Deep Brain Stimulator Programming System Using Non-Regular Pulse Trains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deep brain stimulators require high stimulation frequencies to be effective, leading to increased power consumption and side effects, necessitating precise lead placement and frequent battery replacements, which can be invasive and risky for patients.
Innovation Solution
A programming system that allows for wireless communication between a clinical programmer and an implantable neurostimulator, enabling the delivery of non-regular pulse trains with varying inter-pulse intervals to optimize stimulation parameters without the need for surgical intervention, thereby reducing battery consumption and improving treatment efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high stimulation frequencies are used to achieve effective deep brain stimulation, then treatment efficacy is improved, but power consumption increases and side effects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using intermittent stimulation trains with burst patterns instead of continuous high-frequency stimulation. The system delivers stimulation in periodic bursts separated by intervals, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining therapeutic efficacy through the periodic activation of neural pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing real-time adjustment of stimulation parameters including frequency, amplitude, and pulse width through a programmable interface. This enables the system to adapt stimulation intensity and patterns dynamically based on patient response and therapeutic needs, optimizing the balance between efficacy and power consumption.
2Reliability
If high stimulation frequencies are used to achieve effective deep brain stimulation, then treatment efficacy is improved, but side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying stimulation frequency, amplitude, and pulse duration to achieve therapeutic effects at lower frequencies. The system explores different parameter combinations to find optimal settings that provide symptom relief while minimizing side effects such as muscle contractions and discomfort associated with high-frequency stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
By using intermittent burst patterns instead of continuous high-frequency stimulation, the system reduces the cumulative exposure to high-frequency energy that causes side effects, while maintaining therapeutic benefit through periodic activation of the target neural circuits.
3Reliability
If high stimulation frequencies are used to achieve effective deep brain stimulation, then treatment efficacy is improved, but lead placement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using lower stimulation frequencies and varying other parameters to achieve therapeutic effects with less precise lead placement. This broadens the effective target zone and reduces the criticality of exact positioning, thereby lowering surgical precision requirements while maintaining treatment efficacy.
4Reliability
If high stimulation frequencies are used to achieve effective deep brain stimulation, then treatment efficacy is improved, but battery lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by delivering stimulation in intermittent bursts rather than continuously at high frequency. This periodic delivery pattern significantly reduces average power consumption and extends battery lifetime, allowing the implantable device to operate for years without battery replacement while maintaining therapeutic efficacy during active stimulation periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present technology provides a medical stimulation system having a clinical programmer configured to operate on a computational and memory device having a wireless communication device. The technology also provides a neurostimulator configured to wirelessly communicate with the clinical programmer. The neurostimulator also includes a pulse generator operatively coupled with an electrode by a lead. The pulse generator is configured to transmit an electrical signal comprising a repeating succession of non-regular pulse trains. Each pulse train includes a plurality of pulses having non-regular, non-random, differing inter-pulse intervals therebetween. The pulse trains repeat in succession to treat a neurological condition. Further, the pulse trains are initiated by instructions communicated by the clinical programmer.