Adaptive Neurostimulation Control Using Patient State Sensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantable medical devices for pain therapy struggle to adjust stimulation parameters effectively based on individual patient physiology and environmental factors, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes.

Innovation Solution

The system utilizes data from patient physiological and environmental sensors to adjust neurostimulation settings, including pulse width, frequency, and electrode selection, using machine learning algorithms to optimize therapy delivery based on real-time patient data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the medical device uses fixed stimulation parameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to individual patient physiology and environmental factors deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to patient physiology and environmentVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of stimulation parameters based on real-time sensor data about patient posture, activity level, and environmental conditions. The system transitions from fixed parameters to dynamically adaptive parameters that automatically adjust according to changing patient states and environmental factors, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity through automated dynamic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where sensor data about patient physiology and environment is continuously monitored and fed back to the control system. This feedback loop enables the device to automatically adjust stimulation parameters based on actual patient conditions, improving adaptability while managing complexity through closed-loop control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the medical device collects and processes real-time patient data, then the therapy optimization is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy optimization effectivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic sampling of sensor data rather than continuous monitoring, processing information at specific intervals based on activity levels and patient state. This periodic action reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective therapy optimization, as the system only actively processes data when needed based on predefined triggers and thresholds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts processing parameters such as sampling frequency and data analysis depth based on patient activity levels and environmental conditions. During low-activity periods, the system reduces processing intensity to conserve energy, while increasing processing during high-activity periods when optimization is most needed, thus balancing productivity and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the medical device adjusts stimulation parameters frequently, then the pain relief effectiveness is improved, but the battery recharge frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain relief effectivenessVSAvoidbattery operation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment that adapts stimulation characteristics to match patient activity levels and pain patterns. By synchronizing stimulation changes with natural patient rhythms and activity cycles, the system maintains effective pain relief while reducing unnecessary frequent adjustments that would drain the battery, thus extending operation duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses predictive algorithms that anticipate patient needs based on historical data and patterns, adjusting stimulation parameters proactively before pain episodes occur. This preliminary action reduces the frequency of reactive adjustments and extends battery life by planning stimulation changes in advance rather than responding continuously to every fluctuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12551704B2Environment-responsive neurostimulation pain therapy optimization

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

Processing circuitry of a system configured to determine a patient state based on sensed signals including posture and activity information and control delivery of electrical stimulation therapy to the patient via electrodes implanted proximal to target tissue of the patient. The sensed signals also include impedance measurement, and other bioelectrical signals, where sensing is interleaved with the electrical stimulation therapy. Responsive to determining the patient state, select an action, wherein the selected action comprises one or more of: store collected information, upload the collected information to an external computing device, and output an electronic signal comprising an alert.