Clinician Programmer for Deep Brain Stimulation Segmented Electrode Screening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Programming deep brain stimulation systems with segmented electrodes is complex due to the increased number of active electrode possibilities, making it challenging for clinicians to determine optimal DBS therapy parameters within a limited time.
Innovation Solution
A clinician programmer device with software code that guides users through a structured testing process of electrode configurations, modifies pulse amplitude, and identifies therapeutic windows to optimize DBS parameters, automatically adjusting amplitudes to avoid side effects and suggesting optimal electrode combinations based on patient responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If segmented electrodes are used to improve stimulation precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple segmented contacts (e.g., three segmented electrodes at each level) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows precise control of the electrical field by selecting specific segments, thereby improving stimulation precision while the patent addresses the complexity issue through automated programming methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs automated programming that systematically varies stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency, electrode selection) to identify optimal settings. This automated parameter exploration resolves the complexity burden on clinicians by algorithmically navigating the parameter space rather than requiring manual optimization
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of active electrode possibilities is increased to improve adaptability, then adaptability is improved, but programming time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated programming system pre-defines systematic testing sequences and algorithms for evaluating electrode configurations. By preparing the programming approach in advance with structured workflows, the system efficiently manages the large number of electrode possibilities without requiring extensive clinical time for trial-and-error optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The programming system performs self-guided optimization by automatically testing electrode configurations, evaluating patient responses, and identifying optimal parameters without requiring continuous clinician intervention. The system autonomously navigates the complex parameter space, reducing the time burden on clinicians while maintaining adaptability
3Reliability
If pulse amplitude is increased to improve treatment efficacy, then treatment efficacy is improved, but harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes segmented electrodes that enable localized stimulation of specific brain regions. By activating only the necessary electrode segments rather than full rings, the system concentrates the electrical field precisely where needed, achieving effective treatment at lower amplitudes and reducing stimulation of surrounding tissue that could cause side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The automated programming system incorporates patient response monitoring and feedback mechanisms. During testing, the system evaluates patient responses to different amplitude levels and electrode configurations, using this feedback to identify the optimal amplitude that achieves therapeutic effect while minimizing side effects, thereby safely managing the trade-off between efficacy and harmful factors
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a clinician programmer device for controlling a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system is adapted to assist a clinician to conduct an electrode screening review for the DBS system including screening of segmented electrodes. The clinician programmer stores software code for conducting a screening review in memory. The software code may comprise: code for providing one or more interface screens for guiding the user of the device through testing of electrode configurations of the implantable stimulation lead, wherein the code for providing applies at least one testing progression for guiding the user of the device through a defined testing order.