Enhanced Systems and Methods for Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease through Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept enhances the original peripheral nerve stimulation system for treating inflammatory bowel disease by introducing tailored electrical nerve stimulation signals, real-time monitoring, and personalized therapy, leading to improved treatment outcomes and enhanced patient safety.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a method for treating inflammatory bowel disease through peripheral nerve stimulation, but it had limitations in terms of signal customization, real-time feedback, and patient-specific optimization. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating advanced signal processing, monitoring capabilities, and personalized therapy, thereby improving treatment efficacy and reducing potential side effects.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a stimulation device configured to deliver tailored electrical nerve stimulation signals to specific peripheral nerves, modulating both parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems to activate an anti-inflammatory pathway. The system includes real-time monitoring capabilities to adjust the electrical stimulation parameter based on the patient's inflammatory response. Additionally, the system can be personalized by determining a patient's specific nerve conduction velocity and adjusting the electrical stimulation parameter accordingly. The inventive concept also encompasses simultaneous stimulation of multiple peripheral nerves to enhance the anti-inflammatory effect.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel elements such as tailored electrical nerve stimulation signals, real-time monitoring, and personalized therapy, which are not present in the original patent. These advancements provide a non-obvious improvement over the prior art, enabling more effective and safe treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the signal frequency, pulse width, or amplitude to optimize the anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use with other inflammatory diseases or conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or autoimmune hepatitis.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced peripheral nerve stimulation system has significant commercial potential in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, with a growing market demand for non-pharmacological and minimally invasive therapies. The system could be marketed to gastroenterologists, pain management specialists, and other healthcare professionals, with potential applications in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering focused on neuromodulation techniques for treating inflammatory conditions, specifically gastrointestinal disorders. Requires expertise in electrical stimulation, neurophysiology, and medical device design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device researcher with advanced degrees in bioengineering, electrical engineering, or medical electronics, possessing knowledge of nerve stimulation parameters, inflammatory response mechanisms, and signal modulation techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core peripheral nerve stimulation methodology. The disclosed enhancements like real-time monitoring, multi-nerve stimulation, and personalized signal adjustment are logical progressions of the original nerve stimulation approach. These modifications represent standard engineering design iterations that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize inflammatory disease treatment.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,778 |
|---|---|
| Title | Systems and methods for treating inflammatory bowel disease through peripheral nerve stimulation |
| Assignee(s) | Cala Health, Inc. |