Cochlear Implant ECAP Recording System Using Prior Growth Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining threshold levels in cochlear implants require numerous measurements and are time-consuming, especially in noisy environments, and do not effectively leverage pre-existing patient data for follow-up appointments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize sparsely sampled stimulation levels and previously stored waveform data from prior recordings to determine the statistical validity of neural responses, allowing for faster and more efficient acquisition of Evoked Compound Action Potential (ECAP) recordings by comparing neural responses at subsequent sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ECAP measurement methods are used to determine threshold levels, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but measurement time and clinical resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary ECAP measurements during the initial fitting session to establish baseline growth functions. These pre-acquired data are stored and reused during follow-up appointments, eliminating the need to repeat extensive measurements and allowing rapid threshold determination through comparison with baseline data
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the patient's ECAP growth function from previous sessions and uses this copied data as a reference during follow-up appointments. By comparing current sparse measurements against the stored growth function copy, the system maintains measurement accuracy while significantly reducing the number of measurements required
2Productivity
If sparse sampling of stimulation levels is used to reduce measurement time, then measurement speed increases, but measurement reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where sparse current measurements are continuously compared against the stored growth function from previous sessions. This feedback loop allows the system to validate whether the sparse measurements are consistent with expected neural responses, maintaining reliability by identifying and flagging measurements that deviate from the established pattern
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from validating measurements in the time domain (requiring multiple measurements at each level) to validating in the growth function domain (comparing across different stimulation levels). By analyzing the pattern of responses across multiple levels against the stored growth function, the system can reliably validate sparse measurements without requiring repeated measurements at single levels
3Measurement precision
If extensive re-measurement is performed at follow-up appointments, then data accuracy is maintained, but clinical time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the labor-intensive growth function characterization during the initial fitting session when the patient is already present and extensively tested. This preliminary action creates a reusable reference that eliminates the need for repeated extensive measurements during follow-up appointments, significantly improving clinical efficiency while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and reuses the ECAP growth function data acquired during the initial fitting session. Instead of discarding this valuable baseline information, the system stores it and leverages it during follow-up appointments to rapidly determine threshold changes, transforming a one-time measurement investment into ongoing clinical efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a system for acquiring ECAP recordings at a later session for a cochlear implant patient is disclosed. The system includes a receiving unit configured to receive, corresponding to an electrode, a stored prior individual value from a plurality of stored prior individual values of ECAP/an ECAP prior growth function, the plurality of stored prior individual values or the ECAP prior growth function being obtained at a previous session. Furthermore, a processing unit configured to process the received prior individual value/ECAP growth function to determine a stimulus signal value corresponding to the received individual value/a selected point on the ECAP prior growth function, instruct a signal delivery unit to provide to the electrode a first stimulus signal comprising a first level that is same or above said stimulus signal value, and determine a resulting ECAP generated in response to said first stimulus signal.