Team 25

OH-Stim: Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulator for Acute Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Team Members: Porter Derrick, Maddy Gordon & Andrew Samanta

Team Mentors: William Jamie Tyler, PhD - SBHSE
Kristen Valderhaug, MD

YouTube Link: View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom Link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/82565475654

Abstract

In the United States, approximately 17 million adults ages 18 and older have an alcohol use disorder. Deciding to quit is a difficult decision due to the painful and overwhelming symptoms of withdrawal. Acute Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) is a problem that can be very painful for patients and in some cases, fatal. Symptoms include anxiety, headaches, tachycardia, increased blood pressure, insomnia, irritability, sweating, tremors, nausea and vomiting that typically last up to 5 days. Current treatments involve medications like Benzodiazepines; however, they can produce unfavorable side effects and are not completely effective at eliminating withdrawal symptoms. The team’s solution will use an auricular vagus nerve stimulator to improve symptom relief when used as an adjunct therapy to pharmacological treatment. Best practices and design controls were implemented to ensure a dominant product concept was achieved. The device will consist of a waveform generator and microcomputer that will shape the pulse into an asymmetric biphasic balanced charge. This will interface with the auricular nerve via electrodes percutaneously inserted at the nerve endings in the ear. It will also feature controls that allow for flexibility. This device will be marketed to psychiatric hospitals to be used by practicing physicians with the potential to go to market as a device for at-home use. It is estimated to have a unit manufacturing cost of $81.88 and is expected to be a pioneer in this fast growing market. The team is confident and excited to move on to phase II to prototype and test its legitimacy.