Multi-current source implantable nerve stimulator

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-current-source implantable nerve stimulator. The stimulator comprises a stimulation output circuit, a stimulation module and a control module, the stimulation output circuit comprises a configuration module and a plurality of current source modules; the current source module comprises a pull current source, a sink current source and a plurality of switches; the plurality of switches are respectively connected with the pull current source, the sink current source, a power supply end and a ground end; the stimulation module comprises a plurality of stimulation contacts, and at least part of the stimulation contacts are configured to be first-type stimulation contacts and second-type stimulation contacts with different polarities respectively so as to form a stimulation contact group; the stimulation module is connected with the current source module through the configuration module; the control module controls a switch in the current source module according to the combination type of the stimulation contact group, adopts different current output modes, and starts all or part of current sources connected with the stimulation contact group, so that the current pulse output efficiency is improved, and the power consumption of the stimulator is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of medical devices, and particularly to a multi-current source implantable nerve stimulator. Background Art

[0002] Active implantable nerve stimulators are increasingly being used to treat various nerve-related diseases, such as deep brain stimulators, vagus nerve stimulators, spinal cord stimulators, sacral nerve stimulators, etc. The implantable nerve stimulator can output stimulation pulses in voltage mode or current mode, that is, the voltage of the output stimulation pulse is constant, or the current of the output stimulation pulse is constant. The efficiency of the stimulation pulse output determines the power consumption of the implantable nerve stimulator, and further affects its service life or charging interval. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a multi-current source implantable nerve stimulator, the stimulator comprising:

[0004] A stimulation output circuit, a stimulation module and a control module;

[0005] The stimulation output circuit includes a configuration module and a plurality of current source modules;

[0006] The current source module includes a pull current source, a sink current source and a plurality of switches, and the plurality of switches are respectively connected to the pull current source, the sink current source, a power supply terminal and a ground terminal;

[0007] The stimulation module includes a plurality of stimulation contacts, and at least some of the stimulation contacts are respectively configured as first-type stimulation contacts and second-type stimulation contacts with different polarities to form a stimulation contact group;

[0008] The stimulation module is connected to the current source module through the configuration module;

[0009] The control module controls the switches in the current source module according to the combination type of the stimulation contact group, enables all or part of the current sources connected to the stimulation contact group, and outputs stimulation pulses through the stimulation contact group.

[0010] In a possible implementation manner, the control module configures each stimulation contact of the stimulation contact group to be directly or indirectly conducted with the power supply terminal or the ground terminal through the plurality of switches, so as to configure the stimulation contact as a first-type stimulation contact or a second-type stimulation contact.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, the plurality of switches include:

[0012] A first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a fourth switch;

[0013] The negative electrode of the pull current source is connected to the first end of the first switch;

[0014] The positive electrode of the sink current source is connected to the first end of the second switch;

[0015] The power supply terminal is connected to the first end of the third switch;

[0016] The ground terminal is connected to the first end of the fourth switch;

[0017] The second end of the first switch, the second end of the second switch, the second end of the third switch, and the second end of the fourth switch are connected to the first end of the configuration module;

[0018] The second end of the configuration module is connected to the stimulation module.

[0019] In a possible implementation manner, one period of the stimulation pulse includes a stimulation pulse period and a charge balance period;

[0020] The control module is configured to:

[0021] In the stimulation pulse period, for the first type of stimulation contact, turn on the first switch or the third switch of its corresponding current source module; for the second type of stimulation contact, turn on the fourth switch or the second switch of its corresponding current source module.

[0022] In a possible implementation manner, the charge balance period adopts active charge balance, and the control module is further configured to:

[0023] For the second type of stimulation contact, turn on the first switch or the third switch of its corresponding current source module; for the first type of stimulation contact, turn on the fourth switch or the second switch of its corresponding current source module.

[0024] In a possible implementation manner, the first type of stimulation contact includes one contact, and the second type of stimulation contact includes one contact.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner, the first type of stimulation contact includes multiple contacts, and the second type of stimulation contact includes one contact;

[0026] In the stimulation pulse period, for the first type of stimulation contact, turn on the first switch of its corresponding current source module; for the second type of stimulation contact, turn on the fourth switch of its corresponding current source module;

[0027] During the charge balancing pulse period, for the second type of stimulation contacts, turn on the third switch of its corresponding current source module; for the first type of stimulation contacts, turn on the second switch of its corresponding current source module.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the first type of stimulation contacts includes one contact, and the second type of stimulation contacts includes multiple contacts;

[0029] During the stimulation pulse period, for the first type of stimulation contacts, turn on the third switch of its corresponding current source module; for the second type of stimulation contacts, turn on the second switch of its corresponding current source module;

[0030] During the charge balancing pulse period, for the second type of stimulation contacts, turn on the first switch of its corresponding current source module; for the first type of stimulation contacts, turn on the fourth switch of its corresponding current source module.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the charge balancing period adopts passive charge balancing.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the stimulator further includes a communication circuit, a parameter configuration register, and a power management circuit, where

[0033] The communication circuit, the parameter configuration register, the power management circuit, and the stimulation output circuit are connected to the control module;

[0034] The communication circuit is used to implement communication with an external device;

[0035] The power management circuit is used to provide electrical energy;

[0036] The parameter configuration register is used to store stimulation parameters, selection signals of current sources and stimulation contacts;

[0037] The control module selects any one or more current sources to be connected to any one or more stimulation contacts according to the selection signal.

[0038] The embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-current source implantable nerve stimulator, which can select any one or more current sources to be connected to any one or more stimulation contacts, and generate stimulation pulses through the stimulation contacts; when setting polarities for different stimulation contacts, the control module adopts different current output modes according to the combination type of the stimulation contact groups, and improves the current pulse output efficiency and reduces the power consumption of the stimulator by controlling the switches of the current source module and the enabling timing of the current sources.

[0039] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory, and do not limit the present disclosure. Other features and aspects of the present disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The accompanying drawings herein are incorporated into the specification and form a part of the specification, which illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the specification, are used to explain the technical solutions of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 1 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of a multi-current-source implantable nerve stimulator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 2 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of a current source module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 3 FIG. shows a timing diagram of a stimulation cycle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 4a 、 Figure 4b FIG. shows a schematic diagram of a first combination type of a stimulation contact group according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 5 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of a second combination type of a stimulation contact group according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 6 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of a third combination type of a stimulation contact group according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 7 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of a fourth combination type of a stimulation contact group according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 8 FIG. shows another schematic diagram of a multi-current-source implantable nerve stimulator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 9a FIG. shows a schematic diagram of an application of deep brain stimulation, Figure 9b FIG. shows a schematic diagram of an application of spinal cord stimulation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote elements having the same or similar functions. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless otherwise specified.

[0051] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. These are only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation to the present disclosure.

[0052] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present disclosure, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0053] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "mounted", "connected", "coupled", "fixed", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0054] The term "exemplary" used herein means "serving as an example, embodiment, or illustration". Any embodiment described as "exemplary" herein need not be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments.

[0055] The term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the term "at least one" in this article represents any one of a plurality or any combination of at least two of a plurality. For example, including at least one of A, B, and C can represent including any one or more elements selected from the set composed of A, B, and C.

[0056] In addition, to better illustrate the present disclosure, numerous specific details are given in the following specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present disclosure can be implemented without some specific details. In some instances, methods, means, elements, and circuits well-known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail so as to highlight the gist of the present disclosure.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 1, Figure 1 Shows a schematic diagram of a multi-current source implantable nerve stimulator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] As Figure 1 shown, the stimulator includes: a stimulation output circuit 100, a stimulation module 30, and a control module 40. The stimulation output circuit 100 includes a configuration module 20 and a plurality of current source modules 10 (current source modules 1 to stimulation contact M, where M is a positive integer).

[0059] The stimulation module 30 includes a plurality of stimulation contacts (stimulation contacts 1 to stimulation contact N, where N is a positive integer and N is greater than or equal to M). Among them, at least some of the stimulation contacts are respectively configured as first-type stimulation contacts and second-type stimulation contacts with different polarities to form a stimulation contact group. The stimulation module 30 is connected to the current source module 10 through the configuration module 20. The configuration module 20 is used to select any current source module 10 to be connected to any stimulation contact group.

[0060] As Figure 2 shown, as an example, the current source module 10 may include a sink current source Ci1, a source current source Ci2, and a plurality of switches (Si1 to Si4). The plurality of switches are commonly connected at one end, and the other ends of the plurality of switches are respectively connected to the sink current source Ci1, the source current source Ci2, the power supply terminal VDD, and the ground terminal. The control module 40 can adopt different current output modes according to the combination type of the stimulation contact group, control the switches of the current source module 10, enable all or part of the current sources connected to the stimulation contact group, and output stimulation pulses through the stimulation contact group to improve the current pulse output efficiency and reduce the power consumption of the stimulator.

[0061] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the allocation of the stimulation contacts and the current source modules can be selected through the configuration module to achieve the allocation of any channel current source module to any contact. The configuration module may be a switch array. Any stimulation contact of the stimulation module can be connected to any one or more current source modules 10 through the switch array, or any one current source module 10 can be connected to any one or more stimulation contacts through the switch array.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, all or part of the plurality of stimulation contacts are configured as first - type stimulation contacts and second - type stimulation contacts. During the pulse - application period of the stimulation cycle, the first - type stimulation contacts and the second - type stimulation contacts have different polarities, where the polarities include a positive pole and a negative pole. The positive pole indicates that the current flows towards the target site, and the negative pole indicates that the current flows out from the target site. Among them, both the first - type stimulation contacts and the second - type stimulation contacts include at least one stimulation contact. It should be understood that in specific use, those skilled in the art can select one or more stimulation contacts according to actual needs to be configured as first - type stimulation contacts, select one or more stimulation contacts to be configured as second - type stimulation contacts, and perform pulse - output operations. The remaining unused stimulation contacts can be configured to be in an off state (or referred to as a non - working state, an inactivated state, etc.).

[0063] The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific number of stimulation contacts in the current - source module 10 and the stimulation module 30, nor the implementation manner of the configuration module 20. Those skilled in the art can set according to the actual situation and needs and implement them using related technologies as long as the corresponding functions can be achieved. Each current - source module 10 of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be a current source with the same parameters, or of course, can also have different parameters, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this. Exemplarily, the stimulation contacts can be metal electrodes, or of course, can also be made of conductive non - metallic materials, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this. The target site of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be the target site of an organism, and can be human tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord, etc., and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 FIG. shows the timing diagram of the stimulation cycle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. One cycle of the stimulation pulse includes at least a stimulation - pulse period and a charge - balance period. A stimulation pulse is applied during the stimulation - pulse period, and the charge - balance period can adopt a passive charge - balance method (not shown), or an active charge - balance pulse can be applied.

[0065] Exemplarily, as Figure 3 shown, a stimulation cycle can include 4 periods, namely phase t1, phase t2, phase t3, and phase t4. Among them, phase t1 corresponds to the stage of applying the stimulation pulse, phase t3 corresponds to the stage of applying the active charge - balance pulse, and phases t2 and t4 are pulse intervals, corresponding to no pulse being applied. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the duration of each period, nor the total duration (cycle T) of each stimulation cycle. Those skilled in the art can set according to the actual situation and needs.

[0066] When the present disclosure embodiment sets the polarity of the stimulation contact, it can adopt different current output modes according to the combination type of the stimulation contact group, improve the current pulse output efficiency, and reduce the power consumption of the stimulator. For the polarity setting of the contact, multiple switches in the current source module can be used to configure the stimulation contact to be directly or indirectly connected to the power supply terminal or the ground terminal, so as to configure the stimulation contact as a first type of stimulation contact or a second type of stimulation contact.

[0067] Exemplarily, in the stage of applying a stimulation pulse, if the contact is indirectly connected to the power supply terminal through the switch via a sourcing current source, or directly connected to the power supply terminal through the switch, then the contact is configured as a first type of stimulation contact; correspondingly, if the contact is indirectly connected to the ground terminal through the switch via a sinking current source, or directly connected to the ground terminal through the switch, then the contact is configured as a second type of stimulation contact.

[0068] The present disclosure embodiment does not limit the specific number of switches, the number of current sources, and their connection relationships included in the current source module. Those skilled in the art can set according to the actual situation and needs, as long as the connection relationships between the stimulation contact, the sourcing current source, the sinking current source, the power supply terminal, and the ground terminal can be configured by controlling the conduction or disconnection of the switches in the current source module, so as to configure the stimulation contact as a first type of stimulation contact or a second type of stimulation contact. The following is an exemplary introduction.

[0069] Please refer to Figure 2 , the current source module may include a first switch Si1, a second switch Si2, a third switch Si3, a fourth switch Si4, a sourcing current source Ci1, and a sinking current source Ci2, where i is a positive integer representing the label of the current source module.

[0070] The positive pole of the sourcing current source Ci1 is connected to the power supply terminal VDD, and the negative pole of the sourcing current source Ci1 is connected to the first end of the first switch Si1;

[0071] The negative pole of the sinking current source Ci2 is connected to the ground terminal, and the positive pole of the sinking current source Ci2 is connected to the first end of the second switch Si2;

[0072] The power supply terminal VDD is connected to the first end of the third switch Si3;

[0073] The ground terminal is connected to the first end of the fourth switch Si4;

[0074] The second end of the first switch Si1, the second end of the second switch Si2, the second end of the third switch Si3, and the second end of the fourth switch Si4 are connected to the first end of the configuration module 20;

[0075] The second end of the configuration module 20 is connected to the stimulation module 30 and the corresponding stimulation contact (Ei).

[0076] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the conduction states of the first switch Si1 and the third switch Si3 can be controlled to select to supply power to the stimulation contact through the pull - current current source Ci1 or the power supply terminal VDD, and the conduction states of the second switch Si2 and the fourth switch Si4 can be controlled to enable the current to directly ground through the fourth switch Si4 or to ground through the sink - current current source Ci2.

[0077] As Figure 2 shown, schematically, the closing of the fifth switch Si5 represents the closing of one branch of the switch array (configuration module 20), connecting the contact Ei to one of the current - source modules; conversely, controlling the fifth switch Si5 to open can also disconnect the stimulation contact (Ei).

[0078] It can be seen that each stimulation contact in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be set to states such as "positive pole", "negative pole", "disconnected", etc. A current path is formed between the contact in the "positive pole" and "negative pole" states and the target site, generating stimulation pulses or charge - balance pulses.

[0079] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more first - type stimulation contacts and one or more second - type stimulation contacts form a stimulation contact group, which can realize electrical stimulation of the target site. In a stimulation contact group, the first - type stimulation contacts and the second - type stimulation contacts can both include the same number of 1, 2, or more than 2 stimulation contacts, or can include different numbers of stimulation contacts, such as one including 1 stimulation contact and the other including 2 or more than 2 stimulation contacts.

[0080] Exemplarily, as Figures 2 - 3 shown, during the stimulation pulse period, the control module implements the following control. For each stimulation contact of the first - type stimulation contacts in the stimulation contact group, by turning on the first switch Si1 or the third switch Si3 of its corresponding current - source module, the pull - current current source Ci1 or the power supply terminal VDD is used to supply power to each stimulation contact of the first - type stimulation contacts, and each stimulation contact outputs a stimulation pulse to the target site; for each stimulation contact of the second - type stimulation contacts in the stimulation contact group, by turning on the fourth switch Si4 or the second switch Si2 of its corresponding current - source module, the current transmitted from the target site is grounded.

[0081] In a possible implementation manner, the stimulation period includes a stimulation pulse period (such as Figure 3The phase t1) in it, the passive charge balancing period. During the passive charge balancing period, the stimulation contact group does not output any pulses, which can be achieved by controlling the switch of the current source module or disconnecting the switch of the configuration module 20.

[0082] In a possible implementation manner, the stimulation period includes a stimulation pulse period (such as Figure 3 the phase t1) in it, an active charge balancing pulse period (such as Figure 3 the phase t3) in it. During the active charge balancing pulse period, the control module performs the following control. For each stimulation contact of the second type of stimulation contacts in the stimulation contact group, by turning on the first switch Si1 or the third switch Si3 of its corresponding current source module, so as to supply power to each stimulation contact of the first type of stimulation contacts by using the pull-up current source Ci1 or the power supply terminal VDD, and each stimulation contact outputs an active charge balancing pulse to the target site; for each stimulation contact of the first type of stimulation contacts in the stimulation contact group, by turning on the fourth switch Si4 or the second switch Si2 of its corresponding current source module, so as to ground the current transmitted from the target site.

[0083] The embodiments of the present disclosure realize the polarity exchange of the stimulation contacts corresponding to the first type of stimulation contacts and the second type of stimulation contacts by switching the on and off states of each switch, so as to realize the alternating output of the stimulation pulse and the active charge balancing pulse.

[0084] The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific implementation manner of the control module, and those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation and needs. In one example, the control module may include a processing component. Exemplarily, the processing component includes, but is not limited to, a single processor, or discrete components, or a combination of a processor and discrete components. The processor may include a controller in an electronic device having an instruction execution function, and the processor may be implemented in any suitable manner, for example, implemented by one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors or other electronic components. Inside the processor, the executable instructions may be executed by hardware circuits such as logic gates, switches, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic controllers and embedded microcontrollers.

[0085] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the polarity setting combinations of the stimulation contacts (or the combination types of the stimulation contact groups) are different, the switches of the current source module and the enabling timing of the current sources can be controlled to improve the current pulse output efficiency and reduce the power consumption of the stimulator.

[0086] Exemplarily, the combination types of the respective stimulation contact groups of the multi-current source implantable nerve stimulator in the embodiments of the present disclosure may at least include the following 4 types: single positive and single negative (one positive electrode and one negative electrode), multiple positive and single negative (more than one positive electrode and one negative electrode), single positive and multiple negative (one positive electrode and more than one negative electrode), multiple positive and multiple negative (more than one positive electrode and more than one negative electrode).

[0087] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when there is a single "positive electrode" or "negative electrode" contact, the current source of this contact may not be enabled, or the current source of this contact may be partially enabled.

[0088] The following provides an exemplary introduction to the possible implementation manners of the stimulator.

[0089] Please refer to Figure 4a 、 Figure 4b , Figure 4a 、 Figure 4b which show a schematic diagram of the first combination type (single positive and single negative) of the stimulation contact group of the multi-current source implantable nerve stimulator according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0090] In this example, the multiple current source modules respectively include a first switch Si1, a second switch Si2, a third switch Si3, a fourth switch Si4, a first current source Ci1, and a second current source Ci2, where i is 1 and 2 respectively.

[0091] In a possible implementation manner, as Figure 4a and Figure 4b shown, the first type of stimulation contact includes a single contact, such as contact Ei, and the second type of stimulation contact includes a single contact, such as contact Ej.

[0092] During the stimulation pulse period, the third switch S13 in the current source module corresponding to contact Ei and the second switch S22 in the current source module corresponding to contact Ej are turned on; during the charge balance pulse period, the first switch S21 in the current source module corresponding to contact Ej and the fourth switch S14 in the current source module corresponding to contact Ei ( Figure 4a ), or the third switch S23 in the current source module corresponding to contact Ej and the second switch S12 in the current source module corresponding to contact Ei ( Figure 4b ) are turned on.

[0093] As Figure 4aAs shown, the first current output method for the single positive and single negative (Ei is the positive electrode, Ej is the negative electrode) contact polarity setting only enables the sink current source C21 and the source current source C22 of the negative contact, and does not enable the sink current source C11 and the source current source C12 of the positive contact. During the stimulation pulse period, the switch S13 (the third switch) and the switch S22 (the second switch) are closed, and the current flows as shown by the solid arrow. It flows from VDD through the switch S13 to the contact Ei, through the human tissue and then to the contact Ej, and through the switch S22 to flow through the sink current source C22. The current magnitude is controlled by the sink current source C22. During the charge balance pulse period, the switches S14 and S21 are closed, and the current flows as shown by the dashed arrow. It flows from VDD through the source current source C21, through the switch S21 to the contact Ej, through the human tissue and then to the contact Ei, and through the switch S14 to flow back to the ground terminal GND. The current magnitude is controlled by the source current source C21. In this contact polarity configuration state, the current output method can also only enable the current sources of the positive contact and not enable the current sources of the negative contact. Correspondingly, during the stimulation pulse period, the control switches S11 and S24 are closed, and during the charge balance pulse period, the control switches S12 and S23 are closed.

[0094] As Figure 4b shown, the second current output method for the single positive and single negative (Ei is the positive electrode, Ej is the negative electrode) contact polarity setting combination type only enables the sink current source C12 and the sink current source C22 of the ground terminal, and does not enable the source current source C11 and the source current source C21 connected to the VDD terminal. During the stimulation pulse period, the switches S13 and S22 are closed, and the current flows as shown by the solid arrow. It flows from VDD through S13 to the contact Ei, through the human tissue and then to the contact Ej, and through the switch S22 to flow through the sink current source C22. The current magnitude is controlled by the sink current source C22. During the charge balance pulse period, the switches S12 and S23 are closed, and the current flows as shown by the dashed arrow. It flows from VDD through the switch S23 to the contact Ej, through the human tissue and then to the contact Ei, and through the switch S12 to flow through the sink current source C12. The current magnitude is controlled by the sink current source C12. In this contact polarity configuration state, the current output method can also only enable the source current source C11 and the source current source C21 connected to the VDD terminal and not enable the sink current source C12 and the sink current source C22 of the ground terminal. Correspondingly, during the stimulation pulse period, the control switches S11 and S24 are closed, and during the charge balance pulse stage, the control switches S21 and S14 are closed.

[0095] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 which shows a schematic diagram of the second combination type (multiple positives and single negative) of the stimulation contact group of the multi-current source implantable nerve stimulator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] In this example, multiple current source modules respectively include a first switch Si1, a second switch Si2, a third switch Si3, a fourth switch Si4, a pull current source Ci1, and a sink current source Ci2, where i is 1, 2, and 3 respectively.

[0097] In a possible implementation, as Figure 5 shown, the first type of stimulation contact includes multiple contacts, such as contact Ei and contact Ep, and the second type of stimulation contact includes a single contact, such as contact Ej.

[0098] During the stimulation pulse period, turn on the first switches S11 and S31 in the current source module corresponding to the first type of stimulation contact (including contact Ei and contact Ep), and the fourth switch S24 in the current source module corresponding to the second type of stimulation contact (contact Ej); during the charge balance pulse period, turn on the third switch S23 in the current source module corresponding to the second type of stimulation contact (contact Ej), and the second switches S12 and S32 in the current source module corresponding to the first type of stimulation contact (including contact Ei and contact Ep).

[0099] As Figure 5 shown, for the current output mode of the multi-positive single-negative (contact Ei and Ep are positive electrodes, and contact Ej is a negative electrode) stimulation contact group, only the current sources of the positive electrodes are enabled, and the current sources of the negative electrodes are not enabled. During the stimulation pulse period, switches S11 (the first switch), S31 (the first switch), and S24 (the fourth switch) are closed, and the current flows as shown by the solid arrows, from VDD through the pull current sources C11 and C31, through switches S11 and S31 to contacts Ei and Ep, through the human tissue to contact Ej, and back to the ground terminal GND through switch S24. The magnitude of the current is controlled by the pull current sources C11 and C31; during the charge balance pulse period, switches S12 (the second switch), S32 (the second switch), and S23 (the third switch) are closed, and the current flows as shown by the dashed arrows, from VDD through switch S23 to contact Ej, through the human tissue to contacts Ei and Ep, and through the sink current sources C12 and C32 through switches S12 and S32. The magnitude of the current is controlled by the sink current sources C12 and C32.

[0100] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 which shows a schematic diagram of the third combination type (single positive multi-negative) of the stimulation contact group of the multi-current source implantable nerve stimulator according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0101] In this example, multiple current source modules respectively include a first switch Si1, a second switch Si2, a third switch Si3, a fourth switch Si4, a pull current source Ci1, and a sink current source Ci2, where i is 1, 2, and 3 respectively.

[0102] In a possible implementation, as Figure 6 shown, the first type of stimulation contact includes a single contact, such as contact Ei, and the second type of stimulation contact includes multiple contacts, such as contacts Ej and Eq.

[0103] During the stimulation pulse period, turn on the third switch S13 in the current source module corresponding to the first type of stimulation contact (contact Ei), and the second switches S22 and S32 in the current source modules corresponding to the second type of stimulation contacts (including contacts Ej and Eq); during the charge balance pulse period, turn on the first switches S21 and S31 in the current source modules corresponding to the second type of stimulation contacts (including contacts Ej and Eq), and the fourth switch S14 in the current source module corresponding to the first type of stimulation contact (contact Ei).

[0104] As Figure 6 shown, for the current output mode of the single positive and multiple negative (contact Ei is the positive pole, contacts Ej and Eq are the negative poles) stimulation contact group, only the current sources of the negative contacts are enabled, and the current sources of the positive contact are not enabled. During the stimulation pulse period, switches S13 (the third switch), S22 (the second switch), and S32 (the second switch) are closed, and the current flows as shown by the solid arrows. It flows from VDD through switch S13 to contact Ei, through the human tissue to contacts Ej and Eq, and through switches S22 and S32 to flow through sink current sources C22 and C32, and the current magnitude is controlled by sink current sources C22 and C32; during the charge balance pulse period, switches S14 (the fourth switch), S21 (the first switch), and S31 (the first switch) are closed, and the current flows as shown by the dashed arrows. It flows from VDD through pull current sources C21 and C31, through switches S21 and S31 to contacts Ej and Eq, through the human tissue to contact Ei, and through switch S14 back to the ground terminal GND, and the current magnitude is controlled by pull current sources C21 and C31.

[0105] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 which shows a schematic diagram of the fourth combination type (multiple positive and multiple negative) of the stimulation contact group of the multi-current source implantable nerve stimulator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] In this example, the first switch Si1, the second switch Si2, the third switch Si3, the fourth switch Si4, the first current source Ci1, and the second current source Ci2 included in multiple current source modules respectively, where i is 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively.

[0107] In a possible implementation, as Figure 7 shown, the first type of stimulation contact includes multiple contacts, such as contact Ei and contact Ep, and the second type of stimulation contact includes multiple contacts, such as contact Ej and contact Eq.

[0108] During the stimulation pulse period, turn on the first switches S11 and S31 in the current source modules corresponding to the first type of stimulation contacts (such as contact Ei and contact Ep), and the second switches S22 and S42 in the current source modules corresponding to the second type of stimulation contacts (such as contact Ej and contact Eq); during the charge balance pulse period, turn on the first switches S21 and S41 in the current source modules corresponding to the second type of stimulation contacts (such as contact Ej and contact Eq), and the second switches S12 and S32 in the current source modules corresponding to the first type of stimulation contacts (such as contact Ei and contact Ep).

[0109] As Figure 7 shown, for the current output mode of the multi-positive and multi-negative (contact Ei and Ep are positive electrodes, contact Ej and Eq are negative electrodes) stimulation contact group, the current sources of all positive and negative contacts are enabled. During the stimulation pulse period, switch S11 (the first switch), switch S22 (the second switch), switch S31 (the first switch), and switch S42 (the second switch) are closed, and the current flows as shown by the solid arrows. It flows from VDD through the pull current sources C11 and C31, through switches S11 and S31 to contacts Ei and Ep, through the human tissue and then to contacts Ej and Eq, and through switches S22 and S42 to flow through the sink current sources C22 and C42; during the charge balance pulse period, switch S12 (the second switch), switch S21 (the first switch), switch S32 (the second switch), and switch S41 (the first switch) are closed, and the current flows as shown by the dashed arrows. It flows from VDD through the pull current sources C21 and C41, through switches S21 and S41 to contacts Ej and Eq, through the human tissue and then to contacts Ei and Ep, and through switches S12 and S32 to flow through the sink current sources C12 and C32.

[0110] In the above various examples, the control module can select an appropriate current output mode according to the combination type of the current stimulation contact group (such as single positive and single negative, multiple positive and single negative, single positive and multiple negative, multiple positive and multiple negative). When it is not multiple positive and multiple negative, and only a single contact is set for the negative or positive electrode, all current sources at the single contact end can be not enabled at all (such as current output mode 1 of single positive and single negative, multiple positive and single negative, single positive and multiple negative), or only some current sources at the single contact end can be enabled (such as current output mode 2 of single positive and single negative). Therefore, when the current sources on one side are not fully enabled, the voltage drop caused by the enabling of the current sources on that side can be reduced, thereby reducing the consumption of the current sources on that side, and further improving the output efficiency of the stimulator as a whole and reducing the overall power consumption.

[0111] In addition, in other embodiments, the above-mentioned four combination types of stimulation contact groups can also all adopt Figure 7 the shown current control mode, that is, all current sources of the positive and negative contacts are enabled, but the power consumption is relatively large.

[0112] Please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 which shows another schematic diagram of a multi-current-source implantable nerve stimulator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] In a possible implementation manner, the stimulator further includes a communication circuit 60, a parameter configuration register 70, and a power management circuit 50, where

[0114] the communication circuit 60, the parameter configuration register 70, the power management circuit 50, and the stimulation output circuit are connected to the control module 40;

[0115] the communication circuit 60 is used to implement communication with an external device;

[0116] the power management circuit 50 is used to provide electrical energy;

[0117] the parameter configuration register 70 stores stimulation parameters, selection information of current sources and stimulation contacts;

[0118] the control module 40 selects any one or more current sources to be connected to any one or more stimulation contacts according to the selection signal to generate stimulation pulses through the stimulation contact group, and the stimulation pulses are determined by the stimulation parameters in the parameter configuration register 70.

[0119] The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the implementation manners of the stimulation parameters and the selection information. Those skilled in the art can set them according to actual situations and needs. The stimulation parameters can include the amplitude, frequency, pulse width, etc. of the stimulation pulses, and the selection information can be used to implement the control of each switch in the configuration module 20.

[0120] Of course, the stimulation parameters and selection information can be stored in the stimulator, or the stimulation parameters and selection information input externally can be received through the communication circuit 60 to control the stimulator. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0121] The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific implementation manners of the communication circuit 60, the parameter configuration register 70, and the power management circuit 50. Those skilled in the art can adopt relevant technologies according to the actual situation and needs. Exemplarily, the communication circuit 60 can be configured for wired or wireless communication. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication circuit 60 can access a long-distance wireless network based on a communication standard, such as 2G or 3G, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the communication circuit 60 receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication circuit 60 further includes a short-range communication module. For example, short-range communication can be implemented based on radio frequency (RF) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, WIFI technology, near-field coupling communication technology, and other technologies.

[0122] The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the application scenarios of the multi-current source implantable nerve stimulator. Those skilled in the art can apply the multi-current source implantable nerve stimulator in various scenarios according to the actual situation and needs.

[0123] Please refer to Figure 9a and Figure 9b , Figure 9a which shows a schematic diagram of deep brain stimulation application, Figure 9b and

[0124] As shown in Figure 9a and Figure 9b the embodiments of the present disclosure can apply the multi-current source implantable nerve stimulator in deep brain stimulation scenarios and spinal cord stimulation scenarios. Of course, it can also be applied in vagus nerve stimulation scenarios, sacral nerve stimulation scenarios, etc.

[0125] The above has described the embodiments of the present disclosure. The above description is exemplary, not exhaustive, and is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in the technical field without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The selection of the terms used herein is intended to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the actual application, or the improvement of the technology in the market, or to enable other ordinary skill in the art in the technical field to understand the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A multi-current source implantable neural stimulator, characterized in that: The stimulator comprises: Stimulation output circuit, stimulation module and control module; The stimulation output circuit includes a configuration module and a plurality of current source modules; The current source module comprises a current sourcing current source, a current sinking current source and a plurality of switches, wherein the plurality of switches are respectively connected to the current sourcing current source, the current sinking current source, a power supply terminal and a ground terminal; The stimulation module comprises a plurality of stimulation contacts, wherein at least some of the stimulation contacts are respectively configured as first type stimulation contacts and second type stimulation contacts with different polarities to form a stimulation contact group; The stimulation module is connected to the current source module through the configuration module; The control module controls the switches in the current source module according to the combination type of the stimulation contact group, enables all or part of the current sources connected to the stimulation contact group, and outputs stimulation pulses through the stimulation contact group.

2. The stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that The control module configures each stimulation contact of the stimulation contact group to be directly or indirectly connected to the power supply terminal or the ground terminal through the multiple switches, so as to configure the stimulation contacts as first type stimulation contacts or second type stimulation contacts.

3. The stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of switches include: A first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch; The negative electrode of the current source is connected to the first end of the first switch; The positive electrode of the current sink source is connected to the first end of the second switch; The power supply end is connected to the first end of the third switch; The ground terminal is connected to the first terminal of the fourth switch; The second end of the first switch, the second end of the second switch, the second end of the third switch and the second end of the fourth switch are connected to the first end of the configuration module; The second end of the configuration module is connected to the stimulation module.

4. The stimulator according to claim 3, characterized in that One cycle of the stimulation pulse includes a stimulation pulse period and a charge balance period; The control module is used for: During the stimulation pulse period, for the first type stimulation contact, the first switch or the third switch of the corresponding current source module is turned on; for the second type stimulation contact, the fourth switch or the second switch of the corresponding current source module is turned on.

5. The stimulator according to claim 4, characterized in that The charge balancing period adopts active charge balancing, and the control module is further used for: For the second type stimulation contact, the first switch or the third switch of the corresponding current source module is turned on; for the first type stimulation contact, the fourth switch or the second switch of the corresponding current source module is turned on.

6. The stimulator according to claim 5, characterized in that The first type of stimulation contact includes one contact, and the second type of stimulation contact includes one contact.

7. The stimulator according to claim 5, characterized in that The first type of stimulation contact includes a plurality of contacts, and the second type of stimulation contact includes one contact; During the stimulation pulse period, for the first type of stimulation contact, turning on the first switch of the current source module corresponding to the first type of stimulation contact; For the second type stimulation contact, turning on the fourth switch of the corresponding current source module; During the charge balancing pulse period, for the second type stimulation contact, the third switch of the corresponding current source module is turned on; for the first type stimulation contact, the second switch of the corresponding current source module is turned on.

8. The stimulator according to claim 5, characterized in that The first type of stimulation contact includes one contact, and the second type of stimulation contact includes a plurality of contacts; During the stimulation pulse period, for the first type stimulation contact, the third switch of the corresponding current source module is turned on; for the second type stimulation contact, the second switch of the corresponding current source module is turned on; During the charge balancing pulse period, for the second type stimulation contact, the first switch of the corresponding current source module is turned on; for the first type stimulation contact, the fourth switch of the corresponding current source module is turned on.

9. The stimulator according to claim 4, characterized in that The charge balancing period adopts passive charge balancing.

10. The stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that The stimulator also includes a communication circuit, a parameter configuration register and a power management circuit, wherein: The communication circuit, the parameter configuration register, the power management circuit and the stimulation output circuit are connected to the control module; The communication circuit is used to realize communication with an external device; The power management circuit is used to provide electrical energy; The parameter configuration register is used to store stimulation parameters, current sources and stimulation contact selection signals; The control module selects any one or more current sources to connect to any one or more stimulation contacts according to the selection signal.

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