Specialized Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Systems for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept adapts peripheral nerve stimulation for treating inflammatory bowel disease to specific, narrow market or unique operational environments, such as high-altitude, disaster relief, compromised immune systems, extreme weather conditions, and high-security settings.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed systems and methods for treating inflammatory bowel disease through peripheral nerve stimulation. However, the existing solutions may not be suitable for specific environments or populations with unique needs. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by developing specialized peripheral nerve stimulation systems tailored to these niche environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept encompasses a range of systems and methods for treating inflammatory bowel disease in specialized contexts. For high-altitude environments, the system features a peripheral nerve stimulator adapted to operate at low oxygen levels, with a controller configured to adjust stimulation parameters based on altitude-related physiological changes. In disaster relief settings, the method involves positioning a portable peripheral nerve stimulator on a patient's skin and delivering an electrical nerve stimulation signal to modulate autonomic tone and reduce inflammation. For patients with compromised immune systems, the system stimulates multiple nerve fibers simultaneously, with a controller adapted to adjust stimulation parameters based on individual immune response profiles. In extreme weather conditions, the system features a waterproof peripheral nerve stimulator, while in high-security environments, the system includes enhanced security features and encryption of stimulation parameters and patient data.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of peripheral nerve stimulation to specific, narrow market or unique operational environments. The inventive step resides in the development of specialized systems and methods that address the unique challenges and requirements of these niche environments.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include wearable devices, implantable systems, or handheld stimulators, each tailored to specific environments or populations. Variations may also involve different stimulation protocols, electrode configurations, or sensor integration to optimize treatment outcomes in these niche environments.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including medical device manufacturing, disaster relief, and high-security healthcare services. The target markets include patients with inflammatory bowel disease living in high-altitude areas, individuals in disaster relief settings, patients with compromised immune systems, and those requiring treatment in extreme weather conditions or high-security environments.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering, specifically peripheral nerve stimulation for treating inflammatory conditions, with expertise in electrical stimulation parameters, 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, having knowledge of nerve stimulation techniques, physiological response mechanisms, and adaptive medical device design
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the source patent's fundamental peripheral nerve stimulation method for inflammatory bowel disease provides a clear technical foundation for adapting the technology to specialized environments. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the core stimulation methodology, involving standard engineering design choices and known adaptation techniques for medical devices. The core stimulation principles remain consistent across the proposed niche environments, with modifications that would be considered routine optimization by a skilled practitioner.
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. |