Wearable Carotid Collar for Non-Invasive Baroreflex Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neck chamber devices for assessing and modulating baroreflex function are cumbersome, uncomfortable, and limited to academic research settings, hindering their clinical and therapeutic applications.

Innovation Solution

Development of portable, wearable collar devices that apply positive or negative pressure to the carotid sinus region for non-invasive baroreflex activation and modulation, utilizing advanced electronics, sensors, and algorithms for closed-loop control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional neck chamber devices are used to assess baroreflex function, then baroreceptor activation can be achieved, but the devices become cumbersome, heavy, and uncomfortable for patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebaroreflex assessment capabilityVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a collar portion that fits around the neck and a separate pressure generator unit. The collar contains the baroreceptor activation mechanism while the pressure generator can be positioned away from the patient's body, reducing discomfort while maintaining baroreflex assessment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible membrane or cushioning layer is introduced between the pressure generation mechanism and the patient's neck. This intermediary element transmits the necessary pressure for baroreceptor activation while distributing it evenly to maintain patient comfort during the assessment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional neck chamber devices are used, then baroreflex function can be assessed, but the devices are large and require loud pressure generators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebaroreflex assessment capabilityVSAvoidnoise level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The loud pressure generation components are extracted from the collar portion and placed in a separate, remotely positioned unit. This allows the collar to remain quiet and comfortable against the patient's neck while the pressure generator operates away from the patient, reducing noise exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional pneumatic pressure generators are replaced with electronically-controlled mechanisms such as piezoelectric actuators or voice coil motors that can generate the necessary pressure changes without the mechanical noise associated with traditional pneumatic systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If external pressure is applied to carotid sinus to activate baroreceptors, then hemodynamic responses can be measured, but the coupling of arterial wall and baroreceptors is altered with age and disease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebaroreflex gain measurementVSAvoidbaroreceptor coupling integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure application is localized to specific regions of the carotid sinus with optimized pressure distribution patterns. Different pressure profiles are applied to different areas to compensate for age-related or disease-related changes in baroreceptor coupling, ensuring accurate measurement of baroreflex function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates real-time adjustment of pressure application based on feedback from hemodynamic sensors. The pressure profile dynamically adapts to the patient's physiological state, compensating for altered baroreceptor coupling due to age or disease conditions and maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 convenient, non-invasive assessment and therapy for various disease conditions, providing routine measurement of baroreflex gain and allowing for targeted therapy outside clinical settings, improving patient health monitoring and treatment.

Implementation Method 1

application of positive or negative pressure on a carotid sinus of a patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure application: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

Baroreceptors are tethered to viscoelastic elements in arterial walls. This coupling of the arterial wall and baroreceptors is altered with age and various disease conditions thus the resultant electrical stimulus which is conveyed to the central nervous system from the baroreceptors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBaroreceptor transduction: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12502127B2External baroreflex activation for assessment and treatment

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 CVRX INC

AI summary

Devices, systems and methods for non-invasive modulation of the baroreflex system of a patient. In embodiments, the present disclosure may be used to measure and monitor baroreflex function for diagnostic purposes in patients acutely or chronically to inform and guide medical treatment, assess disease severity, or assess morbidity/mortality risk. In embodiments, the present disclosure may be used to provide non-invasive baroreflex activation therapy acutely or chronically to treat a variety of disease conditions through rebalancing of the sympathetic and parasympathetic limbs of the autonomic nervous system and their connections to higher brain centers.