Study on the Novel Hyperbolic Acoustic-Focusing Transducer by Stimulating the Auricular Acupoints for Improving Sleep Disorder

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Authors

  • Shan Zhou Shaanxi Normal University, China
  • Zhenzhen Ru Shaanxi Normal University, China
  • Mengyuan Liu Shaanxi Normal University, China
  • Xinyu Liu Shaanxi Normal University, China
  • Jiaxin Tai Shaanxi Normal University, China
  • Liwei Guo Shaanxi Normal University, China
  • Jiang Tan Shaanxi Normal University, China
  • Jing Hu Shaanxi Normal University, China
  • Ning Qiang Shaanxi Normal University, China
  • Junming An Xi'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
  • Feilong Feng Shaanxi Normal University, China
  • Jin Li Shaanxi Normal University, China

Abstract

Modulating the body through peripheral stimulation is an effective approach for treating sleep disorder. This study aims to design a novel hyperbolic acoustic-focusing transducer using low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) technology for stimulating the auricular acupoints to improve sleep disorder. First, the key radiation parameters for hyperbolic acoustic-focusing transducer (such as acoustic stimulation intensity, transmission frequency and dimensions) were determined through COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2 simulations. Then, the external acoustic field of the hyperbolic acoustic-focusing transducer was measured through hydrophone experiments, which fully verified the validity of the parameters. Finally, 80 patients with sleep disorder were enrolled in the clinical trial. During the trial, electrocardiogram (ECG) data were collected. Sleep quality was assessed using ECG signal analysis and questionnaire analysis. Key acoustic stimulation intensity parameters were set as follows: 1 MHz frequency, 20%-50% duty cycle, 30 kPa acoustic pressure, 5 minutes radiation duration, 1.5 mm acoustic output end radius, 2.5 mm acoustic input end radius, and 4 mm length. The hyperbolic acoustic-focusing transducer can generate a stable needle focal spot, ensuring accurate stimulation of auricular acupoints. Questionnaire assessment indicators, such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), were significantly lower than before treatment. ECG signal analysis showed that the average nightly sleep duration increased from 4.04 hours to 6.82 hours. Ultrasound stimulation of auricular acupoints significantly prolongs sleep duration, improves sleep quality and regulates emotional state in patients.

Keywords:

hyperbolic acoustic-focusing transducer, needle focal spot, low-intensity focused ultrasound technology, radiation parameters, sleep disorder