Adaptive Implantable Electrical Stimulation System with Biosignal Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable electrical stimulation systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust stimulation parameters based on real-time feedback from sensors, limiting their effectiveness in providing targeted therapy.
Innovation Solution
An implantable electrical stimulation system that includes a control module with a processor and antenna, an external programming unit, sensors, and a biosignal processor. This system uses feedback from sensors to adjust stimulation parameters, allowing for real-time steering of electrical stimulation to different tissue regions or in response to specific patient activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If implantable electrical stimulation systems use fixed stimulation parameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different patient activities and tissue regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors detect patient activity levels and provide this information to the pulse generator, which then automatically adjusts stimulation parameters. This closed-loop system enables the device to adapt to different patient activities without requiring complex manual programming or multiple fixed-parameter devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation parameters are made dynamic rather than static, allowing the system to continuously adjust pulse amplitude, width, or frequency based on real-time sensor feedback about patient activity. This transforms the device from a fixed-parameter system to an adaptive system that responds to changing physiological conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If implantable electrical stimulation systems include sensors and feedback mechanisms, then the adaptability to different tissue regions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single implantable system: the sensors serve both as detection devices for patient activity and as guides for stimulation parameter adjustment, while the pulse generator functions both as a stimulation source and as a control unit that processes sensor data and adjusts parameters accordingly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sensing function and stimulation function into an integrated system where the sensor data directly controls the stimulation parameters. The feedback loop merges the detection of tissue response with the delivery of stimulation, allowing the system to adapt to different tissue regions automatically based on real-time physiological feedback.
3Reliability
If stimulation parameters are adjusted in real-time based on biosignals, then the therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic adjustment of stimulation parameters based on cyclical patient activities and physiological rhythms detected by sensors. Rather than continuous high-level stimulation, the system delivers stimulation in periodic bursts synchronized with patient activity cycles, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness during active periods.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical stimulation system includes a control module that provides electrical stimulation signals to an electrical stimulation lead coupled to the control module for stimulation of patient tissue. The system also includes a sensor to be disposed on or within the body of the patient and to measure a biosignal; and a processor to communicate with the sensor to receive the biosignal and to generate an adjustment to one or more of the stimulation parameters based on the biosignal. The adjustment can be configured and arranged to steer the electrical stimulation signals to stimulate a region of the patient tissue that is different, at least in part, from a region of the patient tissue stimulated prior to the adjustment. Alternatively or additionally, the biosignal is indicative of a particular patient activity and the adjustment is a pre-determined adjustment selected for the particular patient activity.