Combined Tonic and Random DBS Stimulation for Parkinson's

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Solution Overview

Problem

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) systems face limitations in effectively treating Parkinson's Disease symptoms, particularly tremors, as random stimulation may not be as effective as tonic stimulation and does not provide sustained amelioration of all cardinal motor symptoms.

Innovation Solution

A DBS system that combines tonic and random stimulation using a stimulation lead with multiple contacts and an implantable pulse generator (IPG) to deliver tonic stimulation through one contact and random stimulation through a subset of the remaining contacts, allowing for the benefits of both therapies to be achieved simultaneously.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If random stimulation is used to treat Parkinson's Disease, then sustained amelioration of rigidity and bradykinesia is achieved, but tremors are not effectively treated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesymptom controlVSAvoidcoverage of motor symptoms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines tonic stimulation and random stimulation into a single DBS system that delivers both stimulation types through multiple contacts. Tonic stimulation is delivered through one contact while random stimulation is delivered through a subset of remaining contacts, merging the benefits of both approaches to treat multiple motor symptoms including tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If tonic stimulation is used to deliver high-frequency isochronal electrical pulses, then effective treatment of motor symptoms is achieved, but patient adaptation occurs over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesymptom ameliorationVSAvoidduration of therapeutic effect

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic elements to the stimulation by incorporating random stimulation sequences that vary in timing and contact activation. This dynamic approach prevents patient adaptation to the static tonic stimulation pattern, extending the duration of therapeutic effect while maintaining effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of stationary object

If multiple contacts are used to deliver random stimulation, then sustained symptom improvement is achieved, but battery power is consumed faster

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesustained symptom improvementVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by delivering tonic stimulation through one contact and random stimulation through a subset of remaining contacts rather than all contacts. This selective activation pattern provides sustained symptom improvement while conserving battery power by not simultaneously activating all available contacts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10188865B2Systems and methods of combined tonic DBS and random DBS

Publication Date: 2019.01.29 PACESETTER INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for combining tonic deep brain stimulation (DBS) and random DBS. A system includes a stimulation lead including a plurality of contacts, and an implantable pulse generator (IPG) communicatively coupled to the stimulation lead and configured to cause tonic stimulation to be delivered using one contact of the plurality of contacts, and cause random stimulation to be delivered using a subset of the remaining contacts of the plurality of contacts.