Summary:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel method for spatially selective electrical nerve stimulation.
Background:
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a common form of treatment for various ailments, such as chronic pain. This approach offers a non-pharmacological and minimally invasive option. Vagus nerve stimulation is being explored to treat a wide array of ailments, including depression and epilepsy. Current treatment techniques could be significantly improved by reducing or eliminating side effects. Spatially selective stimulation (delivering current to a subset of nerve fibers) holds promise as one way of reducing side effects, but prior attempts to optimize spatially selective stimulation have not determined the optimal number of electrodes stimulation montages to employ. Additionally, nerve fiber specificity and stimulation safety are often inversely proportional, as highly targeted stimulation often requires more intense signaling. There is a need for an optimized, spatially selective method of electrical nerve stimulation to minimize or remove unwanted side effects and improve quality of life for patients with chronic medical conditions.
Innovation:
Researchers at UCLA have developed a spatially selective approach that directs current to specific nerves while minimizing stimulation to surrounding regions that cause unwanted side effects. Utilizing optimized electrode configurations and stimulation montages, this alternative approach maximizes nerve fiber specificity and stimulation safety. This optimization maximizes voltage delivery to the intended target areas while reducing exposure to surrounding, non-target regions. This novel method of nerve stimulation has the potential to transform pain management and treatment for neurological disorders by safely maximizing nerve specificity.
Potential Applications:
● Vagus nerve stimulation
● Pain management - chronic pain, post-surgical pain
● Motor disorders/rehabilitation - Cerebral palsy, Stroke rehabilitation
● ANS - Bladder/bowel control; Epilepsy
● Neurological disorders - Parkinson’s
● Depression and PTSD treatment
Advantages:
● High nerve fiber specificity
● High stimulation safety
Development-To-Date:
First description of complete invention.
Related Papers:
Wang, Y., Brand, J., & Liu, W. (2022). Stimulation montage achieves balanced focality and intensity. Algorithms, 15(5), 169. https://doi.org/10.3390/a15050169
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2024-277
Lead Inventor:
Jonathan Brand