C Tactile Fiber Stimulation via Sequential Electrode Waveforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neurostimulation systems face challenges in effectively managing neuropathic pain, particularly in activating C tactile fibers to provide pleasant touch sensations without exciting nociceptive C fibers, which are responsible for pain transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for delivering C tactile fiber stimulation using a series of pulses with specific pulse amplitudes and frequencies, managed by a processor to avoid exciting nociceptive C fibers, and delivered through an array of electrodes implanted near nervous tissue, with a firing delay to target C tactile fibers effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional neurostimulation systems apply continuous electrical pulses to nerve fibers, then pain signals are blocked, but nociceptive C fibers are excited causing unwanted pain sensations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by delivering tactile stimulation waveforms in a sequential manner across multiple electrode combinations with controlled timing intervals. Each electrode combination receives pulses at specific frequencies (e.g., 40-100 Hz) with inter-stimulus intervals designed to excite C tactile fibers without activating nociceptive C fibers, thereby achieving pain signal blocking while avoiding harmful excitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by carefully controlling pulse amplitude, pulse frequency, and inter-stimulus intervals of the electrical pulses delivered to different electrode combinations. By adjusting these parameters within specific ranges and managing their temporal evolution, the system selectively activates C tactile fibers while preventing nociceptive C fiber excitation, resolving the contradiction between effective pain blocking and avoidance of harmful effects
2Reliability
If electrical pulses are delivered to activate C tactile fibers for pleasant touch sensations, then anti-nociceptive pathways are activated, but there is risk of activating nociceptive C fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering different stimulation parameters to different electrode combinations positioned at specific locations along the spinal cord. Each electrode combination is programmed with tailored pulse amplitudes, frequencies, and timing characteristics that optimize activation of C tactile fibers at that specific location while preventing nociceptive C fiber activation, allowing localized control of the therapeutic effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by sequentially activating electrode combinations in a predetermined sequence before delivering pulses to the next combination. This timing management ensures that each electrode combination has sufficient inter-stimulus interval to allow C tactile fiber activation without summation that could lead to nociceptive C fiber activation, pre-establishing safe stimulation conditions before proceeding to the next electrode
3Reliability
If traditional tonic stimulation is used to evoke paresthesia, then painful areas are covered, but the therapy requires continuous paresthesia which may not be comfortable for all patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous tonic stimulation with periodic tactile stimulation waveforms delivered sequentially to multiple electrode combinations. This creates a temporal pattern of stimulation that provides pain coverage through C tactile fiber activation without requiring continuous paresthesia, allowing periods of rest between stimulations that improve patient comfort while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the stimulation pattern adaptable and variable rather than static and continuous. The system can dynamically adjust which electrode combinations are active, at what frequencies, and with what amplitudes based on patient needs and responses. This dynamic approach allows the therapy to maintain effective pain coverage while adapting to patient comfort requirements, eliminating the need for constant paresthesia
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
The system successfully excites C tactile fibers, providing pleasant touch sensations and potentially reducing pain by activating anti-nociceptive pathways without inducing paresthesia, thereby offering an effective treatment for chronic neuropathic pain.
Implementation Method 1
delivering a first tactile stimulation waveform to a first electrode combination within an array of electrodes located proximate to nervous tissue of interest
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided to deliver C tactile fiber stimulation to nervous tissue of a patient. The method comprises delivering a first tactile stimulation waveform to a first electrode combination within an array of electrodes located proximate to nervous tissue of interest. The method further provides sequentially delivering successive tactile stimulation waveforms to successive electrode combinations within the array of electrodes. The first and successive tactile stimulation waveforms include at least one series of pulses having a pulse amplitude and pulse frequency. Delaying delivery of the successive tactile stimulation waveforms by a firing delay, the pulse amplitude, pulse frequency and firing delay represent therapy parameters. The method manages at least one of the therapy parameters of the first and successive tactile stimulation waveforms to excite C tactile fibers of the nervous tissue of interest.