Implantable Stimulation Waveforms to Limit Neural Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable devices for treating pain and other conditions are limited by their large size, high cost, and the need for invasive implantation procedures, as well as inefficiencies in power management, which restricts their application in various medical treatments.
Innovation Solution
An implantable system with a first implantable device configured to deliver stimulation energy to tissue, featuring an implantable controller that provides a stimulation waveform with randomly varied parameters, and an energy storage assembly capable of providing continuous and intermittent stimulation energy for extended periods without external power, minimizing undesired effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional implantable devices use large batteries and long conduits to deliver stimulation energy, then the device can provide sufficient power for treatment, but the device size increases and requires more invasive implantation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a rechargeable battery module, a stimulation generator, and implantable leads. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall device volume while maintaining power delivery capability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs advanced power management techniques including pulse width modulation (PWM) and variable frequency stimulation waveforms. These parameter changes allow the same power budget to deliver more effective stimulation with smaller battery capacity, resolving the contradiction between power delivery and device size.
2Device complexity
If traditional implantable devices use fixed stimulation parameters, then the device structure is simple, but the treatment effectiveness decreases due to neural adaptation and accommodation
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from static to dynamic stimulation parameters through real-time adjustment of amplitude, frequency, and pulse width based on feedback signals. This dynamic adaptation prevents neural accommodation and maintains treatment effectiveness without requiring overly complex control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the device monitors neural responses and adjusts stimulation parameters accordingly. This feedback loop maintains optimal treatment effectiveness while using algorithmic control rather than complex hardware, balancing reliability with acceptable complexity.
3Reliability
If implantable devices require periodic battery replacement through additional surgery, then the device can maintain reliable power supply, but the patient undergoes repeated invasive procedures and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with a rechargeable battery system that can be recharged through external devices or implantable charging mechanisms. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for periodic battery replacement surgery, maintaining power supply reliability while significantly improving ease of maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery replacement process with an electrical recharging system. Instead of physically replacing batteries through surgery, the system uses electrical energy transfer via wireless or wired charging interfaces, eliminating invasive maintenance procedures.
4Reliability
If the device delivers continuous high-energy stimulation to treat pain effectively, then the therapeutic benefit increases, but paresthesia and undesired effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses periodic pulsed stimulation rather than continuous stimulation. By delivering energy in controlled pulses with appropriate duty cycles, the system achieves effective pain relief while allowing tissue recovery between pulses, significantly reducing paresthesia and tissue damage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs advanced waveform techniques including burst patterns, high-frequency carrier waves modulated at low frequencies, and adaptive amplitude adjustment. These parameter changes enable effective stimulation that avoids neural accommodation and reduces paresthesia while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively treats a range of conditions, including pain and heart disease, with reduced invasiveness and improved power efficiency, allowing for prolonged operation and minimizing paresthesia through adaptive stimulation techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a first implantable device (200) comprising at least one implantable functional element configured to deliver stimulation energy to tissue of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A medical apparatus for a patient comprises an implantable system. The implantable system comprises a first implantable device comprising: at least one implantable functional element configured to deliver stimulation energy to tissue of the patient; and an implantable controller configured to provide a stimulation waveform to the at least one implantable functional element, the stimulation waveform comprising one or more stimulation parameters. The apparatus is configured to randomly vary at least one of the one or more stimulation parameters. Methods of providing stimulation energy with randomly varying stimulation parameters are also provided.