An Accessible and Automated Device to Diagnose Nerve and Muscle Disorders

A device consisting of electrode patches, a control box, and software for automated nerve conduction studies.
Problem:
Nerve conduction studies are essential tools in the diagnosis and management of nerve and muscle disorders. However, current diagnostic tools rely heavily on trained physicians, manual testing protocols, and the precise placement of electrodes. These requirements make the process time-consuming, typically requiring 30-60 minutes, and often necessitate a separate appointment prior to a patient's consultation with a specialist. In addition, these studies frequently yield suboptimal results due to variability in technique and operator skill. These challenges highlight the need for the development of advanced, automated systems for nerve conduction studies to improve efficiency, accessibility, and diagnostic accuracy.
Solution:
The inventors developed an automated nerve stimulation and recording system using purpose-designed hardware and software for nerve conduction studies. The device automatically identifies the optimal placement of stimulating and recording probes using dense electrode patches, significantly improving test accuracy. Additionally, it provides automated testing protocols that eliminate the need for trained operators, making the procedure quicker, more efficient and accessible.
Technology:
The device combines several hardware and software components to automate nerve conduction studies. It includes a dense multi-channel stimulating patch and a dense multi-channel electromyography recording patch, both connected to a central control box. Each patch consists of a grid of electrodes that cover the region over and surrounding the target nerve. The control box delivers stimulating electrical charges and records the output. A software interface provides users with manual, automatic, and research control of the device. A key feature of the software is the automated nerve location algorithm that identifies the optimal electrode positions for the study.
Advantages:

Automated nerve location algorithm improves measurement accuracy
Availability of automated conduction studies reduces time burden on the patient, decreasing test duration and the need for follow-up appointments
Does not require specially trained physicians to perform the procedure
Electrode patches, switch box, and software are designed to work with existing hardware

Stage of Development:

Proof of Concept

The figure shows the components of the invention. The device consists of a dense stimulating patch and a dense recording patch, comprising a grid of electrodes spaced in the medial/lateral (x) and superior/inferior (y) locations. Each electrode is connected to the stimulating and recording box. Data is then fed into control software, where the user can visualize results and perform test protocols.
Intellectual Property: