Vocal Cord Paralysis Stimulation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unilateral vocal cord paralysis results in impaired voice production and airway constriction due to misdirected nerve regeneration, leading to insufficient movement of vocal folds, which existing treatments cannot effectively address through nerve stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that sense electrical activity of dysfunctional muscles in the larynx, generate stimulation parameters based on this activity, and apply electrical or mechanical stimulation to the recurrent laryngeal nerve or vagus nerve to selectively activate vocal fold adductor or abductor muscles, thereby improving vocal fold movement and glottic closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If nerve stimulation is applied to treat unilateral vocal cord paralysis, then vocal fold movement is improved, but selective activation of specific muscles is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing multiple stimulation electrodes at different locations along the recurrent laryngeal nerve or vagus nerve. Each electrode can be independently activated to stimulate specific nerve fibers that innervate particular vocal fold muscles (adductors or abductors), enabling selective activation based on the patient's specific paralysis condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the stimulation approach by dividing the nerve into multiple stimulation zones along its length. By activating specific segments or combinations of electrodes, the system can selectively stimulate different muscle groups (adductors versus abductors) to address the specific paralysis condition, providing versatile and adaptive treatment.
2Ease of operation
If direct muscle fiber stimulation is used, then vocal fold movement is achieved, but risk and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the recurrent laryngeal nerve or vagus nerve as an intermediary between the stimulation electrodes and the vocal fold muscles. By stimulating the nerve rather than directly stimulating muscle fibers, the system achieves vocal fold movement with reduced invasiveness and lower risk, as nerve stimulation is less intrusive and has fewer complications compared to direct muscle stimulation.
3Productivity
If existing nerve stimulation treatments are applied, then some vocal fold movement is achieved, but effective treatment of autoparalysis is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic stimulation by allowing real-time adjustment of stimulation parameters (electrode activation patterns, pulse frequency, amplitude) based on the patient's specific condition and response. This dynamic approach enables effective treatment of autoparalysis by adapting the stimulation protocol to selectively activate dysfunctional muscles while avoiding overstimulation or unwanted muscle activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying stimulation parameters (frequency, amplitude, pulse width, electrode selection) to achieve optimal activation of paralyzed muscles. By adjusting these parameters, the system can effectively treat autoparalysis conditions that respond poorly to conventional fixed-parameter nerve stimulation, improving both productivity and reliability of treatment.
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
This approach allows for selective activation of vocal fold closing or opening muscles, enhancing voice quality and reducing airway constriction, without directly stimulating muscle fibers, thus minimizing risk and invasiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing electrode configured to sense electrical activity of a dysfunctional muscle of the subject and to generate a first signal in response to the sensed electrical activity
Implementation Method 2
stimulating the dysfunctional muscle, using a stimulating electrode, based on the at least one stimulation parameter
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating a human subject having unilateral vocal cord paralysis includes sensing electrical activity of a dysfunctional muscle of the subject, generating at least one stimulation parameter, using a processor, based on the sensed electrical activity, and stimulating the dysfunctional muscle, using a stimulating electrode, based on the at least one stimulation parameter. A stimulation system is also provided.