Copyright © Françoise Herrmann
QUELL®,
winner of an Innovation Award in the Wearable Tech category at SXSW® 2016, is
wearable patented pain-relief technology that is 100% drug-free and non
addictive. [Quell® (1)]
Developed
by NeuroMetrix, Inc, Quell® is neurotechnology worn as an upper calf band, just below
the knee. Quell® is Bluetooth™-enabled so that it can upload information and
be controlled via a portable iOS or Android phone app.
The
principle of the Quell® neurotechnology is to provide an electrode that stimulates
sensory nerves according to a patented Optitherapy™ algorithmn of pulse waveform
(intensity, duration and shape) and pulse pattern specification (frequency and
duration of session), considering user feedback and within clinically specified
parameters.
Neurostimulation of sensory nerve fibers is thus delivered knowing
that sensory nerves carry pulses to the brain, which in turn have the capacity
to trigger the release of endogenous opioid-like peptides called enkephalins.
The release of endogenous opioid-like enkephalins is a natural response with an
analgesic effect that has the capacity to centrally block pain signals in the
body. Additionally, the release of enkephalins targets δ-opioid receptors which are different from
the μ-opioid receptors, targeted
by opioid pain medication, thus creating a synergistic effect. [Quell® (2); Ghelardini et. al, 2015]
The
Quell® technology called WINS (Wearable Intensive Nerve Stimulation) is FDA-approved
for day and night treatment of chronic pain. It is recommended as an adjunct to
medication for all sorts of chronic pain (e.g.; lower back and leg pain, diabetic
pain and fibromyalgia). 67 % of users reported a reduction in the use of pain
medication, 81 % in the reduction of chronic pain [Quell® (3)].
As
the device works during the night, tracking sleep patterns too, it is also
designed to break the cycle of pain-disrupted sleep, which amplifies pain and
reduces activity during waking hours.
The various functions and aspects of the NeuroMetrix Inc. neurotechnology inventions are disclosed in at least
70 patents, embodied in three additional devices:
1.
The wearable SENSUS® pain management system, developed more specifically for neuropathic
pain, resulting for example from diabetes;
2. The hand-held device called NC-Stat®- DPN-Check® for measuring and quantifying peripheral neuropathy, and
3. The Advance® NCS (Nerve Conduction Study) System, designed for studying and measuring nerve conduction in any setting.
2. The hand-held device called NC-Stat®- DPN-Check® for measuring and quantifying peripheral neuropathy, and
3. The Advance® NCS (Nerve Conduction Study) System, designed for studying and measuring nerve conduction in any setting.
US2015148865 titled Apparatus
and method for relieving pain using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
recites those apsects of the Quell® invention
pertaining to the automated adjustment of the intensity of the neurostimulation
and its intensification during a therapy session to avoid habituation.
The Quell® invention
disclosed thus resolves many of the prior art problems in the field of Transcutaneous
Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), in particular as related to
portability of the devices, wiring, user training and user support to regulate the
right amount of stimulation, duration of the sessions and the issues of
habituation.
The Abstact of the invention is included below, as well as a patent
drawing of the electrode band. An image of the marketed Quell® device is also
included above.
Apparatus for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in humans, the apparatus comprising: a housing; stimulation means mounted within the housing for electrically stimulating nerves; an electrode array releasably mounted to the housing and connectable to the stimulation means, the electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes for electrical stimulation of nerves; control means mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the stimulation means for controlling at least one characteristic of the stimulation means; monitoring means mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the stimulation means for monitoring at least one characteristic of the stimulation means; user interface means mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the control means for controlling the stimulation means; display means mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the control means and the monitoring means for displaying the status of the stimulations means; and a strap attached to the housing; wherein the strap is configured to hold the housing, stimulation means and electrode array at a specific anatomical location to treat pain. [US2015148865]
