Baroreflex Electrode Array with Dynamic Stimulation Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current baroreflex treatment devices face challenges in efficiently implanting and adjusting electrode arrays during surgery due to the need for precise positioning and repositioning, which increases procedure time and risk of complications, and also face power usage issues as patients reduce medication reliance.
Innovation Solution
A baroreflex activation device with an array of independently switchable electrodes and a control system that automatically maps patient responses to stimulation patterns, allowing for optimal configuration and reconfiguration without repositioning the electrode array, and adjusts stimulation patterns post-implantation to maintain effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrode array is repositioned during surgery to optimize positioning, then the therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the procedure time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the electrode activation pattern adjustable and reconfigurable without physical repositioning. The control system allows switching between different activation patterns (e.g., unipolar, bipolar, tripolar) and modifying stimulation parameters dynamically during or after implantation, thereby optimizing therapeutic effectiveness while maintaining the electrode array's physical position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the electrical activation characteristics of the electrode array. Different electrode patterns can be activated (e.g., changing which electrodes serve as anodes and cathodes), and stimulation parameters such as pulse width, frequency, and amplitude can be adjusted to optimize the baroreflex response without moving the physical electrode array.
2Reliability
If multiple electrode patterns are tested during mapping, then the optimal stimulation pattern is identified, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming multiple electrode activation patterns into the control system before the surgical procedure. The device includes a library of predetermined patterns that can be selected and tested during mapping, eliminating the need to manually configure complex stimulation scenarios during surgery and reducing procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes feedback by incorporating a mapping mode that systematically tests different electrode patterns and measures the patient's baroreflex response. The control system analyzes the response data and provides feedback to identify the optimal activation pattern, automating the optimization process and reducing the complexity of manual testing.
3Loss of time
If the electrode array remains fixed during surgery, then the procedure time is reduced, but the ability to optimize positioning is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by separating the physical positioning from the functional optimization. The electrode array maintains a fixed physical position during implantation, but the control system dynamically adjusts the activation patterns and stimulation parameters to optimize the therapeutic effect, thereby achieving functional precision without sacrificing procedural efficiency.
4Reliability
If stimulation intensity is increased to maintain effectiveness as patients reduce medication reliance, then the therapeutic effect is improved, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the electrical parameters of stimulation (pulse width, frequency, amplitude) to achieve maximum baroreflex response at the lowest possible energy cost. The control system can adjust these parameters individually for different electrode patterns, allowing the device to maintain therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing power consumption, thereby extending battery life.
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
This approach reduces the time and complexity of surgical procedures, minimizes the risk of complications, and conserves battery life by optimizing electrode activation patterns and power usage, ensuring sustained therapeutic effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A baroreflex activation device may be used to provide a baroreflex treatment that modulates a blood pressure of a patient by delivering electrical stimulation to a vessel wall
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue stimulation device includes an electrode array having at least four independently switchable electrodes. In one embodiment, the electrode array comprises a flexible base to which the electrodes are fixed that flexes to encompass at least a portion of an artery or other elongate biological structure. The electrodes are electrically coupled to and energized by a signal generator coupled to a control system. In one embodiment, the array of electrodes are configured such that a suitable signal pattern for stimulation pulses between or among a set of the switchable electrodes may be determined without having to reposition the electrode assembly by using a series of signal patterns activating different combinations of switchable electrodes in response to sub-stimulation test signals to determine a signal pattern that provides suitable patient response. In another embodiment, the array of electrodes includes an array of selectively activatable multi-polar electrodes.