Desenvolvimento de estimulador vagal auricular retroalimentado controlado por sinal respiratório
Data
2023-08-22
Autores
Faria, Gabriella Maria de 
Tipo
Dissertação de mestrado
Título da Revista
ISSN da Revista
Título de Volume
Resumo
O nervo vago é fundamental no Sistema Nervoso Autonômico, regulando a homeostase corporal. A estimulação transcutânea auricular do nervo vago (taVNS) é uma modalidade terapêutica que apresenta resultados potenciais em distúrbios crônicos sem a necessidade de procedimentos cirúrgicos para implantação de eletrodos. Estudos recentes apontam que a estimulação vagal sincronizada com a expiração otimiza as respostas terapêuticas da taVNS. Isso envolve o biofeedback do Núcleo Trato Solitário, influenciando o ritmo cardíaco e reflexos pulmonares. Neste contexto, a dissertação apresenta o desenvolvimento de um dispositivo de estimulação vagal transcutânea com retroalimentação do sinal expiratório. Metodologias de instrumentação, sistemas embarcados, aquisição e processamento de sinais são empregados para a criação do protótipo. Sensores vestíveis e monitoramento em tempo real dos dados em plataformas de visualização fazem parte do dispositivo desenvolvido, que embarca algoritmos para processamento sequencial em microcontroladores. O dispositivo foi projetado por meio de softwares de design eletrônico e modelagem tridimensional, e fabricado com placas PCB para os circuitos e fabricação aditiva para o encapsulamento. Os sinais coletados durante a terapia, incluindo os momentos em que a fase de expiração é identificada, são comparados com a detecção de picos do software, indicando boa acurácia do código implementado. Com a capacidade de avaliar os efeitos terapêuticos em tempo real, a abordagem proposta permite o emprego do biofeedback no contexto da estimulação transcutânea, com oportunidade de personalização do tratamento para cada paciente. Os progressos alcançados durante o mestrado e apresentados nos artigos podem ser associados à evolução tecnológica da pesquisa em curso, como o nível de maturidade tecnológica, conhecido como TRL (Technology Readiness Level). Neste contexto, o protótipo atual está caracterizado como TRL4, com a validação do estimulador em ambiente laboratorial. A temática abordada no mestrado é de natureza multidisciplinar, evidenciando o potencial da engenharia biomédica no desenvolvimento de soluções para melhorar a eficácia de tecnologias de intervenção e tratamento terapêutico, como é o caso da terapia inovadora da taVNS retroalimentada por sinais fisiológicos.
The vagus nerve is essential within the Autonomic Nervous System, regulating bodily homeostasis. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a therapeutic modality with potential outcomes in chronic disorders, obviating the need for surgical electrode implantation. Recent studies indicate that synchronized vagal stimulation with exhalation optimizes taVNS therapeutic responses. This involves the feedback loop of the Solitary Tract Nucleus, influencing heart rate and pulmonary reflexes through respiratory sinus arrhythmia. In this context, the dissertation presents the development of a transcutaneous vagal stimulation device with expiratory signal feedback. Methodologies encompassing instrumentation, embedded systems, signal acquisition, and processing contribute to the prototype's creation. Wearable sensors and real-time monitoring of data through visualization platforms are integral to the developed device, embedding algorithms for sequential processing in microcontroller. The device was designed using electronic design and three-dimensional modeling software, and fabricated using PCB boards for circuitry and additive manufacturing for encapsulation. Signals recorded during therapy, including instances of exhalation phase identification, are compared with software peak detection, demonstrating accurate code implementation. With the capacity to assess therapeutic effects in real-time, the proposed approach enables the integration of biofeedback into transcutaneous stimulation, allowing for personalized treatment for each patient. The advancements achieved during the master's program, presented in the articles, can be linked to the ongoing technological evolution of the research, measured through the Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Within this framework, the current prototype is classified as TRL4, validated within a laboratory setting. The master's thematic focus is interdisciplinary, showcasing the potential of biomedical engineering in developing solutions to enhance the effectiveness of intervention technologies and therapeutic treatments. A prime example is the innovative therapy of feedback-enabled taVNS based on physiological signals.
The vagus nerve is essential within the Autonomic Nervous System, regulating bodily homeostasis. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a therapeutic modality with potential outcomes in chronic disorders, obviating the need for surgical electrode implantation. Recent studies indicate that synchronized vagal stimulation with exhalation optimizes taVNS therapeutic responses. This involves the feedback loop of the Solitary Tract Nucleus, influencing heart rate and pulmonary reflexes through respiratory sinus arrhythmia. In this context, the dissertation presents the development of a transcutaneous vagal stimulation device with expiratory signal feedback. Methodologies encompassing instrumentation, embedded systems, signal acquisition, and processing contribute to the prototype's creation. Wearable sensors and real-time monitoring of data through visualization platforms are integral to the developed device, embedding algorithms for sequential processing in microcontroller. The device was designed using electronic design and three-dimensional modeling software, and fabricated using PCB boards for circuitry and additive manufacturing for encapsulation. Signals recorded during therapy, including instances of exhalation phase identification, are compared with software peak detection, demonstrating accurate code implementation. With the capacity to assess therapeutic effects in real-time, the proposed approach enables the integration of biofeedback into transcutaneous stimulation, allowing for personalized treatment for each patient. The advancements achieved during the master's program, presented in the articles, can be linked to the ongoing technological evolution of the research, measured through the Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Within this framework, the current prototype is classified as TRL4, validated within a laboratory setting. The master's thematic focus is interdisciplinary, showcasing the potential of biomedical engineering in developing solutions to enhance the effectiveness of intervention technologies and therapeutic treatments. A prime example is the innovative therapy of feedback-enabled taVNS based on physiological signals.