Nerve stimulator device and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a nerve stimulator device and a control method thereof. A nerve stimulator device includes a master nerve stimulator, a slave nerve stimulator, and a connector. The master nerve stimulator and the slave nerve stimulator are disposed parallel to each other, and the connector is configured to electrically connect the master nerve stimulator with the slave nerve stimulator such that the master nerve stimulator is capable of transmitting energy and control information to the slave nerve stimulator and receiving operating state information from the slave nerve stimulator. The nerve stimulator device can complete two groups of bioelectrical stimulation at the same time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of biomedical electronics technology, and in particular to a neural stimulator device and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] A neurostimulation system including an implantable neurostimulator has been widely used in the medical field. In this system, the implantable neurostimulator is implanted in the patient's body to achieve treatment of the affected part. Specifically, the neurostimulator communicates with an external radio frequency transmitter for radio frequency and energy transmission, and the external radio frequency transmitter provides a radio frequency signal in real time to drive the stimulation electrode ring of the implantable neurostimulator, thereby applying a stimulation signal to the patient's treatment part; and the external radio frequency transmitter provides radio frequency energy to the implantable neurostimulator, thereby maintaining the operation of the implantable neurostimulator.

[0003] The neurostimulator can be designed as a catheter type, that is, a group of stimulation electrode rings are arranged in a catheter. However, when two groups of electrical stimulation are required, a catheter-type neurostimulator may not be able to meet the stimulation requirements.

[0004] The above description of the background technology is only for facilitating an in-depth understanding of the technical solution of the present invention (such as the technical means used, the technical problems solved and the technical effects produced), and should not be regarded as an admission or any form of implication that the information constitutes prior art already known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a neural stimulation controller capable of completing two groups of bioelectric stimulation and a control method thereof.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a neurostimulator device is provided, which includes: a master neurostimulator and a slave neurostimulator arranged in parallel with each other; and a connector configured to electrically connect the master neurostimulator to the slave neurostimulator, so that the master neurostimulator can transmit energy and control information to the slave neurostimulator and receive working status information from the slave neurostimulator.

[0007] Each of the master neural stimulator and the slave neural stimulator includes: a stimulator catheter; a plurality of connecting rings sleeved on the first end of the stimulator catheter, and the number of connecting rings of the master neural stimulator is equal to the number of connecting rings of the slave neural stimulator; a plurality of stimulation electrode rings sleeved on the second end of the stimulator catheter; a communication power supply and control component arranged between the first end and the second end of the stimulator catheter, and the communication power supply and control component is electrically connected to the plurality of connecting rings and the plurality of stimulation electrode rings.

[0008] The connector can form two accommodating cavities arranged parallel to each other and each accommodating cavity is provided with conductive rings having a number equal to the connecting rings of the master neural stimulator or the slave neural stimulator, and the two conductive rings located in different accommodating cavities are electrically connected to each other; wherein, when the first ends of the stimulator catheters of the master neural stimulator and the slave neural stimulator are respectively extended into the two accommodating cavities of the connector, each connecting ring sleeved on the first end of the stimulator catheter is electrically connected to the corresponding conductive ring in the accommodating cavity.

[0009] The connector can also form two accommodating cavities arranged parallel to each other and the two accommodating cavities are connected by a ring-shaped connecting cavity, and a conductive ring equal to the total number of connecting rings of the master neural stimulator and the slave neural stimulator is arranged in the connecting cavity, and the conductive rings are symmetrically arranged about the symmetry axes of the two accommodating cavities, and the two symmetrically arranged conductive rings are electrically connected to each other; wherein, when the first ends of the stimulator catheters of the master neural stimulator and the slave neural stimulator are respectively extended from the two accommodating cavities of the connector to the connecting cavity, each connecting ring sleeved on the first end of the stimulator catheter is electrically connected to the corresponding conductive ring in the connecting cavity.

[0010] The master neurostimulator can be configured to: receive energy and control information from an external radio frequency transmitter; transmit a portion of the received energy to the slave neurostimulator via a connector; parse the received control information into control information for the master neurostimulator and control information for the slave neurostimulator, and transmit the control information for the slave neurostimulator to the slave neurostimulator via the connector; and drive a stimulation electrode ring disposed on the master neurostimulator using another portion of the received energy and based on the control information for the master neurostimulator.

[0011] The slave neurostimulator may be configured to drive a stimulation electrode ring disposed in the slave neurostimulator using energy received from the master neurostimulator and according to control information for the slave neurostimulator.

[0012] The master neurostimulator may be configured to receive operating status information of the slave neurostimulator via the connector, and transmit the operating status information of the slave neurostimulator together with the operating status information of the master neurostimulator to an external radio frequency transmitter.

[0013] The communication power supply and control component of the master neurostimulator may include a radio frequency unit and a stimulation control unit, the radio frequency unit and the stimulation control unit of the master neurostimulator are arranged between the first end and the second end of the stimulator catheter, and one end of each of the radio frequency unit and the stimulation control unit is electrically connected to each connecting ring, the other end of the radio frequency unit is electrically connected to the stimulation control unit, and the other end of the stimulation control unit is electrically connected to each stimulation electrode ring; the communication power supply and control component of the slave neurostimulator may include a stimulation control unit, the stimulation control unit is arranged between the first end and the second end of the stimulator catheter, and one end of the stimulation control unit is electrically connected to each connecting ring, and the other end is electrically connected to each stimulation electrode ring; the radio frequency unit of the master neurostimulator may be configured to: receive energy and control information from an external radio frequency transmitter; convert the received energy into direct current power, provide direct current power to the stimulation control unit of the master neurostimulator and provide direct current power to the stimulation control unit of the slave neurostimulator via a connector; transmit the received control information to the stimulation control unit of the master neurostimulator; the stimulation control unit of the master neurostimulator may be configured to: receive the control information transmitted by the radio frequency unit of the master neurostimulator; The received control information is RF-demodulated and decoded, so that the received control information is resolved into control information for the master nerve stimulator and control information for the slave nerve stimulator, and the control information for the slave nerve stimulator is transmitted to the stimulation control unit of the slave nerve stimulator via a connector; based on the control information for the master nerve stimulator, a DC power supply is used to generate an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings, so that the corresponding stimulation electrode rings provided on the master nerve stimulator perform electrical stimulation at the target site of the biological tissue according to the electrical stimulation waveform generated by the stimulation control unit of the master nerve stimulator; the stimulation control unit of the slave nerve stimulator can be configured as follows: receiving a DC power supply provided by the RF unit of the master nerve stimulator via a connector; receiving control information for the slave nerve stimulator transmitted by the stimulation control unit of the master nerve stimulator via a connector; based on the control information for the slave nerve stimulator, a DC power supply is used to generate an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings, so that the corresponding stimulation electrode rings provided on the slave nerve stimulator perform electrical stimulation at the target site of the biological tissue according to the electrical stimulation waveform generated by the stimulation control unit of the slave nerve stimulator.

[0014] The neurostimulator device may further include: a toroidal cable wrap through which a stimulator catheter of at least one of the master neurostimulator and the slave neurostimulator passes.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a control method for a neurostimulator device is provided, the neurocontroller device includes a master neurostimulator, a slave neurostimulator and a connector, the control method includes: the master neurostimulator receives energy and control information from an external radio frequency transmitter; the master neurostimulator transmits a portion of the received energy to the slave neurostimulator via the connector; the master neurostimulator parses the received control information into control information for the master neurostimulator and control information for the slave neurostimulator, and transmits the control information for the slave neurostimulator to the slave neurostimulator via the connector; the master neurostimulator drives a stimulation electrode ring provided on the master neurostimulator using another portion of the received energy and according to the control information for the master neurostimulator; the slave neurocontroller drives the stimulation electrode ring provided on the slave neurostimulator using the energy received from the master neurostimulator and according to the control information for the slave neurostimulator.

[0016] The control method may further include: receiving, by the master neurostimulator, working status information of the slave neurostimulator from the slave neurostimulator via the connector, and transmitting the working status information of the slave neurostimulator together with the working status information of the master neurostimulator to an external radio frequency transmitter.

[0017] The master neurostimulator may include a radio frequency unit, a stimulation control unit and a plurality of stimulation electrode rings, and the slave neurostimulator may include a stimulation control unit and a plurality of stimulation electrode rings; the control method may include: the radio frequency unit of the master neurostimulator receives energy and control information from an external radio frequency transmitter; the radio frequency unit of the master neurostimulator converts the received energy into a DC power supply, provides the DC power supply to the stimulation control unit of the master neurostimulator and provides the DC power supply to the stimulation control unit of the slave neurostimulator via a connector; the radio frequency unit of the master neurostimulator transmits the received control information to the stimulation control unit of the master neurostimulator; the stimulation control unit of the master neurostimulator receives the control information transmitted by the radio frequency unit of the master neurostimulator; the stimulation control unit of the master neurostimulator performs radio frequency demodulation and decoding on the received control information, resolves the received control information into control information for the master neurostimulator and control information for the slave neurostimulator, and transmits the control information for the slave neurostimulator to the stimulation control unit of the slave neurostimulator via the connector; The stimulation control unit of the master nerve stimulator receives the DC power provided by the radio frequency unit of the master nerve stimulator, and generates an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings using the DC power according to the control information for the master nerve stimulator, so that the corresponding stimulation electrode rings arranged on the master nerve stimulator perform electrical stimulation at the target part of the biological tissue according to the electrical stimulation waveform generated by the stimulation control unit of the master nerve stimulator; the stimulation control unit of the slave nerve stimulator receives the DC power provided by the stimulation control unit of the master nerve stimulator via the connector; the stimulation control unit of the slave nerve stimulator receives the control information for the slave nerve stimulator transmitted by the stimulation control unit of the master nerve stimulator via the connector; the stimulation control unit of the slave nerve stimulator generates an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings using the DC power according to the control information for the slave nerve stimulator, so that the corresponding stimulation electrode rings arranged on the slave nerve stimulator perform electrical stimulation at the target part of the biological tissue according to the electrical stimulation waveform generated by the stimulation control unit of the slave nerve stimulator.

[0018] The present invention adopts the above technical solution, which has the following beneficial effects: the present invention can complete two groups of bioelectric stimulation, and can reduce energy loss and improve energy efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The following will describe the exemplary embodiments of the present invention in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of clarity, the same components in different drawings are shown with the same reference numerals. It should be noted that the drawings are only for illustration and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In these drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a catheter-type neurostimulator in the prior art.

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a configuration of a neural controller device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a neural controller device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the implantation process of a neurostimulator device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an implantation process of a neurostimulator device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a connector 30 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a connector 30 in use according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of data flow for a neurostimulator device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The implementation scheme of the present invention is described in detail below. This implementation scheme is implemented on the premise of the technical scheme of the present invention, and a detailed implementation method and specific operation process are given, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the implementation scheme described below.

[0029] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a catheter-type neurostimulator in the prior art. Figure 1As shown, the neurostimulator includes a stimulator catheter 11', and a stimulation electrode ring 12', a stimulation control unit 13' and a radio frequency unit 14' are provided on the stimulator catheter 11'. The radio frequency unit 14' is electrically connected to the stimulation control unit 13', and the stimulation control unit 13' is electrically connected to the stimulation electrode ring 12'. The radio frequency unit 14' can receive energy and control information from an external radio frequency transmitter. The radio frequency unit 14' converts the received energy into a direct current power supply, and provides the direct current power supply to the stimulation control unit 13'. In addition, the radio frequency unit 14' can transmit the received control information to the stimulation control unit 13'. The stimulation control unit 13' can receive the direct current power supply provided by the radio frequency unit 14' and the transmitted control information, and generate an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings using the direct current power supply according to the received control information, so that the corresponding stimulation electrode ring 12' performs electrical stimulation at the target site of the biological tissue according to the electrical stimulation waveform generated by the stimulation control unit 13'. That is, in addition to the information used to generate the electrical stimulation waveform, the control information also includes information for selecting the stimulation electrode ring to perform electrical stimulation, so that the specific stimulation electrode ring 12 ′ performs electrical stimulation.

[0030] However, when two or more groups of stimulation are required, one catheter-type neurostimulator cannot meet the stimulation requirements. If multiple catheter-type neurostimulators are arranged in parallel with each other in biological tissue, each group of antennas in the multiple RF units 14' will wirelessly communicate and wirelessly transmit energy with the external RF transmitter, which will cause antenna mismatch, resulting in reduced energy efficiency and energy loss.

[0031] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a neurostimulator device. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a configuration of a neural controller device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a structural exploded view of a neural controller device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a neurostimulator device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a master neurostimulator 10 , a slave neurostimulator 20 , and a connector 30 .

[0032] The master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 are arranged in parallel with each other. The connector 30 is configured to electrically connect the master neurostimulator 10 with the slave neurostimulator 20 so that the master neurostimulator 10 can transmit energy and control information to the slave neurostimulator 20 and receive working status information from the slave neurostimulator 20.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, each of the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 includes a stimulator catheter 11, a plurality of connection rings 12, a plurality of stimulation electrode rings 13, and a communication power supply and control component.

[0034] A plurality of connection rings 12 are sleeved on the first end of the stimulator catheter 11, and the number of the connection rings 12 of the master neurostimulator 10 is equal to the number of the connection rings 12 of the slave neurostimulator 20. For example, the connection rings 12 include connection rings 12a to 12c, which are sleeved on the first end of the stimulator catheter 11 and are electrically connected to the communication power supply and control components respectively.

[0035] A plurality of stimulation electrode rings 13 are sleeved on the second end of the stimulator catheter 11 and are electrically connected to the communication power supply and control components respectively. The plurality of stimulation electrode rings 13 are arranged at the target part of the biological tissue for electrical stimulation.

[0036] The communication power supply and control component is disposed between the first end and the second end of the stimulator catheter 11 , and is electrically connected to the plurality of connection rings 12 and the plurality of stimulation electrode rings 13 .

[0037] The connector 30 forms two accommodating cavities 31 arranged parallel to each other for the stimulator catheters 11 of the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 to extend into. Each accommodating cavity 31 is provided with conductive rings 32 equal in number to the connecting rings 12 of the master neurostimulator 10 or the slave neurostimulator 20. The conductive rings 32 are made of conductive material, for example, the conductive rings can be metal material, or can be a plastic ring covered with conductive material.

[0038] For example, in each accommodating cavity 31, the conductive ring 32 includes conductive rings 32a to 32c equal in number to the connecting rings 12a to 12c, and the outer circumferences of the conductive rings 32a to 32c are connected to the inner wall surface of the accommodating cavity 31. In addition, two conductive rings located in different accommodating cavities 31 are electrically connected to each other. That is, the two conductive rings 32a are electrically connected, the two conductive rings 32b are electrically connected, and the two conductive rings 32c are electrically connected.

[0039] When the first ends of the stimulator catheters 11 of the master neural stimulator 10 and the slave neural stimulator 20 are respectively extended into the two accommodating cavities 31 of the connector 30, each connecting ring 12 sleeved on the first end of the stimulator catheter 11 is electrically connected to the corresponding conductive ring 32 in the accommodating cavity 31. Specifically, the connecting ring 12a is electrically connected to the conductive ring 32a, the connecting ring 12b is electrically connected to the conductive ring 32b, and the connecting ring 12c is electrically connected to the conductive ring 32c. Since in the connector 30, the two conductive rings 32a are electrically connected, the two conductive rings 32b are electrically connected, and the two conductive rings 32c are electrically connected, therefore, the connecting ring 12a of the master neural stimulator 10 is electrically connected to the connecting ring 12a of the slave neural stimulator 20, the connecting ring 12b of the master neural stimulator 10 is electrically connected to the connecting ring 12b of the slave neural stimulator 20, and the connecting ring 12c of the master neural stimulator 10 is electrically connected to the connecting ring 12c of the slave neural stimulator 20. That is to say, the connecting ring 12 of the master neural stimulator 10 is electrically connected to the connecting ring 12 of the slave neural stimulator 20 via the connector 30 , that is, the connector 30 can electrically connect the master neural stimulator 10 to the slave neural stimulator 20 .

[0040] As described above, the connection between the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 includes a physical connection and an electrical connection. Specifically, the first end of the stimulator catheter 11 of each of the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 extends into the accommodating cavity 31 of the connector 30, and such a physical connection can play a fixing role, that is, the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 are fixed to each other. In addition, the electrical connection between the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 provides at least the following functions: the master neurostimulator 10 provides energy to the slave neurostimulator 20; the master neurostimulator 10 controls the slave neurostimulator 20; the master neurostimulator 10 reads information from the slave neurostimulator 20.

[0041] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the implantation process of a neurostimulator device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, during the implantation process of the neurostimulator device, a surgical opening is formed on biological tissue (specifically, human tissue), and the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 are implanted respectively, and fixed anchors are placed at the stimulator catheter 11 of the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 and the biological tissue introduction port respectively, and the connecting ring 12 of the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 is electrically connected to the conductive ring 32 of the connector 30, and finally the surgical opening is sutured.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the neurostimulator device may further include an annular cable wrapper 40, through which a stimulator catheter 11 of at least one of the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 passes, thereby shortening the length of the master neurostimulator 10 and / or the slave neurostimulator 20 to suit actual usage.

[0043] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an implantation process of a neurostimulator device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, during the implantation process of the neurostimulator device, a surgical opening is formed on the human tissue, and the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 are implanted respectively. Fixed anchors are placed at the stimulator catheter 11 of the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 and the human tissue introduction port respectively. The excessively long stimulator catheter 11 is wound through a circular winding 40 to shorten the overall length. The connecting ring 12 of the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 is electrically connected to the conductive ring 32 of the connector 30, and finally the surgical opening is sutured.

[0044] Combination Figures 3 to 5 In one embodiment of the present invention, two accommodating chambers 31 disposed in parallel with each other are communicated through one arc-shaped connecting chamber 33. However, the connector 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a connector 30 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a connector 30 in use according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, the connection cavity 33 may be in an annular shape. In addition, the connection cavity 33 is provided with conductive rings 32 equal to the total number of the connection rings 12 of the master neural stimulator 10 and the slave neural stimulator 20. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the conductive ring 32 is connected to the inner wall surface of the connection cavity 33. For example, the conductive ring 32 includes two conductive rings 32a, two conductive rings 32b and two conductive rings 32c, and the conductive rings 32 are symmetrically arranged about the symmetry axis of the two accommodating cavities 31. In addition, the two symmetrically arranged conductive rings 32 are electrically connected to each other, that is, the two conductive rings 32a are electrically connected, the two conductive rings 32b are electrically connected, and the two conductive rings 32c are electrically connected.

[0046] like Fig. 7A As shown, when the stimulator catheter 11 is of appropriate length, the stimulator catheter 11 can extend from the two accommodating cavities 31 of the connector 30 into the connecting cavity 33. Figure 7B As shown, when the stimulator catheter 11 is too long, the stimulator catheter 11 can wrap around the connecting cavity 33.

[0047] Accordingly, during the implantation of the neurostimulator device, a surgical opening is formed, and the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 are implanted respectively, and fixed anchors are placed at the stimulator catheters 11 of the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 and the biological tissue introduction port. Fig. 7A The connecting rings 12 of the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 are electrically connected to the conductive ring 32 of the connector 30 in the manner shown. If the remaining catheter length in the surgical opening is too long, Figure 7B The manner shown electrically connects the connecting rings 12 of the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 to the conductive ring 32 of the connector 30. Finally, the surgical opening is sutured.

[0048] Hereinafter, the operation process of the master neural stimulator 10 and the slave neural stimulator 20 will be described in detail.

[0049] The master neurostimulator 10 can receive energy and control information from an external radio frequency transmitter. The master neurostimulator 10 transmits a portion of the received energy to the slave neurostimulator 20 via the connector 30. The master neurostimulator 10 parses the received control information into control information for the master neurostimulator 10 and control information for the slave neurostimulator 20, and transmits the control information for the slave neurostimulator 20 to the slave neurostimulator 20 via the connector 30. The master neurostimulator 10 drives the stimulation electrode ring 13 provided in the master neurostimulator 10 using another portion of the received energy and according to the control information for the master neurostimulator 10. The slave neurostimulator 20 drives the stimulation electrode ring 13 provided in the slave neurostimulator 20 using the energy received from the master neurostimulator 10 and according to the control information for the slave neurostimulator 20.

[0050] In addition, the master neurostimulator 10 can receive the operating status of the slave neurostimulator 20 from the slave neurostimulator 20 via the connector 30, and transmit the operating status of the slave neurostimulator 20 together with the operating status of the master neurostimulator 10 to the external radio frequency transmitter.

[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the communication power supply and control component of the master neurostimulator 10 includes a radio frequency unit 14 and a stimulation control unit 15, which are arranged between the first end and the second end of the stimulator catheter 11, and one end of each of the radio frequency unit 14 and the stimulation control unit 15 is electrically connected to each connection ring 12, the other end of the radio frequency unit 14 is electrically connected to the stimulation control unit 15, and the other end of the stimulation control unit 15 is electrically connected to each stimulation electrode ring 13. The communication power supply and control component of the slave neurostimulator 20 includes a stimulation control unit 16, which is arranged between the first end and the second end of the stimulator catheter 11, and one end is electrically connected to each connection ring 12, and the other end is electrically connected to each stimulation electrode ring 13.

[0052] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the data flow of a neurostimulator device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 As shown, the RF section 14 of the master neurostimulator 10 receives energy and control information from an external RF transmitter 50 (S1).

[0053] The RF unit 14 of the master neurostimulator 10 converts the received energy into DC power (S2), provides DC power to the stimulation control unit 15 of the master neurostimulator 10 (S3), and provides DC power to the stimulation control unit 16 of the slave neurostimulator 20 via the connector 30 (S4 and S5).

[0054] Furthermore, the radio frequency unit 14 of the master neurostimulator 10 transmits the received control information to the stimulation control unit 15 of the master neurostimulator 10 ( S6 ).

[0055] Corresponding to step S6, the stimulation control unit 15 of the master neurostimulator 10 receives the control information transmitted by the RF unit 14 of the master neurostimulator 10. The stimulation control unit 15 of the master neurostimulator 10 performs RF demodulation and decoding on the received control information, so that the received control information is parsed into control information for the master neurostimulator 10 and control information for the slave neurostimulator 20 (S7). Subsequently, the stimulation control unit 15 of the master neurostimulator 10 transmits the control information for the slave neurostimulator 20 to the stimulation control unit of the slave neurostimulator 20 via the connector 30 (S8 and S9).

[0056] Corresponding to step S3, the stimulation control unit 15 of the master nerve stimulator 10 receives the DC power provided by the RF unit 14 of the master nerve stimulator 10. The stimulation control unit 15 of the master nerve stimulator 10 generates an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings 13 using the DC power according to the control information for the master nerve stimulator (S10). Specifically, the control information is waveform characteristic information about the amplitude, phase, waveform shape, frequency, etc. of the electrical stimulation waveform and information on selecting the stimulation electrode ring 13 for electrical stimulation.

[0057] The stimulation control unit 15 of the main nerve stimulator 10 transmits the electrical stimulation waveform to the corresponding stimulation electrode ring 13 arranged on the main nerve stimulator 10 (S11), so that the corresponding stimulation electrode ring 13 arranged on the main nerve stimulator 10 can perform electrical stimulation at the target part of the biological tissue according to the electrical stimulation waveform generated by the stimulation control unit 15 of the main nerve stimulator 10 (S12).

[0058] Corresponding to steps S4 and S5, the stimulation control unit 16 of the slave neurostimulator 20 receives the DC power provided by the RF unit 14 of the master neurostimulator 10 via the connector 30. Corresponding to steps S8 and S9, the stimulation control unit 16 of the slave neurostimulator 20 receives the control information for the slave neurostimulator transmitted by the stimulation control unit 15 of the master neurostimulator 10 via the connector 30.

[0059] The stimulation control unit 16 of the slave nerve stimulator 20 generates an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings 13 using a DC power supply according to the control information for the slave nerve stimulator (S13), and the stimulation control unit 16 of the slave nerve stimulator 20 transmits the electrical stimulation waveform to the corresponding stimulation electrode ring 13 provided in the slave nerve stimulator 20 (S14), so that the corresponding stimulation electrode ring 13 provided in the slave nerve stimulator 20 can perform electrical stimulation at the target site of the biological tissue according to the electrical stimulation waveform generated by the stimulation control unit 16 of the slave nerve stimulator 20 (S15).

[0060] Specifically, the stimulation control units 15 and 16 can be implemented by using a combination of a circuit board, a stimulation chip, a circuit board carrier chip, and a chip peripheral circuit.

[0061] The present invention also provides a control method for a neurostimulator device. The control method for a neurostimulator device according to the embodiment can be performed by Figure 3. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control method of the neurostimulator device includes: the master neurostimulator 10 receives energy and control information from the external radio frequency transmitter 50; the master neurostimulator 10 transmits a part of the received energy to the slave neurostimulator via the connector 30; the master neurostimulator 10 parses the received control information into control information for the master neurostimulator 10 and control information for the slave neurostimulator 20, and transmits the control information for the slave neurostimulator 20 to the slave neurostimulator 20 via the connector 30; the master neurostimulator 10 drives the stimulation electrode ring 13 provided in the master neurostimulator 10 using another part of the received energy and according to the control information for the master neurostimulator 10; the slave neurocontroller 20 drives the stimulation electrode ring 13 provided in the slave neurostimulator 20 using the energy received from the master neurostimulator 10 and according to the control information for the slave neurostimulator 10.

[0062] The control method of the neurostimulator device may further include: the master neurostimulator 10 receives the working status information of the slave neurostimulator 20 via the connector 30, and transmits the working status information of the slave neurostimulator 20 together with the working status information of the master neurostimulator 10 to the external radio frequency transmitter 50.

[0063] The control method of the neurostimulator device according to the exemplary embodiment may be performed by Figure 8 Specifically, the master neurostimulator 10 includes a radio frequency unit 14, a stimulation control unit 15, and a plurality of stimulation electrode rings 13. The slave neurostimulator 20 includes a stimulation control unit 16 and a plurality of stimulation electrode rings 13, and the stimulation control unit 16 of the slave neurostimulator 20 is electrically connected between the connector 30 and the stimulation electrode rings 13.

[0064] The control method of the neurostimulator device includes: the radio frequency part 14 of the master neurostimulator 10 receives energy and control information from the external radio frequency transmitter 50; the radio frequency part 14 of the master neurostimulator 10 converts the received energy into a DC power supply, provides the DC power supply to the stimulation control part 15 of the master neurostimulator 10, and provides the DC power supply to the stimulation control part 16 of the slave neurostimulator 20 via the connector 30; the radio frequency part 14 of the master neurostimulator 10 transmits the received control information to the stimulation control part 15 of the master neurostimulator 10; the stimulation control part 15 of the master neurostimulator 10 performs radio frequency demodulation and decoding on the received control information, so that the received control information is resolved into control information for the master neurostimulator 10 and control information for the slave neurostimulator 20, and the control information for the slave neurostimulator 20 is transmitted to the stimulation control part 16 of the slave neurostimulator 20 via the connector 30; the stimulation control part 15 of the master neurostimulator 10 receives the DC power supply provided by the radio frequency part 14 of the master neurostimulator 10, and according to the control information for the slave neurostimulator 20 The control information of the master nerve stimulator 10 is used to generate an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings 13 using a DC power supply, so that the corresponding stimulation electrode ring 13 set on the master nerve stimulator 10 is electrically stimulated at the target part of the biological tissue according to the electrical stimulation waveform generated by the stimulation control unit 15 of the master nerve stimulator 10; the stimulation control unit 15 of the slave nerve stimulator 10 receives the DC power provided by the stimulation control unit 15 of the master nerve stimulator 10 via the connector 30, and the stimulation control unit 15 of the slave nerve stimulator 10 receives the control information for the slave nerve stimulator transmitted by the stimulation control unit 15 of the master nerve stimulator 10 via the connector 30; the stimulation control unit 16 of the slave nerve stimulator 20 generates an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings 13 using a DC power supply according to the control information for the slave nerve stimulator 20, so that the corresponding stimulation electrode ring 13 set on the slave nerve stimulator 10 is electrically stimulated at the target part of the biological tissue according to the electrical stimulation waveform generated by the stimulation control unit 16 of the slave nerve stimulator 20.

[0065] The neurostimulator device and control method thereof according to the implementation scheme of the present invention can complete two groups of bioelectric stimulation, and because only the main neurostimulator 10 performs wireless energy transmission and wireless communication with the external radio frequency transmitter 50, it is possible to reduce energy loss and improve energy efficiency.

[0066] The various embodiments of the invention are not an exhaustive list of all possible combinations, but are intended to describe representative aspects of the invention, and what is described in various embodiments may be applied independently or in combinations of two or more.

[0067] The description presented in the above exemplary embodiments is only used to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it intended to limit the present invention to the precise form described. Obviously, it is possible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to make many changes and variations based on the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments are selected and described to explain the specific principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that other technicians in the field can easily understand, implement and use the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention and its various selected forms and modified forms. The scope of protection of the present invention is intended to be limited by the attached claims and their equivalent forms.

Claims

1. A neurostimulator device comprising: a master neural stimulator and a slave neural stimulator disposed in parallel relative to each other; as well as A connector is configured to electrically connect the master neurostimulator to the slave neurostimulator so that the master neurostimulator can transmit energy and control information to the slave neurostimulator and receive operating status information from the slave neurostimulator.

2. The neurostimulator device according to claim 1, wherein Each of the master neural stimulator and the slave neural stimulator comprises: Stimulator catheter; A plurality of connection rings sleeved on the first end of the stimulator catheter, wherein the number of the connection rings of the master neural stimulator is equal to the number of the connection rings of the slave neural stimulator; a plurality of stimulation electrode rings sleeved on the second end of the stimulator catheter; A communication power supply and control component is arranged between the first end and the second end of the stimulator catheter, and the communication power supply and control component is electrically connected to multiple connection rings and multiple stimulation electrode rings.

3. The neurostimulator device of claim 2, wherein: The connector forms two accommodating cavities arranged parallel to each other, and each accommodating cavity is provided with conductive rings equal in number to the connecting rings of the master neural stimulator or the slave neural stimulator, and the two conductive rings located in different accommodating cavities are electrically connected to each other; When the first ends of the stimulator catheters of the master neural stimulator and the slave neural stimulator are respectively extended into the two accommodating cavities of the connector, each connecting ring sleeved on the first end of the stimulator catheter is electrically connected to the corresponding conductive ring in the accommodating cavity.

4. The neurostimulator device of claim 2, wherein: The connector forms two accommodating cavities arranged parallel to each other and the two accommodating cavities are connected through a ring-shaped connecting cavity, and conductive rings equal in number to the total number of connecting rings of the master neural stimulator and the slave neural stimulator are arranged in the connecting cavity, the conductive rings are symmetrically arranged about the symmetry axis of the two accommodating cavities, and the two symmetrically arranged conductive rings are electrically connected to each other; When the first ends of the stimulator catheters of the master neural stimulator and the slave neural stimulator extend from the two accommodating cavities of the connector to the connecting cavity respectively, each connecting ring sleeved on the first end of the stimulator catheter is electrically connected to the corresponding conductive ring in the connecting cavity.

5. A neurostimulator device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The main neural stimulator is configured as follows: receiving energy and control information from an external radiofrequency transmitter; transmitting a portion of the received energy to a slave neurostimulator via a connector; parsing the received control information into control information for a master neurostimulator and control information for a slave neurostimulator, and transmitting the control information for the slave neurostimulator to the slave neurostimulator via the connector; Another portion of the received energy is used to drive a stimulation electrode ring disposed on the master neural stimulator according to control information for the master neural stimulator.

6. The neurostimulator device according to claim 5, wherein: The slave neurostimulator is configured as follows: The stimulation electrode rings provided in the slave neurostimulators are driven using the energy received from the master neurostimulator and according to the control information for the slave neurostimulators.

7. The neurostimulator device according to claim 6, wherein: The main neural stimulator is configured as follows: The operating status information of the slave neurostimulator is received from the slave neurostimulator via the connector, and the operating status information of the slave neurostimulator is transmitted together with the operating status information of the master neurostimulator to the external radio frequency transmitter.

8. The neurostimulator device of claim 7, wherein: The communication power supply and control component of the main nerve stimulator includes a radio frequency part and a stimulation control part, the radio frequency part and the stimulation control part of the main nerve stimulator are arranged between the first end and the second end of the stimulator catheter, and one end of each of the radio frequency part and the stimulation control part is electrically connected to each connecting ring, the other end of the radio frequency part is electrically connected to the stimulation control part, and the other end of the stimulation control part is electrically connected to each stimulation electrode ring; The communication power supply and control assembly of the slave neurostimulator includes a stimulation control unit, which is arranged between the first end and the second end of the stimulator catheter, and one end of the stimulation control unit is electrically connected to each connection ring, and the other end is electrically connected to each stimulation electrode ring; The RF section of the main neurostimulator is configured as follows: receiving energy and control information from an external radiofrequency transmitter; converting the received energy into direct current power, providing the direct current power to a stimulation control section of a master neurostimulator and providing the direct current power to a stimulation control section of a slave neurostimulator via a connector; transmitting the received control information to a stimulation control unit of a master neurostimulator; The stimulation control section of the main neurostimulator is configured as follows: receiving control information transmitted by the radio frequency part of the main neurostimulator; Performing radio frequency demodulation and decoding on the received control information, parsing the received control information into control information for the master neurostimulator and control information for the slave neurostimulator, and transmitting the control information for the slave neurostimulator to the stimulation control unit of the slave neurostimulator via the connector; generating an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings using a DC power supply according to control information for the master nerve stimulator, so that the corresponding stimulation electrode rings provided on the master nerve stimulator perform electrical stimulation at a target site of the biological tissue according to the electrical stimulation waveform generated by the stimulation control unit of the master nerve stimulator; The stimulation control section of the slave neurostimulator is configured as follows: receiving a DC power source provided by the radio frequency part of the main neurostimulator via a connector; receiving control information for the slave neurostimulator transmitted by the stimulation control section of the master neurostimulator via the connector; According to the control information for the slave nerve stimulator, an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings is generated using a DC power supply, so that the corresponding stimulation electrode rings arranged on the slave nerve stimulator perform electrical stimulation at the target site of the biological tissue according to the electrical stimulation waveform generated by the stimulation control unit of the slave nerve stimulator.

9. The neurostimulator device of claim 1, further comprising: A toroidal cable wrap is provided through which a stimulator catheter of at least one of the master and slave neurostimulators passes.

10. A control method of a neural stimulator device, the neural controller device comprising a master neural stimulator, a slave neural stimulator and a connector, the control method comprising: The master neurostimulator receives energy and control information from an external radiofrequency transmitter; The master neurostimulator transmits a portion of the received energy to the slave neurostimulator via the connector; The master neurostimulator parses the received control information into control information for the master neurostimulator and control information for the slave neurostimulator, and transmits the control information for the slave neurostimulator to the slave neurostimulator via the connector; The main neural stimulator utilizes another part of the received energy and drives a stimulation electrode ring disposed in the main neural stimulator according to control information for the main neural stimulator; The slave neural controller drives the stimulation electrode ring provided in the slave neural stimulator using the energy received from the master neural stimulator and according to the control information for the slave neural stimulator.

11. The control method of the neurostimulator device according to claim 10, further comprising: The master neurostimulator receives the working status information of the slave neurostimulator via the connector, and transmits the working status information of the slave neurostimulator together with the working status information of the master neurostimulator to the external radio frequency transmitter.

12. The control method of the neurostimulator device according to claim 10, wherein: The master neurostimulator includes a radio frequency section, a stimulation control section and a plurality of stimulation electrode rings, and the slave neurostimulator includes a stimulation control section and a plurality of stimulation electrode rings; The control method comprises: The radio frequency part of the main neurostimulator receives energy and control information from the external radio frequency transmitter; The radio frequency part of the master neurostimulator converts the received energy into a DC power supply, provides the DC power supply to the stimulation control part of the master neurostimulator and provides the DC power supply to the stimulation control part of the slave neurostimulator via the connector; The radio frequency part of the master neural stimulator transmits the received control information to the stimulation control part of the master neural stimulator; The stimulation control unit of the main neural stimulator receives the control information transmitted by the radio frequency unit of the main neural stimulator; The stimulation control unit of the master neurostimulator performs radio frequency demodulation and decoding on the received control information, so that the received control information is parsed into control information for the master neurostimulator and control information for the slave neurostimulator, and the control information for the slave neurostimulator is transmitted to the stimulation control unit of the slave neurostimulator via the connector; The stimulation control unit of the main nerve stimulator receives the DC power provided by the radio frequency unit of the main nerve stimulator, and generates an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings using the DC power according to the control information for the main nerve stimulator, so that the corresponding stimulation electrode rings arranged on the main nerve stimulator perform electrical stimulation at the target site of the biological tissue according to the electrical stimulation waveform generated by the stimulation control unit of the main nerve stimulator; The stimulation control unit of the slave neurostimulator receives the DC power provided by the stimulation control unit of the master neurostimulator via the connector; receiving, by the stimulation control section of the slave neurostimulator, control information for the slave neurostimulator transmitted by the stimulation control section of the master neurostimulator via the connector; The stimulation control unit of the slave nerve stimulator generates an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings using a DC power supply based on control information for the slave nerve stimulator, so that the corresponding stimulation electrode rings arranged on the slave nerve stimulator perform electrical stimulation at the target site of the biological tissue based on the electrical stimulation waveform generated by the stimulation control unit of the slave nerve stimulator.

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