Vibration Stimulation for Autonomic Nervous System Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating autonomic nervous system (ANS) disorders are often invasive, have side effects, or lack effectiveness in managing conditions like migraines, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with a need for non-invasive and more targeted approaches.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing vibration stimulation devices that apply mechanical vibrations within the range of 10-100 Hz to specific tissues associated with ganglia or nerves of the ANS, adjusted based on patient input and monitored activity, to modulate ANS activity and treat conditions such as migraines, IBS, and ALS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive methods are used to treat ANS disorders, then treatment effectiveness may be improved, but patient safety and comfort deteriorate due to side effects and invasiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical or surgical interventions with non-invasive acoustic vibration therapy. Sound waves at specific frequencies (10-100 Hz) are used to stimulate ganglia and nerves of the ANS through the skin and tissue, achieving therapeutic effects without breaking the skin or inserting devices into the body, thus eliminating surgical side effects while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to transmit therapeutic energy to the ANS. Instead of directly contacting or invading the nervous system, sound waves act as a mediator that can penetrate tissue and stimulate ganglia and nerves remotely, providing a safe bridge between external treatment and internal physiological targets
2Ease of operation
If non-specific treatments are applied to ANS disorders, then ease of application is improved, but treatment precision deteriorates leading to reduced effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by targeting specific ganglia and nerves with acoustic vibrations at precise locations on the body. Different frequencies (10-100 Hz) are directed at specific ANS control points such as the cervical ganglia, solar plexus, or sacral ganglia, ensuring that treatment is both easy to administer externally and precisely targeted internally, resolving the contradiction between ease of application and treatment precision
3Device complexity
If fixed treatment parameters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different patients and conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the treatment parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration) adjustable and adaptable to each patient's specific condition. The device can vary acoustic vibration frequencies within the 10-100 Hz range and modify treatment intensity based on the patient's ANS response, allowing a single device to effectively treat multiple different ANS disorders across diverse patient populations without requiring multiple specialized devices
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 effectively modulates ANS activity, providing a non-invasive treatment option that can alleviate symptoms of migraines, IBS, and ALS by adjusting vibration parameters in real-time based on monitored activity, offering a potentially more effective and targeted approach compared to existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
impart vibrations, in accordance with a treatment cycle, to body tissue corresponding to a treatment site
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a human subject is provided. A first vibration stimulation member is introduced into a posterior part of a first nasal cavity of the human subject. By means of the first vibration stimulation member, vibrations are imparted to the posterior part of the first nasal cavity at frequency in a range of from 60 to 70 Hz. A second vibration simulation member is arranged between the trapezius muscle and the sternocleidomastoid muscle on a first side of the neck of the human subject; and by means of said second vibration stimulation member, vibrations are imparted to the first side of the neck at a frequency in a range of from 30 to 50 Hz.