Dorsal Column Stimulation Characterization via eECAP Signals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical electrical stimulation devices struggle to objectively optimize electrical stimulation parameters for effective therapy, relying on patient feedback which can be inconsistent and subjective.

Innovation Solution

The use of electrically evoked compound action potential (eECAP) signals to characterize nerve propagation and excitability changes, allowing for the adjustment and optimization of electrical stimulation parameters in a more objective manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If patient feedback is used to optimize stimulation parameters, then therapeutic efficacy can be improved, but subjectivity and inconsistency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidparameter optimization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the subjective patient feedback mechanism with an objective physiological signal detection system. Specifically, it uses eECAP (electrically evoked compound action potential) signals to objectively measure nerve fiber activation and replace the manual, subjective parameter adjustment process with automated, physiology-based optimization, thereby eliminating subjectivity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where eECAP signals are continuously monitored and used to automatically adjust stimulation parameters. The system measures the physiological response (eECAP) in real-time and feeds this information back to optimize stimulation delivery, creating an automated optimization loop that replaces subjective patient reporting with objective physiological feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If electrical stimulation parameters are optimized using eECAP signals, then energy consumption is reduced, but measurement and detection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoideECAP signal detection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the stimulation electrodes multi-functional by enabling them to both deliver electrical stimulation and detect eECAP signals. This dual functionality eliminates the need for separate sensing hardware, reducing overall system complexity while enabling objective measurement of nerve activation to optimize energy-efficient stimulation delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the same electrode infrastructure to both stimulate and sense physiological responses. The electrodes serve themselves by detecting eECAP signals generated in response to their own stimulation, eliminating the need for external or separate measurement systems and reducing overall detection complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach enables more targeted and efficient electrical stimulation therapy, reducing energy consumption and improving therapeutic efficacy by allowing for closed-loop stimulation control.

Implementation Method 1

delivering, by a stimulation electrode, electrical stimulation as a candidate therapy to a patient according to a set of candidate therapy parameters, the stimulation electrode located in proximity to the dorsal column of a patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Implementation Method 2

sensing, by a sensing electrode, an electrically evoked compound action potential (eECAP) signal in response to the delivery of the electrical stimulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrically evoked compound action potential (eECAP):

Data Source

PatentUS20250041607A1Dorsal spinal column characterization with evoked potentials

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

This disclosure relates to methods, devices, and systems for delivering and adjusting stimulation therapy. In one example, a method comprising delivering, by a stimulation electrode, electrical stimulation as a candidate therapy to a patient according to a set of candidate therapy parameters, the stimulation electrode located in proximity to the dorsal column of a patient; sensing, by a sensing electrode, an electrically evoked compound action potential (eECAP) signal in response to the delivery of the electrical stimulation; and classifying, by a processor, the sensed eECAP signal generated in response to the application of the candidate therapy relative to an eECAP baseline is disclosed.