Neurostimulator apparatus and method of controlling the same

Abstract

The present application relates to a nerve stimulator device and a control method thereof. The nerve stimulator device comprises a master nerve stimulator, a slave nerve stimulator and a connector. The master nerve stimulator and the slave nerve stimulator are arranged in parallel relative to each other, and the connector is configured to electrically connect the master nerve stimulator and the slave nerve stimulator, so that the master nerve stimulator can transmit energy and control information to the slave nerve stimulator and receive working state information from the slave nerve stimulator. The nerve stimulator device of the present application can simultaneously complete two groups of bioelectric stimulation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of biomedical electrotechnology, and more particularly to a neurostimulator device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Neurostimulation systems, including implantable neurostimulators, are widely used in the medical field. In such systems, the implantable neurostimulator is inserted into the patient's body to treat the affected area. Specifically, the neurostimulator communicates and transmits energy with an external radiofrequency transmitter. The external radiofrequency transmitter provides real-time radiofrequency signals to drive the stimulation electrode rings of the implantable neurostimulator, thereby applying stimulation signals to the patient's treatment site. The external radiofrequency transmitter also provides radiofrequency energy to the implantable neurostimulator to maintain its operation.

[0003] Neurostimulators can be designed as catheter-type devices, meaning a set of stimulation electrode rings is placed in a single catheter. However, when two sets of electrical stimulation are required, a single-catheter neurostimulator may not be sufficient to meet the stimulation needs.

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

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a neural stimulation controller and its control method capable of performing two sets of bioelectric stimulation.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a neurostimulator device is provided, comprising: a master neurostimulator and a slave neurostimulator disposed parallel to each other; and a connector configured to electrically connect the master neurostimulator and the slave neurostimulator, such that the master neurostimulator can transmit energy and control information to the slave neurostimulator and receive operational status information from the slave neurostimulator.

[0007] Each of the master nerve stimulator and the slave nerve stimulator includes: a stimulator conduit; a plurality of connecting rings fitted onto a first end of the stimulator conduit, wherein the number of connecting rings of the master nerve stimulator is equal to the number of connecting rings of the slave nerve stimulator; a plurality of stimulation electrode rings fitted onto a second end of the stimulator conduit; and a communication power supply and control component disposed between the first end and the second end of the stimulator conduit, the communication power supply and control component being electrically connected to the plurality of connecting rings and the plurality of stimulation electrode rings.

[0008] The connector can form two receiving cavities arranged parallel to each other, and each receiving cavity is provided with a number of conductive rings equal to the number of connecting rings of the master nerve stimulator or the slave nerve stimulator, and the two conductive rings located in different receiving cavities are electrically connected to each other; wherein, when the first end of the stimulator catheter of the master nerve stimulator and the slave nerve stimulator respectively extends into the two receiving 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 receiving cavity.

[0009] The connector can also form two receiving cavities arranged parallel to each other and connected by an annular connecting cavity. The connecting cavity is provided with conductive rings equal in number to the total number of connecting rings of the master nerve stimulator and the slave nerve stimulator. The conductive rings are symmetrically arranged about the axis of symmetry of the two receiving 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 nerve stimulator and the slave nerve stimulator extend from the two receiving cavities of the connector into 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 a 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 a connector; and use another portion of the received energy and the control information for the master neurostimulator to drive the stimulation electrode ring disposed on the master neurostimulator.

[0011] The subordinate nerve stimulator can be configured to use energy received from the master nerve stimulator and drive the stimulation electrode ring disposed on the subordinate nerve stimulator according to control information for the subordinate nerve stimulator.

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

[0013] The communication power supply and control components of the master neural stimulator may include a radio frequency (RF) section and a stimulation control section. The RF section and stimulation control section of the master neural stimulator are disposed between the first and second ends of the stimulator conduit. One end of each of the RF section and stimulation control section is electrically connected to each connecting ring, and the other end of the RF section is electrically connected to the stimulation control section. The other end of the stimulation control section is electrically connected to each stimulation electrode ring. The communication power supply and control components of the slave neural stimulator may include a stimulation control section. The stimulation control section is disposed between the first and second ends of the stimulator conduit. One end of the stimulation control section is electrically connected to each connecting ring, and the other end is electrically connected to each stimulation electrode ring. The RF section of the master neural stimulator may be configured to: receive energy and control information from an external RF transmitter; convert the received energy into DC power to provide DC power to the stimulation control section of the master neural stimulator and to provide DC power to the stimulation control section of the slave neural stimulator via a connector; and transmit the received control information to the stimulation control section of the master neural stimulator. The stimulation control section of the master neural stimulator may be configured to: receive the control information transmitted by the RF section of the master neural stimulator. The received control information is radio frequency demodulated and decoded to separate it into control information for the master stimulator and control information for the slave stimulator. The control information for the slave stimulator is then transmitted to the stimulation control unit of the slave stimulator via a connector. Based on the control information for the master stimulator, an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings is generated using a DC power supply. This allows the corresponding stimulation electrode rings located in the master stimulator to 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 stimulator. The stimulation control unit of the slave stimulator can be configured to: receive DC power supplied by the radio frequency unit of the master stimulator via a connector; receive control information for the slave stimulator transmitted by the stimulation control unit of the master stimulator via a connector; and generate an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings using a DC power supply based on the control information for the slave stimulator. This allows the corresponding stimulation electrode rings located in the slave stimulator to 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 stimulator.

[0014] The neurostimulator device may further include: a stimulator conduit through which at least one of a loop winder, a master neurostimulator, and a 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 receiving energy and control information from an external radio frequency transmitter; the master neurostimulator transmitting a portion of the received energy to the slave neurostimulator via the connector; the master neurostimulator 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 slave neurostimulator via the connector; the master neurostimulator using another portion of the received energy and according to the control information for the master neurostimulator to drive a stimulation electrode ring disposed on the master neurostimulator; and the slave neurostimulator using the energy received from the master neurostimulator and according to the control information for the slave neurostimulator to drive the stimulation electrode ring disposed on the slave neurostimulator.

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

[0017] The master neurostimulator may include a radio frequency (RF) unit, a stimulation control unit, and multiple stimulation electrode rings; the slave neurostimulator may include a stimulation control unit and multiple stimulation electrode rings. The control method may include: the RF unit of the master neurostimulator receiving energy and control information from an external RF transmitter; the RF unit of the master neurostimulator converting the received energy into DC power, providing DC power to the stimulation control unit of the master neurostimulator and to the stimulation control unit of the slave neurostimulator via a connector; the RF unit of the master neurostimulator transmitting the received control information to the stimulation control unit of the master neurostimulator; the stimulation control unit of the master neurostimulator receiving the control information transmitted by the RF unit of the master neurostimulator; the stimulation control unit of the master neurostimulator performing RF demodulation and decoding on the received control information, resolving 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 a connector; and so on. The stimulation control unit of the master neural stimulator receives DC power from the radio frequency unit of the master neural stimulator and, based on control information for the master neural stimulator, uses the DC power to generate electrical stimulation waveforms for one or more stimulation electrode rings, so that the corresponding stimulation electrode rings disposed in the master neural stimulator perform electrical stimulation at the target site of the biological tissue according to the electrical stimulation waveforms generated by the stimulation control unit of the master neural stimulator; the stimulation control unit of the subordinate neural stimulator receives DC power from the stimulation control unit of the master neural stimulator via a connector; the stimulation control unit of the subordinate neural stimulator receives control information for the subordinate neural stimulator transmitted by the stimulation control unit of the master neural stimulator via a connector; the stimulation control unit of the subordinate neural stimulator, based on the control information for the subordinate neural stimulator, uses the DC power to generate electrical stimulation waveforms for one or more stimulation electrode rings, so that the corresponding stimulation electrode rings disposed in the subordinate neural stimulator perform electrical stimulation at the target site of the biological tissue according to the electrical stimulation waveforms generated by the stimulation control unit of the subordinate neural stimulator.

[0018] The present invention adopts the above technical solution and has the following beneficial effects: the present invention can complete two sets of bioelectric stimulation, and can reduce energy loss and improve energy efficiency. Attached Figure Description

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the data flow of a neurostimulator device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following provides a detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are implemented based on the technical solution of the present invention, and provide detailed implementation methods and specific operation processes. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a catheter-type neurostimulator in the prior art. (Example) Figure 1As shown, the neurostimulator includes a stimulator conduit 11', and the stimulator conduit 11' is provided with a stimulation electrode ring 12', a stimulation control unit 13', and a radio frequency unit 14'. 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 DC power and provides DC power 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 DC power provided by the radio frequency unit 14' and the transmitted control information, and according to the received control information, uses the DC power to generate an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings, 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'. In other words, in addition to generating electrical stimulation waveforms, the control information also includes information on selecting the stimulation electrode ring for electrical stimulation, so that a specific stimulation electrode ring 12' is subjected to electrical stimulation.

[0030] However, when two or more sets of stimulation are required, a single catheter-type neurostimulator cannot meet the stimulation needs. If multiple catheter-type neurostimulators are arranged parallel to each other in biological tissue, each set of antennas in the multiple radio frequency units 14' will wirelessly communicate and wirelessly transmit power to the external radio frequency transmitter, which will lead to antenna mismatch, resulting in reduced energy efficiency and energy loss.

[0031] To address the above problems, the present invention provides a neurostimulator device. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a neural controller device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of a neural controller device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a neurostimulator device 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 parallel to each other. The connector 30 is configured to electrically connect the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20, so that the master neurostimulator 10 can transmit energy and control information to the slave neurostimulator 20 and receive operating 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 conduit 11, a plurality of connecting rings 12, a plurality of stimulating electrode rings 13, and communication power supply and control components.

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

[0035] Multiple stimulation electrode rings 13 are sleeved on the second end of the stimulator conduit 11 and are electrically connected to the communication, power supply, and control components, respectively. The multiple stimulation electrode rings 13 are positioned at the target site of the biological tissue for electrical stimulation.

[0036] The communication power supply and control components are disposed between the first end and the second end of the stimulator conduit 11 and are electrically connected to a plurality of connecting rings 12 and a plurality of stimulating electrode rings 13.

[0037] The connector 30 forms two receiving cavities 31 arranged parallel to each other for the insertion of the stimulator conduits 11 of the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20. Each receiving cavity 31 contains an equal number of conductive rings 32 as the connecting rings 12 of the master neurostimulator 10 or the slave neurostimulator 20. The conductive rings 32 are made of a conductive material; for example, they can be metal or plastic rings covered with a conductive material.

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

[0039] When the first ends of the stimulator conduits 11 of the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 respectively extend into the two receiving cavities 31 of the connector 30, each connecting ring 12 sleeved on the first end of the stimulator conduit 11 is electrically connected to the corresponding conductive ring 32 in the receiving cavity 31. Specifically, connecting ring 12a is electrically connected to conductive ring 32a, connecting ring 12b is electrically connected to conductive ring 32b, and connecting ring 12c is electrically connected to conductive ring 32c. Since two conductive rings 32a, two conductive rings 32b, and two conductive rings 32c are electrically connected in the connector 30, the connecting ring 12a of the master neurostimulator 10 is electrically connected to the connecting ring 12a of the slave neurostimulator 20, the connecting ring 12b of the master neurostimulator 10 is electrically connected to the connecting ring 12b of the slave neurostimulator 20, and the connecting ring 12c of the master neurostimulator 10 is electrically connected to the connecting ring 12c of the slave neurostimulator 20. In other words, the connecting ring 12 of the master nerve stimulator 10 and the connecting ring 12 of the slave nerve stimulator 20 are electrically connected through the connector 30, that is, the connector 30 can make the master nerve stimulator 10 and the slave nerve stimulator 20 electrically connected.

[0040] As described above, the connection between the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 includes both physical and electrical connections. Specifically, the first end of the stimulator conduit 11 of each of the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 extends into the receiving cavity 31 of the connector 30. This physical connection serves a fixing function, i.e., it secures the master neurostimulator 10 and the slave neurostimulator 20 to each other. Furthermore, 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; and the master neurostimulator 10 reads information from the slave neurostimulator 20.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implantation process of a neurostimulator device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, during the implantation of the neurostimulator device, a surgical opening is formed in the biological tissue (specifically, human tissue), and the master neurostimulator 10 and the subordinate neurostimulator 20 are implanted respectively. Fixing anchors are placed at the stimulator conduit 11 of the master neurostimulator 10 and the biological tissue inlet, respectively. The connecting ring 12 of the master neurostimulator 10 and the subordinate neurostimulator 20 is electrically connected to the conductive ring 32 of the connector 30. Finally, the surgical opening is sutured.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the invention, the neurostimulator device may further include a loop winder 40, with at least one stimulator conduit 11 of the main neurostimulator 10 and the subordinate neurostimulator 20 passing through the loop winder 40, thereby allowing the length of the main neurostimulator 10 and / or the subordinate neurostimulator 20 to be shortened for practical use.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implantation process of a neurostimulator device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, during the implantation of the neurostimulator device, a surgical opening is formed in the human tissue, and the main neurostimulator 10 and the subordinate neurostimulator 20 are implanted respectively. Fixing anchors are placed at the inlet of the human tissue and the stimulator catheter 11 of the main neurostimulator 10 and the subordinate neurostimulator 20 respectively. The excessively long stimulator catheter 11 is shortened by winding the wire 40 through a ring winder. The connecting ring 12 of the main neurostimulator 10 and the subordinate neurostimulator 20 is electrically connected to the conductive ring 32 of the connector 30. Finally, the surgical opening is sutured.

[0044] Combination Figures 3 to 5 In one embodiment of the invention, two receiving cavities 31 arranged parallel to each other are connected by an arc-shaped connecting cavity 33. However, the connector 30 according to an embodiment of the invention is not limited thereto.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connector 30 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram of the connector 30 in use according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, the connecting cavity 33 can be annular in shape. Furthermore, the connecting cavity 33 is provided with conductive rings 32, the number of which is equal to the total number of connecting rings 12 of the master nerve stimulator 10 and the slave nerve stimulator 20. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the conductive rings 32 is connected to the inner wall surface of the connecting cavity 33. For example, the conductive rings 32 include two conductive rings 32a, two conductive rings 32b, and two conductive rings 32c, and the conductive rings 32 are symmetrically arranged about the axis of symmetry of the two receiving cavities 31. Moreover, 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 Figure 7A As shown, when the stimulator catheter 11 is of appropriate length, the stimulator catheter 11 can extend from the two receiving 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 be wrapped around the connecting cavity 33 once.

[0047] Accordingly, during the implantation of the neurostimulator device, a surgical opening is formed, and the primary neurostimulator 10 and the secondary neurostimulator 20 are implanted respectively. Fixing anchors are placed at the stimulator conduits 11 of the primary neurostimulator 10 and the biological tissue inlet of the secondary neurostimulator 20, respectively. If the remaining length of the stimulator conduit 11 in the surgical opening is appropriate, then... Figure 7A The connecting ring 12 of the primary nerve stimulator 10 and the secondary nerve stimulator 20 is 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, then... Figure 7B The connecting ring 12 of the master nerve stimulator 10 and the slave nerve stimulator 20 is electrically connected to the conductive ring 32 of the connector 30 in the manner shown. Finally, the surgical opening is sutured.

[0048] The operation of the master nerve stimulator 10 and the slave nerve stimulator 20 is described in detail below.

[0049] The master neurostimulator 10 receives 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 connector 30. The master neurostimulator 10 parses the received control information into control information for itself and control information for the slave neurostimulator 20, and transmits the control information for the slave neurostimulator 20 to the slave neurostimulator 20 via connector 30. The master neurostimulator 10 uses the remaining portion of the received energy and, according to the control information for itself, drives the stimulation electrode ring 13 disposed on it. The slave neurostimulator 20 uses the energy received from the master neurostimulator 10 and, according to the control information for itself, drives the stimulation electrode ring 13 disposed on it.

[0050] In addition, the master neurostimulator 10 can receive the operating status of 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 assembly of the master neurostimulator 10 includes a radio frequency (RF) section 14 and a stimulation control section 15. The RF section 14 and the stimulation control section 15 of the master neurostimulator 10 are disposed between the first end and the second end of the stimulator conduit 11, and one end of each of the RF section 14 and the stimulation control section 15 is electrically connected to each connecting ring 12, the other end of the RF section 14 is electrically connected to the stimulation control section 15, and the other end of the stimulation control section 15 is electrically connected to each stimulation electrode ring 13. The communication power supply and control assembly of the slave neurostimulator 20 includes a stimulation control section 16. The stimulation control section 16 of the slave neurostimulator 20 is disposed between the first end and the second end of the stimulator conduit 11, and one end is electrically connected to each connecting ring 12, and the other end is electrically connected to each stimulation electrode ring 13.

[0052] Figure 8 This 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 radio frequency unit 14 of the main nerve stimulator 10 receives energy and control information from the external radio frequency transmitter 50 (S1).

[0053] The radio frequency 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] In addition, the radio frequency unit 14 of the main nerve stimulator 10 transmits the received control information to the stimulation control unit 15 of the main nerve stimulator 10 (S6).

[0055] Corresponding to step S6, the stimulation control unit 15 of the master neurostimulator 10 receives control information transmitted by the radio frequency unit 14 of the master neurostimulator 10. The stimulation control unit 15 of the master neurostimulator 10 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 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 main neural stimulator 10 receives DC power from the radio frequency unit 14 of the main neural stimulator 10. Based on control information for the main neural stimulator, the stimulation control unit 15 of the main neural stimulator 10 uses the DC power to generate an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings 13 (S10). Specifically, the control information includes waveform characteristic information such as the amplitude, phase, waveform shape, and frequency of the electrical stimulation waveform, as well as 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 provided in the main nerve stimulator 10 (S11), so that the corresponding stimulation electrode ring 13 provided in the main nerve stimulator 10 can perform electrical stimulation at the target site 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 DC power supplied by the radio frequency 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 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 subordinate neurostimulator 20 generates an electrical stimulation waveform for one or more stimulation electrode rings 13 using a DC power supply based on control information for the subordinate neurostimulator (S13). The stimulation control unit 16 of the subordinate neurostimulator 20 transmits the electrical stimulation waveform to the corresponding stimulation electrode rings 13 provided in the subordinate neurostimulator 20 (S14), so that the corresponding stimulation electrode rings 13 provided in the subordinate neurostimulator 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 subordinate neurostimulator 20 (S15).

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

[0061] The present invention also provides a control method for a neurostimulator device, wherein the control method for the neurostimulator device according to the embodiment can be performed by... Figure 3The neurostimulator device is used to perform this operation. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the invention, the control method of the neurostimulator device includes: the master neurostimulator 10 receiving energy and control information from an external radio frequency transmitter 50; the master neurostimulator 10 transmitting a portion of the received energy to a slave neurostimulator via a connector 30; the master neurostimulator 10 parsing the received control information into control information for the master neurostimulator 10 and control information for the slave neurostimulator 20, and transmitting the control information for the slave neurostimulator 20 to the slave neurostimulator 20 via the connector 30; the master neurostimulator 10 using another portion of the received energy and according to the control information for the master neurostimulator 10 to drive the stimulation electrode ring 13 disposed on the master neurostimulator 10; and the slave neurostimulator controller 20 using the energy received from the master neurostimulator 10 and according to the control information for the slave neurostimulator 10 to drive the stimulation electrode ring 13 disposed on the slave neurostimulator 20.

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

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

[0064] The control method of the neurostimulator device includes: receiving energy and control information from an external radio frequency transmitter 50 by the radio frequency unit 14 of the master neurostimulator 10; converting the received energy into DC power by the radio frequency unit 14 of the master neurostimulator 10, providing DC power to the stimulation control unit 15 of the master neurostimulator 10, and providing DC power to the stimulation control unit 16 of the slave neurostimulator 20 via a connector 30; transmitting the received control information to the stimulation control unit 15 of the master neurostimulator 10 by the radio frequency unit 14 of the master neurostimulator 10; performing radio frequency demodulation and decoding on the received control information by the stimulation control unit 15 of the master neurostimulator 10, parsing the received control information into control information for the master neurostimulator 10 and control information for the slave neurostimulator 20, and transmitting the control information for the slave neurostimulator 20 to the stimulation control unit 16 of the slave neurostimulator 20 via the connector 30; receiving the DC power provided by the radio frequency unit 14 of the master neurostimulator 10, and according to the control information for the slave neurostimulator 20... The master nerve stimulator 10 uses DC power to generate electrical stimulation waveforms for one or more stimulation electrode rings 13, so that the corresponding stimulation electrode rings 13 set on the master nerve stimulator 10 perform electrical stimulation at the target site of the biological tissue according to the electrical stimulation waveforms 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 DC power supplied by the stimulation control unit 15 of the master nerve stimulator 10 via connector 30, and receives control information for the slave nerve stimulator transmitted by the stimulation control unit 15 of the master nerve stimulator 10 via connector 30; the stimulation control unit 16 of the slave nerve stimulator 20 uses DC power to generate electrical stimulation waveforms for one or more stimulation electrode rings 13 according to the control information for the slave nerve stimulator 20, so that the corresponding stimulation electrode rings 13 set on the slave nerve stimulator 10 perform electrical stimulation at the target site of the biological tissue according to the electrical stimulation waveforms generated by the stimulation control unit 16 of the slave nerve stimulator 20.

[0065] The neurostimulator device and its control method according to embodiments of the present invention can perform two sets of bioelectric stimulation, and since only the main neurostimulator 10 and the external radio frequency transmitter 50 perform wireless power transmission and wireless communication, energy loss can be reduced and energy efficiency can be improved.

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

[0067] The description of the exemplary embodiments presented above is merely illustrative of the technical solutions of the present invention and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it intended to limit the invention to the precise forms described. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make many changes and variations based on the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain the specific principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand, implement, and utilize the various exemplary embodiments of the invention and their various alternatives and modifications. The scope of protection of the present invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A neurostimulator device comprising: The primary and secondary nerve stimulators are arranged in parallel with each other; as well as A connector configured to electrically connect a master neurostimulator to a slave neurostimulator, enabling the master neurostimulator to transmit energy and control information to the slave neurostimulator and to receive operational status information from the slave neurostimulator. Each of the master stimulator and the slave stimulator includes: Stimulator catheter; Multiple connecting loops are fitted onto the first end of the stimulator catheter, and the number of connecting loops for the master nerve stimulator is equal to the number of connecting loops for the slave nerve stimulator. Multiple stimulation electrode rings fitted onto the second end of the stimulator catheter; A communication power supply and control component is disposed between the first end and the second end of the stimulator catheter. The communication power supply and control component is electrically connected to multiple connecting rings and multiple stimulating electrode rings. The connector forms two receiving cavities arranged parallel to each other, and each receiving cavity is provided with a number of conductive rings equal to the number of connecting rings of the master nerve stimulator or the slave nerve stimulator. The two conductive rings located in different receiving cavities are electrically connected to each other. When the first end of the stimulator catheter of the master nerve stimulator and the slave nerve stimulator respectively extends into the two receiving 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 receiving cavity. Alternatively, the connector forms two receiving cavities arranged parallel to each other and the two receiving cavities are connected by an annular connecting cavity. The connecting cavity is provided with conductive rings equal to the total number of connecting rings of the master nerve stimulator and the slave nerve stimulator. The conductive rings are arranged symmetrically about the axis of symmetry of the two receiving cavities, and the two conductive rings arranged symmetrically are electrically connected to each other. When the first ends of the stimulator catheters of the master nerve stimulator and the slave nerve stimulator extend from the two receiving cavities of the connector into 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. The main neural stimulator is configured as follows: Receives energy and control information from an external radio frequency transmitter; A portion of the received energy is transmitted to the slave neurostimulator via a connector; 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 slave neurostimulator via the connector. The other portion of the received energy is used to drive the stimulation electrode ring set on the main nerve stimulator according to the control information used for the main nerve stimulator.

2. The neurostimulator device according to claim 1, wherein, The subordinate neurostimulator is configured as follows: The stimulation electrode ring located in the subordinate nerve stimulator is driven using energy received from the master nerve stimulator and according to control information for the subordinate nerve stimulator.

3. The neurostimulator device according to claim 2, wherein, The main neural stimulator is configured as follows: The system receives the slave neurostimulator's operating status information via the connector and transmits it, along with the master neurostimulator's operating status information, to the external radio frequency transmitter.

4. The neurostimulator device according to claim 3, wherein: The communication power supply and control components of the main nerve stimulator include a radio frequency (RF) section and a stimulation control section. The RF section and the stimulation control section of the main nerve stimulator are disposed between the first end and the second end of the stimulator catheter. One end of each of the RF section and the stimulation control section is electrically connected to each connecting ring, the other end of the RF section is electrically connected to the stimulation control section, and the other end of the stimulation control section is electrically connected to each stimulation electrode ring. The communication power supply and control assembly of the subordinate neurostimulator includes a stimulation control unit, which is disposed 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 section of the main neural stimulator is configured as follows: Receives energy and control information from an external radio frequency transmitter; The received energy is converted into DC power, which is used to supply DC power to the stimulation control unit of the master neurostimulator and to supply DC power to the stimulation control unit of the slave neurostimulator via a connector. The received control information is transmitted to the stimulation control unit of the main neural stimulator; The stimulation control unit of the main neural stimulator is configured as follows: Receives control information transmitted by the radio frequency unit of the main neural stimulator; The received control information is radio frequency demodulated and decoded to resolve it into control information for the master nerve stimulator and control information for the slave nerve stimulator. The control information for the slave nerve stimulator is then transmitted to the stimulation control unit of the slave nerve stimulator via a connector. Based on the control information for the main 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 set in the main nerve stimulator can 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 subordinate neurostimulator is configured as follows: The radio frequency unit of the main neural stimulator receives DC power via a connector; The stimulation control unit of the master nerve stimulator receives control information for the slave nerve stimulator transmitted via a connector. Based on the control information for the subordinate 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 set in the subordinate nerve stimulator can 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 subordinate nerve stimulator.

5. The neurostimulator device according to claim 1, further comprising: A stimulator conduit for at least one of a loop winder, a master nerve stimulator, and a slave nerve stimulator passes through the loop winder.

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