Enhanced Arced Implant Unit for Nerve Modulation
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept relates to improved implantable devices and methods for modulating nerves, offering enhanced safety, efficiency, and adaptability.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an arced implant unit for modulating nerves, but it had limitations in terms of temperature monitoring, nerve activity detection, and power harvesting. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating advanced features, such as temperature sensors, MEMS sensors, and power harvesting units, to provide more effective and efficient nerve modulation.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises an implantable unit featuring an arc-shaped flexible carrier with at least one pair of electrodes. The flexible carrier is designed to conform to the shape of the nerve and includes a temperature sensor for monitoring tissue temperature during modulation. The electrodes are configured to modulate a nerve, and the implant unit may include a sensor for detecting sleep patterns or a machine learning algorithm for adapting modulation parameters based on real-time feedback from the nerve. Additionally, the implant unit may incorporate a stiffening unit formed of a stiffer material than the flexible carrier to provide structural support.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features, such as temperature sensors, MEMS sensors, power harvesting units, and machine learning algorithms, which are not present in the original patent. These advancements provide a significant improvement in nerve modulation, making the new inventive concept non-obvious and novel compared to the prior art.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include different sensor configurations, such as electroencephalography (EEG) or electromyography (EMG) sensors, to detect various physiological signals. The implant unit may also be designed for different nerve targets, such as the vagus nerve or the trigeminal nerve, or adapted for use in various therapeutic applications, such as pain management or epilepsy treatment.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced arced implant unit for nerve modulation has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of neurology, cardiology, and sleep disorders. The market for nerve modulation devices is expected to grow, driven by the increasing prevalence of neurological disorders and the need for more effective treatment options.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering, specifically neural modulation devices and implantable electrode systems for nerve stimulation, with expertise in medical device design, electrical stimulation techniques, and biocompatible materials
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, experience in neural interface technologies, understanding of electrical stimulation principles, and knowledge of implantable medical device design and fabrication
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core neural modulation implant design. The additional features like temperature sensing, machine learning adaptation, and power harvesting are well-known techniques in biomedical engineering that a skilled practitioner would readily combine to improve nerve stimulation devices. The fundamental arc-shaped carrier and electrode configuration remain substantially consistent with the original patent's core technological approach.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,791 |
|---|---|
| Title | Arced implant unit for modulation of nerves |
| Assignee(s) | Nyxoah SA |