Wireless Splanchnic Nerve Stimulation for Obesity Treatment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current obesity treatments, including pharmacological and surgical methods, often fail to effectively reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure, leading to inadequate weight management and potential side effects, while existing electrical stimulation therapies do not address energy expenditure.

Innovation Solution

Electrical activation of the sympathetic nervous system using a wireless electrode inductively coupled with a radiofrequency field to stimulate the splanchnic nerves, increasing energy expenditure and reducing food intake by modulating sympathetic activity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If pharmacological and surgical methods are used to treat obesity, then weight loss may be achieved, but side effects occur and energy expenditure is not effectively increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight lossVSAvoidside effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pharmacological and surgical interventions with electrical nerve stimulation therapy. Specifically, electrical impulses are applied to the splanchnic nerves to activate the sympathetic nervous system, thereby substituting chemical and invasive mechanical methods with a non-invasive electrical stimulation approach that achieves weight loss without the harmful side effects of drugs or surgery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the body's own sympathetic nervous system to perform the weight loss function naturally through electrical stimulation. By activating the splanchnic nerves, the body's endogenous mechanisms for increasing energy expenditure and reducing food intake are utilized, rather than relying on external pharmacological agents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Quantity of substance

If existing electrical stimulation therapies are used, then food intake may be reduced, but energy expenditure is not addressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood intake reductionVSAvoidenergy expenditure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the approach to obesity treatment by specifically targeting the splanchnic nerves, which are part of the sympathetic nervous system. This segmentation allows for selective activation of pathways that control both food intake reduction and energy expenditure increase, rather than using non-specific stimulation methods that only address one aspect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the electrical stimulation therapy multi-functional by demonstrating that stimulation of the splanchnic nerves simultaneously achieves two functions: reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure. This universal approach addresses both major components of obesity management through a single therapeutic intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If continuous electrical stimulation is applied to splanchnic nerves, then weight loss is achieved, but tolerance develops and weight regain occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight lossVSAvoidsustained weight loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by using intermittent electrical stimulation protocols with varying duty cycles. The stimulation is delivered in pulses or cycles rather than continuously, allowing periods of activation followed by rest periods. This periodic approach prevents the development of tolerance while maintaining effective weight loss and preventing weight regain during inactivity periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the stimulation parameters variable and adaptable. The electrical stimulation intensity, duration, and frequency are dynamically adjusted based on individual patient response and tolerance levels. This dynamic approach allows the therapy to remain effective over time by preventing adaptation and tolerance development

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

This method effectively reduces food intake and increases energy expenditure, leading to sustained weight loss without significant side effects, such as elevated blood pressure, and prevents weight regain during periods of inactivity.

Implementation Method 1

providing electrical signals to the splanchnic nerve via a wireless electrode inductively coupled with a radiofrequency field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8295926B2Dynamic nerve stimulation in combination with other eating disorder treatment modalities

Publication Date: 2012.10.23 ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A method for treatment of obesity or other disorders by electrical activation or inhibition of nerves is disclosed. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by stimulating a nerve using an electrode. The method further comprises performing a surgical procedure and/or administering a weight loss drug.