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/88902597681

Abstract

In the United States, approximately 17 million adults have an alcohol use disorder. Deciding to quit is a difficult decision due to the uncomfortable and overwhelming symptoms of withdrawal. In some cases, Acute Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) can even induce seizures which can be fatal. Typical symptoms include anxiety, headaches, tachycardia, increased blood pressure, insomnia, irritability, sweating, tremors, nausea and vomiting that typically last up to 5 days with treatment. Current treatments involve benzodiazepine medications such as Diazepam or chlordiazepoxide; however, these medications often have adverse side effects and are not 100% 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. The prototype device consists of a battery-powered Arduino which generates an asymmetric, biphasic, charge-balanced pulse signal. This signal interfaces with the auricular nerve via earbud-shaped electrodes wrapped in a conductive hydrogel and inserted near the nerve endings of the external auditory canal. The prototype also has controls which allow for customized treatment to suit each patient’s unique needs. We were able to meet our primary target specifications for pulse size and shape in our first prototype. The first prototype was only slightly outside the desired range for manufacturing cost and for device and component sizes, we anticipate that we can resolve this due to using a microcomputer in place of the Arduino unit for the final design. 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. The team is confident in our device and excited to move on to further testing and validation of our physical prototype.