Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Pain Management in New Therapeutic Areas
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of peripheral nerve stimulation to address unmet needs in pain management across various therapeutic areas, including post-operative pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, and temporomandibular joint disorder.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on treating inflammatory bowel disease through peripheral nerve stimulation. However, there exists a significant unmet need for effective pain management solutions in various therapeutic areas. This inventive concept addresses this limitation by applying the core technology to new applications, providing a novel solution for pain relief and relaxation.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims describe systems and methods for treating symptoms of post-operative pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, and temporomandibular joint disorder through transcutaneous stimulation of peripheral nerves. The inventive concept involves positioning a peripheral nerve effector on the patient's skin to stimulate the peripheral nerve, delivering an electrical nerve stimulation signal tailored to selectively stimulate nerve fibers associated with pain relief and relaxation. The control unit configures the electrical nerve stimulation signal to optimize pain relief and relaxation for each specific therapeutic area.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The novelty of this inventive concept lies in the application of peripheral nerve stimulation technology to new therapeutic areas, addressing unmet needs in pain management. The inventive step involves tailoring the electrical nerve stimulation signal to selectively stimulate nerve fibers associated with pain relief and relaxation for each specific therapeutic area, providing a targeted and effective solution.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include varying the peripheral nerve effector design, adjusting the electrical nerve stimulation signal parameters, or incorporating additional sensors or feedback mechanisms to optimize pain relief and relaxation. Variations may also include combining peripheral nerve stimulation with other pain management modalities, such as pharmaceuticals or physical therapy.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the pain management market, with applications in post-operative care, migraine treatment, fibromyalgia management, complex regional pain syndrome therapy, and temporomandibular joint disorder treatment. The target industries include pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering, specifically peripheral nerve stimulation for therapeutic interventions, with expertise in electrical signal modulation and neurological treatment techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device researcher with advanced degree, knowledge of neurostimulation principles, understanding of nerve fiber types, and experience in adapting electrical stimulation parameters for therapeutic applications
Obviousness Rationale
The PTD represents a straightforward extension of the source patent's core peripheral nerve stimulation technology by applying the established neurological stimulation methodology to additional pain management contexts. A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental nerve stimulation approach disclosed in the source patent could be readily adapted to treat various pain-related conditions by modifying electrical signal parameters and target nerve fiber selection. The technical principles of transcutaneous nerve stimulation remain consistent across different therapeutic applications, making the PTD's variations predictable and obvious.
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. |