Cuff Lead Programming Visualization for Precise Nerve Tract Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable electrical stimulation systems lack effective methods for programming and visualizing nerve stimulation using cuff devices, which are crucial for precise targeting of nerve tracts, fibers, and modulation targets to achieve therapeutic effects.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for stimulating or sensing nerves using a cuff lead with multiple electrodes, incorporating a programming device with a display and processor to visualize nerve tracts, fibers, and modulation targets, allowing for selective electrode activation and amplitude control, and displaying estimated stimulation fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If implantable electrical stimulation systems use traditional programming methods without visualization, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of nerve tract targeting and stimulation effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual representation (copy) of the nerve, electrodes, and stimulation fields that mirrors the physical anatomy and device configuration. This graphical copy allows clinicians to plan and visualize stimulation without adding physical complexity to the implant itself, resolving the contradiction between precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a programming system with graphical display as an intermediary between the clinician and the implantable device. This intermediary layer provides visualization and planning capabilities without requiring modifications to the implanted medical device, thus improving precision while maintaining device simplicity.
2Reliability
If traditional stimulation programming without electrode-tract relationship visualization is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the therapeutic effectiveness and ability to activate specific nerve bundles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded visual representations to indicate different nerve bundles, their activation status, and relationship to electrodes. This visual encoding system allows clinicians to quickly identify and program appropriate electrode-tract relationships without complex manual procedures, improving both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the programming process by displaying spatial relationships between electrodes and nerve tracts in a graphical interface. This dimensional addition provides intuitive spatial awareness and improves therapeutic reliability without significantly complicating the operational workflow.
3Adaptability or versatility
If no visualization of stimulation fields and electrode activations is provided, then the device complexity is minimized, but the ability to optimize stimulation parameters and minimize side effects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables clinicians to perform preliminary visualization and planning of stimulation fields and electrode activations before actual therapy delivery. This pre-programming capability allows optimization of stimulation parameters and prediction of therapeutic effects, improving adaptability while confining complexity to the programming phase rather than the implant itself.
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
Enables precise and effective nerve stimulation by providing real-time visualization and programming of electrode activations, enhancing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing side effects.
Implementation Method 1
The pulse generator in the control module generates electrical pulses that are delivered by the electrodes to body tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A method or actions performed by a processor of a system includes displaying a representation of multiple tracts, fibers, nerve bundles, modulation targets, or symptoms, and a representation of electrodes of a cuff lead; in response to selection of at least one of the electrodes, displaying an indication of which tracts, fibers, or nerve bundles can be activated or which modulation targets or symptoms can be affected, using the at least one selected electrode; in response to selection of one of the tracts, fibers, nerve bundles, modulation targets, or symptoms, displaying an indication of at least one of the electrodes for activating the selected tract, fiber, or nerve bundle or for affecting the selected modulation target or symptom; and, optionally, programming a stimulator to stimulate the nerve using the at least one selected electrode or the at least one indicated electrode.