dc.description.abstract
Introduction: A multiparametric sensor is used to derive multiple biosignals out of a single sensor. The single sensor is still comfortable for the patient while providing a reasonable amount of vital biosignals. The biosignals reflect physiological parameters of the human body, like cardiac or respiratory activity [1], as required by a real-time biofeedback for closed-loop therapeutic approaches [2], the truly personalized therapy. One of such approaches is the electrical stimulation of the auricular vagus nerve (aVNS), referred to as the electrical pill. The bioelectrical treatment by aVNS is mediated by pulsatile stimulation of sensorial endings of the vagus nerve in the ear [3], the endings providing a direct line into the brain.
Methods: An overview of developed multiparametric sensors and sensing approaches is presented, including the skin curvature sensor, the body sounds sensor, the electrical impedance tomography for lung monitoring, and hybrid sensing for divers monitoring and aneasthesia fitness assessment. aVNS is introduced from its rationale, to mechanistic principles, to technical and modelling issues, down to clinical applications.
Results: The skin curvature sensor registers cardiac and respiratory activity, as well as blood pressure changes. The body sounds sensor registers cardiac and respiratory activity, in addition to sleep apneas. The non-invasive electrical impedance tomography provides 2D ventilation distribution in real time in the lungs. The hybrid sensing reflects aneasthesia fitness, calculated from weighted parameters out of the peripheral vasoconstriction, arterial blood saturation, hear rate, and blood pressure. This electric pill promotes modulation of the autonomic nervous system. The aVNS treatment targets chronic pain diseases, neurodegenerative and metabolic ailments as well as inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. For the personalization of the electric pill - with reduced side-effects and improved therapeutic efficiency - the closed-loop aVNS can be established with the use of biosignals like electromyogram or pulse plethysmography.
Conclusions: While biophysical mechanistic principles and experimental data uncover the potential clinical effects of the sensorial aVNS, in-silico modelling acts as a tool for optimization of the stimulation set-up. Patient-friendly multiparametric sensors can be used to establish a real-time biofeedback to personalize closed-loop aVNS in line with the time-dependent patient’s physiology and the current therapeutic needs of patient.
References:
[1] E.Kaniusas: Biomedical Signals and Sensors I: Linking physiological phenomena and biosignals. Springer Publisher, 296 pages (2012).
[2] E.Kaniusas, S.Kampusch, M.Tittgemeyer, F.Panetsos, R.F.Gines, M.Papa, A.Kiss, B.Podesser, A.M.Cassara, E.Tanghe, A.M.Samoudi, T.Tarnaud, W.Joseph, V.Marozas, A.Lukosevicius, N.Istuk, S.Lechner, W.Klonowski, G.Varoneckas, J.C.Szeles, A.Sarolic: Current Directions in the Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation II - an engineering perspective. Frontiers in Neuroscience 13 (772), 1-16 (2019).
[3] E.Kaniusas, S.Kampusch, M.Tittgemeyer, F.Panetsos, R.F.Gines, M.Papa, A.Kiss, B.Podesser, A.M.Cassara, E.Tanghe, A.M.Samoudi, T.Tarnaud, W.Joseph, V.Marozas, A.Lukosevicius, N.Istuk, A.Sarolic, S.Lechner, W.Klonowski, G.Varoneckas, J.C.Szeles: Current Directions in the Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation I - a physiological perspective. Frontiers in Neuroscience 13 (854), 1-23 (2019).
en