Nerve Modulation Devices for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857791_0004_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Nerve Modulation Devices for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857791_0004_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857791_0004_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,791.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present disclosure relates to nerve modulation devices adapted for use in specialized environments, such as high-humidity, extreme temperatures, high-noise, high-security, or disaster relief settings, providing targeted treatment for patients with specific needs.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed an arced implant unit for modulation of nerves, but it did not address the unique challenges posed by specialized environments. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by designing nerve modulation devices that can operate effectively in these environments, expanding the treatment options for patients with sleep breathing disorders, neurological disorders, and other conditions.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a range of nerve modulation devices, including systems and methods, designed to operate in specialized environments. For instance, a system for modulating a nerve in a patient with a sleep breathing disorder may include a nerve stimulation device with a waterproof coating, adapted to operate in high-humidity environments. A method for treating a patient with a neurological disorder may involve implanting a nerve modulation device designed to withstand extreme temperatures. A nerve modulation device for use in disaster relief may include a portable energy source, a nerve stimulation unit, and a communication module configured to transmit data to a remote monitoring station, enabling operation in high-noise environments. The inventive concept also encompasses devices adapted for high-security environments, featuring secure authentication modules to verify patient identity.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel features that distinguish the inventive concept from the original patent, including adaptations for specialized environments, such as waterproof coatings, temperature-resistant designs, and secure authentication modules. These features provide a non-obvious solution to the problem of nerve modulation in challenging environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include devices with adjustable parameters for customization to specific environments, modular designs for easy maintenance and upgrade, or integration with other medical devices for comprehensive patient care. Variations of the inventive concept could also involve different materials, geometries, or stimulation protocols tailored to specific patient populations or conditions.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of sleep breathing disorders, neurological disorders, and disaster relief. The target market includes hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions seeking specialized nerve modulation solutions for their patients. The inventive concept's adaptability to diverse environments and patient needs positions it for widespread adoption and growth.

Field of Art

Biomedical engineering, specifically neural modulation devices and implantable nerve stimulation systems, with expertise in medical device design, electrical stimulation techniques, and biocompatible materials

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, experience in medical device design, understanding of neural stimulation principles, familiarity with implantable medical technologies, and knowledge of environmental adaptation strategies for medical devices

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the source patent's fundamental nerve modulation implant design provides a clear technological foundation for adapting devices to specialized environmental conditions. The core neural stimulation mechanism remains consistent, with the PTD introducing predictable modifications to enhance device functionality and reliability in challenging contexts. These adaptations represent standard engineering problem-solving approaches that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to expand the utility of nerve modulation technologies.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Flexible carrier unit with elongated arms for nerve stimulation
PTD Variation
Adding waterproof coating and environmental resistance features
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that protecting medical implants from environmental factors is a standard design consideration, with known techniques for creating waterproof and temperature-resistant medical devices using established materials and coating technologies
Source Patent Element
Implantable electrical modulator for nerve stimulation
PTD Variation
Incorporating communication module for remote monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating wireless communication into medical implants is a predictable evolution in medical device design, representing a known technique for enhancing patient monitoring and device management
Source Patent Element
Nerve stimulation device with multiple electrode configurations
PTD Variation
Adding secure authentication module for patient verification
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing security features in medical devices is a standard approach to protecting patient data and device functionality, using well-established authentication technologies
Source Patent Element
Flexible carrier unit designed to conform to nerve anatomy
PTD Variation
Adapting device for extreme temperature and environmental conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection and design modifications to enhance device performance in challenging environments represent predictable engineering solutions within the medical device design domain
Source Patent Element
Nerve modulation implant with energy delivery mechanism
PTD Variation
Developing portable energy source for disaster relief applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Designing medical devices with enhanced portability and energy efficiency is a known approach to expanding technological utility, particularly in emergency and resource-limited contexts
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857791, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the variations disclosed in the Published Technical Disclosure to represent obvious extensions of the fundamental nerve modulation implant technology. The proposed environmental adaptations, communication enhancements, and specialized design modifications constitute predictable technological improvements that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner seeking to expand the utility and reliability of neural stimulation devices.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,791
TitleArced implant unit for modulation of nerves
Assignee(s)Nyxoah SA