Brainwave Therapy Control via EEG Biosignal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices require external programmers for therapy adjustments, which can be impractical in various situations, such as during daily activities or for patients with mobility issues, leading to limitations in controlling therapy delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows patients to control therapy delivery using volitional inputs detected via biosignals, such as EEG signals, eliminating the need for external programmers by integrating a biosignal detection module that monitors brain activity to adjust therapy parameters like amplitude, pulse rate, or program switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external programmers are used for therapy adjustments, then therapy control is achieved, but patient convenience and accessibility deteriorate due to the need for external devices during daily activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the external programmer functionality with the implantable medical device itself, integrating the control interface directly into the implantable device. This allows patients to adjust therapy parameters using the implanted device's own interface, eliminating the need for separate external programmers and improving ease of operation during daily activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a telemetry interface as an intermediary that enables wireless communication between the implantable device and external devices. This intermediary layer allows therapy adjustments to be made remotely without requiring direct physical connection or complex external programming equipment, thereby improving patient convenience while maintaining control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external programmers are required for therapy adjustments, then therapy parameters can be controlled, but patient accessibility deteriorates for those with mobility impairments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the implantable device to perform self-adjustment of therapy parameters based on physiological signals detected by the device itself. The device automatically monitors patient condition and modifies therapy settings without requiring manual intervention from the patient or clinician, making it highly accessible for patients with mobility impairments who cannot easily manipulate external programmers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements closed-loop feedback systems where the implantable device continuously monitors physiological parameters and automatically adjusts therapy based on real-time feedback. This feedback mechanism allows the device to adapt therapy to patient needs without requiring physical interaction, greatly improving accessibility for patients with mobility challenges.
3Productivity
If manual therapy adjustments are made using external programmers, then therapy efficacy can be optimized, but time loss occurs during programming sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring and automatic adjustment of therapy parameters based on real-time physiological feedback. Instead of periodic programming sessions, the device continuously optimizes therapy efficacy by adapting to changing patient conditions, eliminating downtime between programming sessions and maintaining constant therapeutic benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-programs the device with algorithms and criteria for automatic therapy adjustment based on detected physiological signals. The device is prepared in advance with the intelligence to autonomously optimize therapy parameters, eliminating the need for repeated clinician programming sessions and reducing time loss while maintaining therapy optimization.
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
Enables patients to adjust therapy seamlessly without external devices, enhancing convenience and safety by allowing therapy control during daily activities, including situations where external programmers are impractical, and improving accessibility for patients with mobility impairments.
Implementation Method 1
The biosignals are generated in response to a volitional patient input and are not generated because of a symptom of the patient's condition
Data Source
AI summary
A patient controls the delivery of therapy through volitional inputs that are detected by a biosignal within the brain. The volitional patient input may be directed towards performing a specific physical or mental activity, such as moving a muscle or performing a mathematical calculation. In one embodiment, a biosignal detection module monitors an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal from within the brain of the patient and determines whether the EEG signal includes the biosignal. In one embodiment, the biosignal detection module analyzes one or more frequency components of the EEG signal. In this manner, the patient may adjust therapy delivery by providing a volitional input that is detected by brain signals, wherein the volitional input may not require the interaction with another device, thereby eliminating the need for an external programmer to adjust therapy delivery. Example therapies include electrical stimulation, drug delivery, and delivery of sensory cues.