Closed-Loop DBS System Using Wearable Motion Sensor

Solution Overview

Problem

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) systems currently operate as open-loop control systems, which may not provide optimal therapy as patient conditions change over time, leading to inadequate or excessive stimulation, and patients face challenges in adjusting therapy settings, especially when tremors are severe or when external controllers are not readily accessible.

Innovation Solution

A closed-loop control system is implemented using a wearable motion sensor, such as a ring with an accelerometer, that monitors tremor movements and communicates feedback to the implantable pulse generator (IPG) to adjust stimulation parameters like current amplitude, frequency, and electrode usage, allowing for automatic therapy adjustments based on real-time patient response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If open-loop control is used in DBS systems, then device complexity is reduced, but therapy optimization is insufficient as patient conditions change over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy optimizationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop control system where a motion sensor detects patient movement and tremor, and the detected motion information is fed back to the IPG to automatically adjust stimulation parameters. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing patient conditions and optimize therapy effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automatic therapy adjustment through the IPG's internal processing of motion sensor data, eliminating the need for external controllers or manual patient intervention. The IPG autonomously modifies stimulation parameters based on real-time motion detection, providing self-service therapy optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of therapy settings is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates when tremors are severe or external controllers are not accessible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy adjustment accessibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic therapy adjustment through the IPG's internal processing of motion sensor data, eliminating the need for external controllers or manual patient intervention. The IPG autonomously modifies stimulation parameters based on real-time motion detection, providing self-service therapy optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The motion sensor acts as an intermediary device that objectively measures patient movement and tremor, translating physical motion into control signals for the IPG. This intermediary mechanism bypasses the need for manual patient input, which may be difficult when tremors are severe, and enables automatic therapy adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If continuous monitoring and automatic adjustment is implemented, then therapy optimization is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous therapy adjustmentVSAvoidIPG power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The motion sensor and closed-loop control operate periodically rather than continuously, with the sensor taking measurements at intervals and the IPG adjusting parameters based on these periodic updates. This periodic operation reduces power consumption compared to continuous monitoring while still providing effective real-time therapy optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automatic therapy adjustment through the IPG's internal processing of motion sensor data, eliminating the need for external controllers or manual patient intervention. The IPG autonomously modifies stimulation parameters based on real-time motion detection, providing self-service therapy optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system optimizes stimulation parameters to effectively manage tremors, conserves power, reduces adverse effects, and allows for continuous therapy adjustment without relying on external controllers, ensuring optimal treatment as patient conditions change.

Implementation Method 1

A closed-loop control system is implemented using a wearable motion sensor, such as a ring with an accelerometer, that monitors tremor movements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS9364672B2System for deep brain stimulation employing a sensor for monitoring patient movement and providing closed loop control

Publication Date: 2016.06.14 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

AI summary

A closed loop system is disclosed for monitoring patient movements, such as tremors, and for automatically controlling an implantable stimulator device on the basis of the detected movements. The system includes a motion sensor such as a wearable item that contains an accelerometer to monitor a patient's movements, such as a ring locatable proximate to a patient's hand tremor. The motion sensor periodically transmits a feedback signal to the implantable stimulator device instructing it to change the stimulation parameters, such as current amplitude, in an attempt to reduce the tremor. The motion sensor can additionally communicate with other system components such as an external controller. In a preferred embodiment, the motion sensor and the implantable stimulator device communicate using short range electromagnetic radio waves.