Neurostimulation Burst Waveforms With Anodic-Leading Progressive Pulses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neurostimulation systems primarily use cathodic-leading pulses, which may not be as effective as anodic-leading pulses in activating axons near the electrode, requiring higher current amplitudes or less efficient neuronal activation.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an implantable neurostimulation system with an anodic-leading pulse followed by progressively increasing cathodic pulses and anodic pulses, each cathodic pulse having a greater amplitude than the previous, to enhance neuronal activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cathodic-leading pulses are used, then axon activation near the electrode is achieved, but higher current amplitudes are required and neuronal activation efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxon activation effectivenessVSAvoidcurrent amplitude requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional pulse polarity sequence by using anodic-leading pulses instead of the traditional cathodic-leading pulses. This inversion allows for more efficient neuronal activation with lower current amplitudes, as the anodic phase precedes the cathodic phase, fundamentally changing the activation mechanism while reducing energy requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the polarity parameter of the leading pulse from cathodic to anodic, and implements progressive amplitude modulation where subsequent cathodic pulses increase in amplitude. This parameter change optimizes the balance between activation effectiveness and energy efficiency, allowing reliable axon activation with reduced overall current requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If cathodic-leading pulses are used, then standard neurostimulation protocol is maintained, but neuronal activation efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol standardizationVSAvoidneuronal activation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the pulse waveform parameters by switching from cathodic-leading to anodic-leading configuration and implementing progressive amplitude modulation. These parameter changes enhance neuronal activation efficiency while maintaining compatibility with existing neurostimulation systems and protocols, allowing standardized implementation with improved performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250345611A1Systems and methods for burst waveforms with anodic-leading pulses

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for generating burst waveforms. An implantable neurostimulation system includes an implantable stimulation lead including a plurality of contacts, and an implantable pulse generator communicatively coupled to the stimulation lead. The pulse generator is configured to generate a waveform including a burst that includes a leading anodic pulse followed by alternating cathodic pulses and anodic pulses, each cathodic pulse in the burst having a greater amplitude than the previous cathodic pulse.