Clinician Programmer Graphical Lead Connection Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic programmers for implanted medical devices, such as neurostimulators, lack visualization capabilities for the connections between leads and implantable pulse generators or lead connector blocks, making it difficult for healthcare professionals to accurately assess and correct connection issues during implantation.
Innovation Solution
A clinician programmer with a touch-sensitive display and processor that provides graphical representations of leads, implantable pulse generators, and lead connector blocks, allowing users to visualize connections and monitor actual connections through impedance checks, thereby facilitating accurate connection establishment and quality assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing electronic programmers are used without graphical representation capabilities, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to visualize connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates graphical representations (visual copies) of the lead connector block, IPG, and their connections on the programmer display. These graphical copies allow users to visualize the physical connections without adding complex hardware visualization components, thus improving ease of operation while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical user interface acts as an intermediary between the user and the physical device connections. It mediates the information about connections by displaying visual representations and connection status, making the operation easier without requiring direct physical inspection or complex diagnostic tools
2Reliability
If graphical representations and connection monitoring are added to the programmer, then the reliability of connection assessment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the actual connection status between lead and IPG/connector block and displaying this information graphically. The impedance measurements provide feedback about connection quality, allowing users to assess reliability without adding complex external testing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical inspection methods with electrical impedance measurements and graphical display. Instead of manually checking connections physically, the system uses electrical properties (impedance) to detect and display connection status, improving reliability while keeping the added complexity minimal through software-based solutions
3Measurement precision
If visual feedback and connection quality information are provided, then the measurement precision of connection status is improved, but the loss of information is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a visual dimension to connection assessment by displaying graphical representations and connection status on the programmer screen. This transforms one-dimensional electrical measurements into two-dimensional visual information, improving measurement precision and preventing information loss through multiple representation modes
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure involves a method of providing graphical representations of medical devices and connections between the medical devices. A graphical representation of a lead is displayed. The lead is configured to deliver electrical stimulation to a patient via one or more of a plurality of electrode contacts. A graphical representation of one of: an implantable pulse generator (IPG) or a lead connector block is displayed. The IPG and the lead connector block are each configured for coupling with the lead. In response to a user input, a graphical representation of a connection is generated. The connection is between the lead and one of: the IPG or the lead connector block. An actual connection between the lead and one of: the IPG or the lead connector block is monitored. A status of the actual connection between the lead and one of: the IPG or the connector block is then reported.