Adaptive Neurostimulation Titration via Patient Response Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for titrating vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapies in patients with chronic cardiac dysfunction are inefficient, requiring prolonged periods and frequent physician visits, which can delay the achievement of full therapeutic intensity, especially in conditions like chronic heart failure where time is critical.
Innovation Solution
A personalized titration process that adjusts one or more parameters such as acclimation interval, pulse amplitude, frequency, pulse width, and stimulation duty cycle based on the patient's response to stimulation, allowing for a tailored approach to each patient and reducing the overall titration duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional titration process is used with fixed intervals and manual adjustments, then patient safety and comfort are maintained, but the titration duration is extended and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed titration intervals to adaptive intervals that automatically adjust based on real-time patient responses. The system monitors physiological parameters and modifies the titration schedule dynamically, allowing faster progression when patients tolerate increases well and slower progression when tolerance limits are approached, thus maintaining safety while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where patient responses to stimulation intensity changes are continuously monitored and fed back into the titration algorithm. This closed-loop system uses observed effects (or lack thereof) to automatically adjust subsequent titration steps, enabling the system to learn from each patient's unique tolerance profile and optimize the titration trajectory without requiring manual intervention
2Measurement precision
If titration sessions are conducted frequently under physician control, then therapeutic intensity is achieved accurately, but the time required for titration is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the titration process to be autonomously executed by the neurostimulation system itself without requiring continuous physician presence. The system independently monitors patient responses, evaluates tolerance thresholds, and executes titration decisions automatically, thereby maintaining precise control over therapeutic intensity while eliminating the time loss associated with frequent clinic visits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing titration protocols and safety boundaries before the process begins. The system is pre-programmed with adaptive algorithms and tolerance thresholds that enable it to execute the titration sequence autonomously, reducing the need for real-time physician intervention while ensuring accurate achievement of therapeutic intensity
3Ease of manufacture
If a standardized titration protocol is used for all patients, then the process is simple to implement, but it fails to account for individual patient variation in tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by automatically adjusting multiple titration parameters including interval duration, intensity increment size, and session frequency based on real-time monitoring of patient responses. The system modifies these parameters dynamically to match each patient's unique tolerance characteristics, transforming a standardized protocol into a personalized adaptation that maintains process simplicity while achieving high adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients. A titration process is used to gradually increase the stimulation intensity to a desired therapeutic level. Between titration sessions one or more parameters, such as, for example, an acclimation interval, may be adjusted based on the patient's response to the stimulation. This personalized titration process can minimize the amount of time required to complete titration so as to begin delivery of the stimulation at therapeutically desirable levels.