1. A cryogenic vagus nerve stimulation device, comprising a handheld housing, a cryogenic nitrogen supply cartridge, a therapy applicator tip, and a temperature control mechanism configured to deliver controlled cryogenic stimulation to vagus nerve regions of a human body.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cryogenic nitrogen supply cartridge is configured as a detachable module capable of storing pressurized nitrogen for delivery to the therapy applicator tip.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the therapy applicator tip is configured to transfer controlled cooling to a skin surface located above a vagus nerve stimulation region.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature control mechanism includes a manually adjustable dial allowing the operator to regulate the cryogenic output temperature.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pulse or speed control mechanism configured to regulate the frequency of cryogenic stimulation cycles.

6. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising one or more temperature sensors configured to monitor cooling levels near the therapy applicator tip.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the temperature sensors are connected to an automatic safety cut-off system configured to terminate cryogenic delivery when the temperature exceeds predetermined safe limits. 8 5

8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handheld housing includes an ergonomic handle configured to facilitate manual operation and precise placement of the therapy applicator tip. 10 15 20

9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cryogenic stimulation delivered by the therapy applicator tip activates vagal nerve pathways to produce parasympathetic physiological responses including heart rate reduction and autonomic stabilization.

10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device further comprises physiological monitoring components configured to display patient vital parameters during cryogenic vagus nerve stimulation therapy

Description:FIELD OF INVENTION:
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The present invention relates generally to the field of non-invasive medical
therapeutic devices, and more particularly to a handheld cryogenic vagus nerve
stimulation device configured to deliver controlled nitrogen-based cooling
stimulation to vagus nerve regions of the human body.
More specifically, the invention relates to a portable cryogun-type stimulation
apparatus that enables controlled activation of the parasympathetic nervous system
through thermal stimulation of the vagus nerve using cryogenic cooling generated
from a nitrogen source.
The device integrates temperature regulation mechanisms, cryogenic supply
components, user interface controls, safety circuits, and ergonomic handheld
architecture to enable safe stimulation of vagal nerve pathways for therapeutic
purposes such as autonomic nervous system regulation, cardiovascular stabilization,
inflammation reduction, and neurological therapy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
The vagus nerve, also referred to as the tenth cranial nerve (cranial nerve X), is one of
the most significant neural pathways in the human body. It extends from the brainstem
through the neck and thoracic region and innervates multiple organs including the
heart, lungs, digestive system, and immune structures.
The vagus nerve plays a critical role in regulating the parasympathetic nervous system,
which is responsible for functions such as heart rate modulation, digestive activity,
inflammatory response control, and stress reduction.
Over the past several decades, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has become an
important therapeutic technique in medicine. Conventional VNS therapies have been
used for treating conditions including:
• Epilepsy
• Treatment-resistant depression
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• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Chronic inflammatory diseases
• Migraine disorders
• Autonomic nervous system dysfunction
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Traditional vagus nerve stimulation methods typically rely on electrical stimulation
delivered through implanted electrodes placed around the vagus nerve in the cervical
region. Although these systems have demonstrated therapeutic benefit, they present
several limitations.
Implantable VNS systems require surgical procedures, which introduce risks such as
infection, nerve damage, device malfunction, and surgical complications. Additionally,
surgical implantation increases the cost and complexity of treatment and limits
accessibility for many patients.
In response to these limitations, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation devices have
been developed. These devices typically utilize surface electrodes applied to the skin
over the cervical vagus nerve or auricular vagal branches. Electrical impulses are
delivered through the skin to stimulate the underlying nerve fibers.
Despite these advancements, currently available non-invasive devices continue to
present several drawbacks. Electrical stimulation often causes skin irritation,
discomfort, tingling sensations, and inconsistent nerve activation due to variations in
skin conductivity and electrode placement.
Another limitation is the lack of alternative stimulation modalities beyond electrical
impulses. Current systems rely almost exclusively on electrical signals, and little
attention has been directed toward thermal stimulation mechanisms that could activate
vagal nerve fibers through controlled temperature modulation.
Cryogenic therapy, also known as cryotherapy, has been widely used in medical
treatments to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and stimulate physiological responses
through localized cooling. Controlled exposure to cold temperatures can trigger nerve
activation and modulation of physiological reflexes, including parasympathetic nervous
system responses.
However, conventional cryotherapy systems are typically large stationary devices or
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simple cooling instruments that lack precision control, ergonomic handheld design, and
targeted nerve stimulation capabilities.
Therefore, there exists a clear need for a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device
capable of utilizing controlled cryogenic stimulation rather than electrical impulses,
while maintaining safety, portability, and ease of use.
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The present invention addresses these limitations by providing a cryogun-style
nitrogen-based vagus nerve stimulation device designed to deliver precisely controlled
cryogenic stimulation to targeted anatomical regions containing vagal nerve branches
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a non-invasive vagus nerve
stimulation device utilizing nitrogen-based cryogenic cooling to stimulate vagal nerve
pathways.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a handheld ergonomic device that
enables controlled cryogenic stimulation in clinical and home-care environments.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a temperature-adjustable cryogenic
stimulation system capable of delivering controlled cooling within safe therapeutic
ranges.
Another objective of the invention is to incorporate safety monitoring mechanisms,
including temperature feedback sensors and automatic shut-off systems.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a device capable of reducing heart rate,
improving autonomic balance, and regulating physiological responses through non
invasive stimulation of the vagus nerve.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a cryogun nitrogen-based vagus nerve stimulation
device designed to provide controlled cryogenic stimulation of vagus nerve regions.
The device comprises a handheld housing structure, a cryogenic nitrogen cartridge, a
temperature control mechanism, a therapy tip for skin contact, and a user interface
control system that allows adjustment of stimulation intensity and temperature.
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The cryogenic cooling mechanism uses liquid nitrogen stored in a pressurized
cartridge, which is delivered through an internal cooling pathway to a therapy tip
positioned at the front end of the device. When the device is activated, the therapy tip
cools to a predetermined temperature, allowing controlled thermal stimulation of vagal
nerve regions.
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The device further includes adjustable temperature settings, allowing the user or
clinician to regulate the cooling intensity applied to the target area.
The invention also includes pulse or speed control functionality, enabling modulation
of cryogenic delivery cycles for different therapeutic conditions.
Safety features are incorporated into the system, including temperature sensors,
automatic shut-off mechanisms, and safety thresholds that prevent excessive cooling or
prolonged stimulation.
The device is designed to be applied to anatomical regions where vagus nerve branches
are accessible, including the cervical neck region, the side of the neck near the
sternocleidomastoid muscle, and areas behind the ear near the mastoid process.
Through controlled cryogenic stimulation, the device activates vagal nerve pathways
that promote parasympathetic nervous system responses, resulting in physiological
effects such as:
• reduction in heart rate
• improved heart rate variability
• decreased inflammation
• improved autonomic regulation
• stabilization of neurological responses
The invention therefore provides a novel non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation
modality based on cryogenic thermal activation rather than electrical stimulation.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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Figure 1: illustrates a perspective view of the cryogun nitrogen-based vagus nerve
stimulation device showing the main components including the temperature control
dial, nitrogen cartridge, control buttons, therapy tip, and ergonomic handle. Also it
includes the alternative views of the cryogun device showing the detachable nitrogen
cartridge, therapy applicator head, and control interface layout.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cryogenic vagus nerve stimulation device designed to
deliver controlled cooling stimulation to targeted anatomical regions for therapeutic
activation of the vagus nerve.
Referring to Figure 1, the device comprises a main body housing (1) which contains
the internal mechanical and cryogenic delivery systems required for device operation.
The housing is constructed from durable medical-grade materials capable of
withstanding low temperatures and repeated clinical use.
The main body housing integrates a temperature setting dial (1) positioned on the upper
portion of the device. The dial enables the user to select a specific cryogenic output
temperature within a predefined therapeutic range. The dial includes calibrated
markings that correspond to temperature levels suitable for controlled cryotherapy
stimulation.
The device further includes a nitrogen cartridge (2) positioned within or attached to the
rear or side portion of the device body. The nitrogen cartridge functions as the
cryogenic supply source, containing pressurized liquid nitrogen used to generate the
cooling effect required for nerve stimulation.
The cartridge is configured as a replaceable or refillable module, allowing convenient
replacement after nitrogen depletion. The cartridge interface may include a quick
connect mechanism and sealing elements to ensure safe containment of the cryogenic
medium.
A therapy tip or applicator head (5) is positioned at the front end of the device. The
therapy tip is designed to deliver controlled cooling directly to the surface of the skin
overlying the vagus nerve region. The applicator head may be constructed from
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thermally conductive materials capable of distributing cryogenic cooling evenly across
the contact surface.
The therapy tip may be detachable or interchangeable to allow different applicator
shapes suitable for different anatomical regions.
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The device further includes a primary activation button (3) that functions as the on/off
power control for the device. Activation of this control initiates the flow of cryogenic
nitrogen from the cartridge to the cooling delivery system.
Adjacent to the activation button is a speed or pulse control button (4) that allows
adjustment of the cryogenic pulse frequency. This control allows the operator to
modify stimulation intensity without altering the temperature setting.
The device further incorporates an ergonomic handle (6) designed to allow comfortable
handheld operation. The handle includes textured surfaces and optimized weight
distribution to prevent slipping and allow precise placement during therapeutic use.
Internally, the device includes a cryogenic flow regulation system that controls the
flow of nitrogen from the cartridge to the therapy tip. This system may include pressure
regulators, valves, and insulated conduits to ensure safe and controlled cryogenic
delivery.
The device further includes temperature sensors positioned near the therapy tip that
monitor cooling levels in real time. These sensors transmit temperature data to the
device control circuitry to ensure that the applied cooling remains within safe
therapeutic thresholds.
If the temperature falls outside the predetermined safe range, the device automatically
activates a safety shut-off mechanism, which terminates nitrogen flow to prevent tissue
damage.
The device may optionally include physiological monitoring sensors, capable of
detecting parameters such as heart rate, skin temperature, or autonomic response
indicators. These measurements may be displayed on a digital display panel integrated
into the device housing.
During operation, the device is positioned over an anatomical location where vagus
nerve branches are accessible. Once activated, the therapy tip cools to the selected
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temperature and applies controlled cryogenic stimulation to the underlying tissue.
The cooling stimulus activates vagal nerve fibers hrough thermal receptor activation,
which triggers parasympathetic nervous system responses.
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This activation results in physiological effects including reduced heart rate, increased
vagal tone, decreased inflammatory signaling, and improved autonomic balance.
The device may be used for both acute therapeutic intervention and long-term
autonomic regulation therapy. , Claims:WE CLAIMS
1. A cryogenic vagus nerve stimulation device, comprising a handheld housing, a
cryogenic nitrogen supply cartridge, a therapy applicator tip, and a temperature
control mechanism configured to deliver controlled cryogenic stimulation to
vagus nerve regions of a human body.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cryogenic nitrogen supply
cartridge is configured as a detachable module capable of storing pressurized
nitrogen for delivery to the therapy applicator tip.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the therapy applicator tip is
configured to transfer controlled cooling to a skin surface located above a vagus
nerve stimulation region.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature control mechanism
includes a manually adjustable dial allowing the operator to regulate the
cryogenic output temperature.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pulse or speed control
mechanism configured to regulate the frequency of cryogenic stimulation
cycles.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising one or more temperature
sensors configured to monitor cooling levels near the therapy applicator tip.
7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the temperature sensors are
connected to an automatic safety cut-off system configured to terminate
cryogenic delivery when the temperature exceeds predetermined safe limits.
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8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handheld housing includes an
ergonomic handle configured to facilitate manual operation and precise
placement of the therapy applicator tip.
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9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cryogenic stimulation delivered
by the therapy applicator tip activates vagal nerve pathways to produce
parasympathetic physiological responses including heart rate reduction and
autonomic stabilization.
10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device further comprises
physiological monitoring components configured to display patient vital
parameters during cryogenic vagus nerve stimulation therapy