DBS Parameter Tuning via Sensor-Based Objective Data

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapies for movement disorders like Parkinson's disease face challenges in accurately selecting candidates, optimizing electrode placement, and adjusting stimulation parameters due to subjective evaluation methods, limited access to specialists, and high costs, leading to suboptimal patient outcomes and increased healthcare burdens.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses objective, quantitative data from sensors like gyroscopes and accelerometers to automatically or semi-automatically adjust DBS parameters, providing real-time symptom severity measures to guide clinician decision-making, and enabling remote monitoring and programming, reducing the need for extensive clinical visits and expertise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If subjective evaluation methods are used for candidate selection and parameter optimization, then clinical expertise and manual assessment are required, but this leads to increased costs, limited access to specialists, and suboptimal patient outcomes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient outcome accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated self-adjustment of DBS parameters by the implantable device itself based on sensor data and machine learning algorithms, eliminating the need for continuous clinician intervention and manual programming sessions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces subjective clinical assessment and manual parameter tuning with automated sensor-based objective measurement and machine learning-driven parameter optimization, substituting human expertise with algorithmic decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple outpatient programming sessions are conducted for DBS parameter optimization, then parameter tuning can be performed, but this increases treatment time, travel costs, and patient burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter optimization accuracyVSAvoidtreatment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides continuous monitoring and adjustment of DBS parameters through implanted sensors and automated algorithms, replacing discrete outpatient programming sessions with ongoing seamless optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements closed-loop feedback using sensors to continuously monitor physiological signals and automatically adjust stimulation parameters in real-time, eliminating the need for repeated manual programming sessions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If manual tuning of DBS parameters is performed by specialists, then parameter adjustment can be made, but this limits access for geographically disparate populations and increases healthcare costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter adjustment easeVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the implantable device to automatically adjust its own parameters based on sensor data and pre-programmed algorithms, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for specialist intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal system that can be deployed anywhere with automated functionality, making DBS management accessible to all patients regardless of geographic location by replacing the need for specialized clinician presence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If extensive clinical visits are required for DBS management, then comprehensive monitoring can be performed, but this increases healthcare costs and patient burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual clinical monitoring and assessment with automated sensor-based objective measurement and algorithmic analysis, substituting human clinician evaluation with continuous automated surveillance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11191967B1Movement disorder therapy system, devices and methods of tuning

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 GREAT LAKES NEUROTECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to methods for tuning treatment parameters in movement disorder therapy systems. The present invention further relates to a system for screening patients to determine if they are viable candidates for certain therapy modalities. The present invention still further provides methods of quantifying movement disorders for the treatment of patients who exhibit symptoms of such movement disorders including, but not limited to, Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism, Dystonia, Chorea, and Huntington's disease, Ataxia, Tremor and Essential Tremor, Tourette Syndrome, and the like. The present invention yet further relates to methods of tuning a therapy device using objective quantified movement disorder symptom data acquired by a movement disorder diagnostic device to allow a clinician, technician or physician to determine the therapy setting or parameters to be provided to the subject via his or her therapy device.