CN118267620A - Noninvasive electrical stimulation method and system for stimulating deep spinal neurons - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a noninvasive electrical stimulation method and a noninvasive electrical stimulation system for stimulating deep neurons of spinal cord, wherein one group of electrodes are placed at spinal cord dermatomes corresponding to target neurons according to the type of symptoms, the other group of electrodes are placed at the tail ends of spinal cord, so that an electrical stimulation loop is formed between the two groups of electrodes; the high-frequency carrier wave is combined with the modulation wave, so that the stimulation waveforms generated by the two groups of electrodes penetrate through the bone of the spine to reach deep target neurons, and the target neurons are stimulated; the system comprises an electrode I, an electrode II and a control unit, wherein the electrode I is arranged at a spinal dermatome, and the electrode II is arranged at the tail end of a spinal cord of a patient; the control unit comprises a high-frequency carrier module and a modulation wave module which are respectively and electrically connected with the electrode I and the electrode II and used for controlling the stimulation parameters of an electric stimulation loop formed between the electrode I and the electrode II. Compared with the traditional invasive electrical stimulation method, the method provided by the invention has the advantages that the risk and cost of treatment are obviously reduced, and a safer and more economical treatment option is provided for patients.

Description

A non-invasive electrical stimulation method and system for stimulating deep spinal cord neurons

Technical Field

The present invention belongs to the technical field of medical equipment and relates to a non-invasive electrical stimulation method and system for stimulating deep spinal cord neurons.

Background technique

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) technology is a widely recognized method for treating chronic pain and motor dysfunction. By applying electrical stimulation to the spinal cord or its surrounding nerve tissue, SCS can effectively manage and relieve pain and dysfunction in various disease states. This method is mainly used for cases that do not respond well to traditional drugs and treatments, including but not limited to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), intractable low back pain, pain that is not relieved by surgery, etc. Recently, spinal cord stimulation has also been shown to have a unique effect on the recovery of motor function after stroke. By precisely stimulating spinal cord neurons at different stages, motor function recovery can be achieved in patients after stroke.

Although traditional SCS technologies have shown significant effects in treating the above diseases, they mainly rely on surgical implantation of electrodes. This implantable electrical stimulation method naturally involves surgical risks, including infection, electrode displacement, foreign body reaction in the body, etc., and also brings high treatment costs. In addition, the long-term use of implantable devices may also cause inconvenience and reduced comfort for patients.

More importantly, the existing technology lacks effective non-invasive spinal cord electrical stimulation modes, that is, there is no method that can penetrate the skin and tissue non-invasively to directly affect the neurons deep in the spinal cord, which limits the application scope of SCS technology, especially when it is hoped to avoid surgical risks and reduce treatment costs.

Summary of the invention

In order to solve a series of limitations and challenges existing in traditional spinal cord electrical stimulation methods, the present invention provides a non-invasive electrical stimulation method and system for stimulating deep spinal cord neurons. Without any surgical implantation, effective stimulation of deep spinal cord neurons can be achieved directly through external devices, thereby reducing surgical risks and related costs of treatment, and providing a safer and more economical treatment option for a wider range of patient groups.

The technical solutions adopted are as follows:

On the one hand, the present invention provides a non-invasive electrical stimulation method for stimulating deep spinal cord neurons, wherein the location of the target neurons is determined according to the type of disease; a group of electrodes is placed at the spinal dermatomes corresponding to the target neurons, and another group of electrodes is placed at the end of the spinal cord, so that an electrical stimulation circuit is formed between the two groups of electrodes; a high-frequency carrier is combined with a modulation wave so that the stimulation waveforms generated by the two groups of electrodes pass through the spinal bone and reach the deep target neurons to stimulate the target neurons.

Preferably, a high-frequency current of 10 KHz is used as a high-frequency carrier, and a modulation frequency less than 60 Hz is used for modulation.

Further preferably, two or more groups of electrodes are placed at the corresponding spinal dermatomes to stimulate the synchronous activity of multiple target neurons to promote the formation of new neuronal connections.

Furthermore, the electric field and the patient's muscle activity during the treatment process are monitored, and the modulation frequency and stimulation time of the modulation wave are automatically adjusted according to the monitoring results.

On the other hand, the present invention also provides a non-invasive electrical stimulation system for stimulating deep spinal cord neurons, the system comprising: an electrode I, which is placed at a spinal cord dermatome corresponding to a target neuron;

Electrode II, which is placed at the end of the patient's spinal cord;

The control unit includes a high-frequency carrier module and a modulation wave module, which are electrically connected to the electrode I and the electrode II and are used to control the stimulation parameters of the electrical stimulation circuit formed between the electrode I and the electrode II.

Furthermore, the system also includes a feedback unit for monitoring the electric field and patient muscle activity during the treatment process. The feedback unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the modulation wave module automatically adjusts the modulation frequency and stimulation time according to the monitoring results of the feedback unit.

Furthermore, the system further comprises:

Sensors to measure physiological responses of target neurons and treatment sites;

An analysis unit is electrically connected to the sensor and the control unit respectively. The analysis unit evaluates the electrical stimulation effect according to the physiological response data measured by the sensor, and adjusts the stimulation parameters between the two electrodes through the modulation wave module according to the electrical stimulation effect.

Preferably, the system comprises at least two groups of electrodes I, each group of electrodes I is placed on the skin surface of a corresponding spinal dermatome; the control unit is electrically connected to each electrode I, respectively, for stimulating synchronous activity of multiple target neurons.

Preferably, the high-frequency carrier module uses a high-frequency current of 10KHz as a high-frequency carrier, and the modulation wave module uses a modulation frequency less than 60Hz for modulation.

The technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages:

A. The present invention achieves effective stimulation of deep neurons through a non-invasive method, combining high-frequency carrier waves, low-frequency modulation waves and precise electrode placement strategies, while avoiding the pain that may be caused by traditional electrical stimulation. Compared with traditional invasive electrical stimulation methods, the present invention significantly reduces the risk and cost of treatment, providing patients with a safer and more economical treatment option.

B. The present invention allows the use of two pairs of electrodes for different disease types and treatment needs, which are placed on the skin surface corresponding to different spinal dermatomes, which can stimulate the synchronous activity of neurons and promote the formation of new neuronal connections, thereby enhancing the treatment effect.

C. Compared with traditional invasive electrical stimulation methods and systems, the present invention facilitates the adjustment of electrode positions and can realize personalized setting of modulation frequency in combination with the modulation wave module, so that the treatment can specifically regulate neuronal activity to achieve the best treatment effect.

D. The present invention forms an intelligent control system by integrating sensors, feedback units and analysis units, and automatically adjusts stimulation parameters according to real-time feedback to achieve more personalized and efficient treatment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the specific embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

FIG1 is a block diagram of a spinal cord electrical stimulation method provided by the present invention;

FIG2 is a structural diagram of the system provided by the present invention;

FIG3 is a schematic diagram of an electrode placement method for treating chronic pain provided by the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electrode placement method for enhancing neuronal connections and promoting motor function recovery provided by the present invention.

In the figure: 1-electrode I; 2-electrode II.

Detailed ways

The technical solution of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1, the present invention provides a non-invasive electrical stimulation method for stimulating deep spinal neurons, and the specific method is: determine the target neuron position according to the disease type, and determine the spinal dermatome according to the target neuron position; place a group of electrodes on the skin surface corresponding to the spinal dermatome, and place another group of electrodes at the end of the spinal cord to form an effective electrical stimulation circuit between the two groups of electrodes; use a high-frequency carrier combined with a modulation wave to make the stimulation waveform generated by the two groups of electrodes pass through the spinal bone and reach the deep target neurons to stimulate the target neurons, wherein the stimulation wave can be a sine wave, a square wave, etc. It is preferred to use a 10KHz high-frequency current as a high-frequency carrier, and use a modulation frequency less than 60Hz for regulation. The present invention adopts the above-mentioned unique combination method, so that the stimulation waveform can pass through the spinal bone and reach the deep neurons, while avoiding the pain that may be caused by traditional electrical stimulation. The target neuron position determined by the present invention according to the disease type, such as: the corresponding dermatome of the upper and lower limb motor nervous system and the corresponding spinal dermatome of the spinal cord injury site or pain site.

As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, in order to further enhance the therapeutic effect and configure electrodes more flexibly, the present invention adopts two or more groups of electrodes placed in different spinal dermatomes for different disease types and treatment needs, so as to stimulate the synchronous activity of multiple target neurons. This configuration can stimulate the synchronous activity of neurons, so that the neurons around the neurons to be stimulated can achieve the purpose of synchronous activity, thereby promoting the formation of new neuronal connections, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effect.

As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention also monitors the electric field and the patient's muscle activity during the treatment process, and automatically adjusts the modulation frequency and stimulation time of the modulation wave according to the monitoring results.

As shown in Figure 2, the present invention also provides a non-invasive electrical stimulation system for stimulating deep spinal cord neurons, including electrode I, electrode II and a control unit, wherein electrode I is placed on the skin surface of the spinal cord dermatome corresponding to the target neuron; electrode II is placed at the end of the patient's spinal cord; the control unit includes a high-frequency carrier module and a modulation wave module, which are electrically connected to electrode I and electrode II, respectively, for controlling the stimulation parameters of the electrical stimulation circuit formed between electrode I and electrode II, thereby effectively stimulating the target neuron. Preferably, in the present invention, a high-frequency current of 10KHz is used as a high-frequency carrier in the high-frequency carrier module, and a modulation frequency of less than 60Hz is used for modulation in the modulation wave module.

As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a feedback unit is also provided in the system for monitoring the electric field and the patient's muscle activity during the treatment process. The feedback unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the modulation wave module automatically adjusts the modulation frequency and stimulation time according to the monitoring results of the feedback unit. By providing the feedback unit, the electrical stimulation conditions of the patient can be monitored and the electrical stimulation parameters can be adjusted in time to achieve the best treatment effect.

As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention further adds an intelligent control module, and sets a sensor and an analysis unit in the system, the sensor is used to measure the physiological responses of the target neurons and the treatment site; the analysis unit is electrically connected to the sensor and the control unit, respectively, and the analysis unit evaluates the electrical stimulation effect based on the physiological response data measured by the sensor, and adjusts the stimulation parameters between the two groups of electrodes through the modulation wave module based on the electrical stimulation effect. For example, for patients with motor function impairment, according to the electromyographic response of the treatment target site, the stimulation frequency and intensity that can help the patient produce the maximum autonomous activity electromyographic response are selected.

As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least two groups of electrodes I are included in the system, and each group of electrodes I is placed on the skin surface of a corresponding different spinal dermatome; the control unit is electrically connected to each group of electrodes I, respectively, to stimulate the synchronous activity of multiple target neurons. In response to specific treatment needs, the present invention proposes to use two pairs of electrodes placed in different spinal dermatomes. This configuration can effectively promote the synchronous activity between neurons and form new neuronal connections, thereby improving the treatment effect. Of course, the present invention preferably places two groups of electrodes on the skin surface corresponding to different spinal dermatomes, and places another group of electrodes on the skin surface corresponding to the patient's spinal cord end. The electrode placement position has a significant impact on the treatment effect. This specific electrode placement strategy enhances the effect and accuracy of the stimulation.

Therefore, compared with traditional invasive methods, the method and system of the present invention reduce the surgical risks of treatment, reduce related costs, and provide a safer and more economical treatment option for a wider range of patient groups. Without any surgical implantation, it can achieve effective stimulation of deep spinal cord neurons through external devices, which not only ensures the treatment effect but also minimizes the patient's discomfort and treatment costs.

Example 1: Non-invasive spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of chronic pain

Electrode Configuration: The system consists of a set of external electrodes, including two electrodes. These electrodes are positioned around the patient's spine to generate an electric field in the spinal cord area. See Figure 3.

Control Unit: Used to adjust the frequency, intensity and phase of the electric field generated by each set of electrodes. The control unit is equipped with a user interface that allows medical professionals to adjust the stimulation parameters according to treatment needs.

Technical Parameters:

Electric field frequency: The electrodes generate a 10KHz high frequency current modulated at 10Hz. The modulation frequency can be adjusted at any time to produce the best therapeutic effect.

Electric field strength: adjusted according to treatment needs, but not exceeding the safe current for the human body to ensure safety.

Steps:

1. Positioning the electrode: According to the patient's specific condition, position the electrode at the patient's painful area or the spinal dermatome corresponding to the painful area, and place the electrode at the corresponding dermatome.

2. Set stimulation parameters: Set the frequency and electric field strength of the electrode on the control unit. The set parameters generate a modulated current of a specific frequency and intensity to stimulate the neurons deep in the spinal cord and produce a better therapeutic effect.

3. Start the stimulation program: Start the control unit and start the stimulation program. The duration and frequency of stimulation depend on the treatment plan.

4. Monitoring and adjustment: During the stimulation process, monitor the patient's physiological response and, if necessary, adjust the stimulation parameters to optimize the treatment effect.

5. Evaluate treatment effects: After the stimulation is completed, evaluate the immediate effects of the treatment and adjust the subsequent treatment plan if necessary.

Through this embodiment, it is expected that the deep structures of the spinal cord can be accurately stimulated non-invasively to affect the ascending pain nerve signals to treat chronic pain or other neuropathic pain. Compared with traditional spinal cord stimulation methods, this system is expected to provide a safer, more effective and user-friendly treatment solution.

Example 2: Non-invasive electrical stimulation of the spinal cord promotes motor function recovery after spinal cord injury

Electrode configuration: The system consists of two sets of external electrodes, each set of two electrodes. These electrodes are positioned around the patient's spine to generate an electric field in the spinal cord area, as shown in Figure 4.

Control Unit: Used to adjust the frequency, intensity and phase of the electric field generated by each set of electrodes. The control unit is equipped with a user interface that allows medical professionals to adjust the stimulation parameters according to treatment needs.

Technical Parameters:

Electric field frequency: The electrodes generate a 10KHz high frequency current modulated at 10Hz. The modulation frequency can be adjusted at any time to produce the best therapeutic effect.

Electric field strength: adjusted according to treatment needs, but not exceeding the safe current for the human body to ensure safety.

Steps:

1. Positioning electrodes: Based on the patient's specific condition, the electrodes are positioned at the site of spinal cord injury or the corresponding spinal dermatomes where the patient's upper or lower limb motor function is impaired, and the electrodes are placed on both sides of the injury.

2. Set stimulation parameters: Set the frequency and electric field strength of the electrode on the control unit. The set parameters generate a modulated current of a specific frequency and intensity to stimulate the neurons deep in the spinal cord, synchronize the activity of neurons above and below the injured area, and enhance the connection between neurons to produce a better therapeutic effect.

3. Start the stimulation program: Start the control unit and start the stimulation program. The duration and frequency of stimulation depend on the treatment plan.

4. Monitoring and adjustment: During the stimulation process, monitor the patient's physiological response and, if necessary, adjust the stimulation parameters to optimize the treatment effect.

5. Evaluate treatment effects: After the stimulation is completed, evaluate the immediate effects of the treatment and adjust the subsequent treatment plan if necessary.

Through this embodiment, it is expected that the deep structures of the spinal cord can be accurately stimulated non-invasively to synchronize the activity of neurons and strengthen the connection between neurons to help restore the patient's motor function. Compared with traditional spinal cord stimulation methods, this system is expected to provide a safer, more effective and user-friendly treatment plan.

Anything not described in the present invention is applicable to the prior art.

Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for the purpose of clear explanation, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods. For those skilled in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the implementation methods here. The obvious changes or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims (9)

1. A non-invasive electrical stimulation method for stimulating deep neurons of the spinal cord, characterized in that the positions of target neurons are determined according to the disease types; placing one group of electrodes at the spinal dermatome corresponding to the target neuron, and placing the other group of electrodes at the tail end of the spinal cord so as to form an electric stimulation loop between the two groups of electrodes; the high-frequency carrier wave is combined with the modulation wave, so that the stimulation waveforms generated by the two groups of electrodes penetrate through the bone of the spine to reach deep target neurons, and the target neurons are stimulated.

2. The non-invasive electrical stimulation method according to claim 1, characterized in that a high frequency current of 10KHz is used as the high frequency carrier and modulation is performed with a modulation frequency of less than 60 Hz.

3. The method of non-invasive electrical stimulation according to claim 2, wherein two or more sets of electrodes are placed at each spinal dermatome, respectively, to stimulate multiple target neurons to synchronize their activity to promote new neuron connection formation.

4. A non-invasive electrical stimulation method according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the electric field and the patient's muscle activity during the treatment are monitored, and the modulation frequency and stimulation time of the modulation wave are automatically adjusted according to the monitoring result.

5. A non-invasive electrical stimulation system for stimulating deep spinal cord neurons, the system comprising: an electrode I placed at the spinal dermatome corresponding to the target neuron;

An electrode II, which is placed at the end of the spinal cord of the patient;

The control unit comprises a high-frequency carrier module and a modulation wave module, is electrically connected with the electrode I and the electrode II and is used for controlling the stimulation parameters of an electric stimulation loop formed between the electrode I and the electrode II.

6. The non-invasive electrical stimulation system according to claim 5, further comprising a feedback unit for monitoring the electric field and the patient muscle activity during the treatment, wherein the feedback unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and wherein the modulation wave module automatically adjusts the modulation frequency and the stimulation time according to the monitoring result of the feedback unit.

7. The non-invasive electrical stimulation system according to claim 6, wherein the system further comprises:

a sensor for measuring a physiological response of the target neuron and the treatment site;

The analysis unit is respectively and electrically connected with the sensor and the control unit, evaluates the electric stimulation effect according to the physiological response data measured by the sensor, and adjusts the stimulation parameters between the two electrodes through the modulation wave module according to the electric stimulation effect.

8. The non-invasive electrical stimulation system according to claim 7, wherein the system comprises at least two sets of said electrodes I, each set of said electrodes I being placed on the skin surface of a corresponding spinal dermatome; the control unit is electrically connected with each electrode I respectively and is used for stimulating synchronous activities of a plurality of target neurons.

9. The non-invasive electrical stimulation system according to any of claims 5-8, wherein the high frequency carrier module uses a high frequency current of 10KHz as the high frequency carrier, and the modulation wave module uses a modulation frequency of less than 60 Hz.