nervous system of a patient. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a vestibular stimulation device configured both to generate a prescription for delivering one or more thermal waveforms and to deliver the prescribed thermal waveforms.