Charge-Based Stimulation Intensity Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of programming electrical stimulation therapy for medical devices is time-consuming and inefficient, often requiring trial-and-error to find optimal combinations of pulse amplitude and width, which can lead to inadequate therapy due to progression of symptoms or side effects, especially in deep brain stimulation where efficacy and side effects may not be apparent until an extended period.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to adjust stimulation intensity based on electrical charge, using a processor to modify pulse amplitude and width according to a predetermined function, facilitating faster identification of desirable combinations and improving power efficiency and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clinician uses traditional trial-and-error method to adjust pulse amplitude and width separately, then the stimulation parameters can be programmed, but the programming process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pulse amplitude and pulse width adjustments into a single charge-based control mechanism. By merging these two parameters into one unified control variable (charge = amplitude × width), the system eliminates the need for separate trial-and-error adjustments of each parameter, thereby reducing programming time and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new parameter (electrical charge) that combines the effects of amplitude and width. This parameter change allows clinicians to control stimulation intensity through a single variable rather than manipulating two separate parameters, fundamentally changing the programming approach from sequential adjustment to direct charge-based control.
2Productivity
If a clinician tests multiple electrode configurations with fixed pulse widths, then different configurations can be evaluated, but the process requires repeating time-consuming amplitude adjustment for each configuration
Solution Approach 1:
By merging amplitude and width control into charge-based adjustment, the system allows simultaneous optimization across multiple electrode configurations. Clinicians can evaluate different configurations and adjust charge levels without repeating the full amplitude adjustment process for each configuration, significantly reducing testing time.
3Use of energy by moving object
If traditional amplitude-only adjustment is used to change stimulation intensity, then the programming is simple, but the power efficiency and comfort may be suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from amplitude-only to charge-based control. This allows the system to optimize power efficiency by selecting appropriate pulse widths for different amplitude levels, rather than simply increasing amplitude which consumes more power. The charge-based approach enables more efficient energy utilization while maintaining a relatively simple control interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for programming electrical stimulation therapy intensity based on electrical charge are described. In some examples, a display presents a stimulation intensity value in units of electrical charge, e.g., Coulombs. In such examples, a user may adjust the displayed charge value, rather than pulse amplitude or pulse width, to adjust the intensity of the electrical stimulation therapy. In some examples, a processor determines modifications to pulse amplitude and pulse width based on the modification to the charge value. In some examples, a processor modifies a pulse amplitude and width to achieve a desired charge, while maintaining a relationship between pulse amplitude and width specified by a predetermined function. In some examples, the function may be programmed, e.g., selected or adjusted, by a user.