Computer-supported intraneural facilitation for vascular changes

Inventors

BUSSELL, Mark

Assignees

Loma Linda University

Publication Number

US-11992448-B2

Publication Date

2024-05-28

Expiration Date

2039-04-23

Interested in licensing this patent?

MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.


Abstract

The disclosure is related to a system and method for operating a traction device to detect blood flow patterns in a subject for managing neuropathy related conditions through intraneural facilitation (INF). According to an embodiment, the INF system and method rely on the traction device for positioning the subject in one or more positions, and a processing device for processing intervening signals obtained by a probe positioned on the subject. The signals received from the probe may be used to determine a two dimensional (2D) plane blood flow pattern. Detected changes in the measured blood flow may be used to determine if further traction device positions are required to ensure that the intervening signals demonstrate normal blood flow patterns with improvements to the neuropathy condition. The 2D flow pattern may calculate at least one of Volume Flow (VF) and Pulsatility Index (PI) for each set of signals received.

Core Innovation

The invention provides a system and method for operating a traction device, integrated with signal processing technology, to detect and interpret blood flow patterns for managing neuropathy-related conditions using intraneural facilitation (INF). A traction device is used to position a subject in various positions while a probe measures intervening signals that reflect real-time blood flow patterns, specifically determining two-dimensional (2D) blood flow in targeted arteries supplying nerves. These signals are processed to evaluate key parameters such as Volume Flow (VF) and Pulsatility Index (PI), with patterns used to guide adjustments in traction positioning.

The core problem addressed by the invention is the lack of precise, objective methods for measuring and controlling neurovascular circulation during INF therapy, particularly for distinguishing between local and distal neurovascular insufficiency. Conventional diagnostic methods such as electromyography (EMG) cannot provide real-time, quantitative vascular analysis necessary to guide INF treatment effectively. This limitation results in imprecise targeting and inconsistent therapeutic outcomes, as the actual source of neuropathy is often not addressed.

By capturing and processing probe signals at specific anatomical sites and under controlled positional changes induced by the traction device, the disclosed system provides iterative and targeted feedback to determine the effects of INF on nerve-associated blood flow. The method uses comparative analysis of sequential 2D flow patterns to inform further position adjustments until normalized blood flow is achieved, thus allowing for accurate and individualized guidance of INF therapy based on quantifiable vascular responses.

Claims Coverage

The patent claims cover several inventive features related to methods and systems for computer-supported intraneural facilitation using measurement and adjustment of blood flow patterns.

Method for detecting blood flow patterns via controlled traction and signal processing

A method where a traction device, under processor control, positions a subject and receives signals from a probe at a first area and position. The signals are processed to determine a first 2D blood flow pattern between arteries supplying nerves. The traction device is moved to subsequent positions based on detected patterns, and new signals are obtained, with comparative analysis performed to determine changes in blood flow, guiding vascular changes for INF treatment.

System for operating a traction device with integrated probe signal processing and memory

A system comprising processors, traction devices, probes, and memory containing instructions to execute: receiving probe signals in various positions, processing these signals to create displays of 2D blood flow patterns, moving the traction device based on pattern analysis to control blood flow, and comparing successive patterns to determine and induce vascular changes through INF.

Calculation and display of blood flow metrics using ultrasound for treatment guidance

Processing probe signals through an ultrasound machine (including Doppler ultrasound) to calculate Volume Flow (VF) and Pulsatility Index (PI) for each assessed position. Discriminant features of Doppler measurements, such as velocity values, are plotted in two-dimensional clusters representing flow conditions, aiding INF treatment progression.

Iterative adjustment of physical position based on comparative 2D flow pattern analysis

Moving the traction device through multiple positions, each informed by comparative analyses of processed 2D flow patterns, to iteratively control and optimize blood flow to nerves for managing neuropathy until desired flow normalization is achieved.

Use of discriminant feature clustering in two dimensions for flow condition classification

Discriminant features from Doppler signal processing, such as clusters of increasing and receding velocity values, are plotted above or below a time axis to define specific flow conditions. This cluster-based classification underpins objective assessment of nerve circulation control and guides INF adjustments.

Calculation of neurovascular circulation ratios to assess local and distal impact

Derivation of a ratio between distal control and local circulation values based on calculated VF and PI. The result quantifies the relative impact of local neurovascular circulation versus distal nerve regulation, further guiding INF treatment focusing.

The inventive features provide an integrated system and method for real-time measurement, analysis, and iterative control of nerve-associated blood flow, enabling objective, individualized adjustment of INF therapy to optimize management of neuropathy-related vascular conditions.

Stated Advantages

Enables precise and objective measurement of blood flow and circulation in nerves to guide INF treatment.

Provides real-time determination and analysis of vascular changes, allowing for tailored and iterative adjustment of INF therapy.

Improves accuracy in targeting the source of neuropathy by distinguishing between local and distal neurovascular contributions.

Allows for quantitative monitoring of treatment progress and nerve healing status via processed ultrasound and flow pattern data.

Offers consistent and reproducible results by using machine-controlled traction and signal processing, reducing subjectivity compared to traditional approaches.

Documented Applications

Management and treatment of neuropathy and neuropathy-related conditions through intraneural facilitation using blood flow guidance.

Ultrasound-guided administration of INF to address conditions such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in human subjects.

Restoration and assessment of circulation deficits in nerves of the extremities, including nerves supplied by the ulnar, peroneal, or tibial arteries.

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Stay Connected with MTEC

Keep up with active and upcoming solicitations, MTEC news and other valuable information.