Vocal Cord Pacemaker Nerve Stimulation for Paralysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unilateral vocal cord paralysis leads to impaired voice production and breathing due to the inability of the affected vocal fold to properly abduct or adduct, causing airway constriction and reduced ability to generate pitch, as well as increased risk of aspiration, due to misdirected nerve regeneration and dis-synergic co-activation of muscles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a sensing electrode to detect voice activity and generate stimulation parameters to activate the glottic closure reflex, selectively stimulating the recurrent laryngeal nerve or vagus nerve through electrical or mechanical means, allowing for the selective activation of vocal fold adductor or abductor muscles without direct muscle stimulation, thereby improving vocal fold movement and voice quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct muscle stimulation is used to activate vocal fold muscles, then muscle activation can be achieved, but selective activation of specific muscles (adductor or abductor) becomes difficult due to their similar thresholds and contraction times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nerve stimulation as an intermediary approach instead of direct muscle stimulation. By stimulating the recurrent laryngeal nerve or vagus nerve, the system exploits the natural neural pathways that selectively innervate different vocal fold muscles (adductors and abductors) with different thresholds and contraction times, enabling selective muscle activation without directly stimulating each muscle
2Reliability
If high stimulation intensity is applied to ensure muscle activation, then vocal fold movement can be achieved, but the risk of activating unintended muscles and causing dis-synergic co-activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by targeting specific nerve fibers that innervate particular muscle groups. By adjusting stimulation parameters (intensity, frequency, pulse width) and electrode placement, the system selectively activates nerve fibers with different properties, thereby activating specific muscles (adductors or abductors) while avoiding unintended co-activation of antagonist muscles
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional stimulation methods are used without considering nerve regeneration patterns, then stimulation can be applied, but misdirected nerve regeneration leads to ineffective or harmful outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by assessing nerve regeneration status and patterns before applying stimulation therapy. The system evaluates the patient's specific condition (unilateral vocal cord paralysis with misdirected regeneration) and tailors the stimulation protocol accordingly, taking into account the regenerated nerve pathways to ensure effective and safe treatment outcomes
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 enhances vocal fold opening and closing, improving voice quality and reducing airway constriction by selectively activating muscles based on their distinct thresholds and contraction times, thereby addressing the limitations of unilateral vocal cord paralysis.
Implementation Method 1
selectively stimulating the recurrent laryngeal nerve or vagus nerve through electrical or mechanical means
Implementation Method 2
selectively stimulating the recurrent laryngeal nerve or vagus nerve through electrical or mechanical means
Implementation Method 3
generate stimulation parameters to activate the glottic closure reflex, selectively stimulating the recurrent laryngeal nerve or vagus nerve through electrical or mechanical means
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating a human subject having unilateral vocal cord paralysis includes providing a stimulating electrode configured to directly contact a recurrent laryngeal nerve or vagus nerve of the subjects, sensing electrical activity of a synkinetically reinnervated dysfunctional muscle of the subject, generating at least one stimulation parameter, using a processor, based on the sensed electrical activity, and stimulating the recurrent laryngeal nerve or vagus nerve, using the stimulating electrode, based on the at least one stimulation parameter. A system is also provided.