Dynamic Electrode Stimulation for Chronic Pain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical stimulation therapies often rely on fixed electrode configurations, which can lead to accommodation and reduced effectiveness over time, as well as limited ability to target varying pain symptoms effectively.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device that moves electrical stimulation between multiple electrode groups according to a spatial electrode movement pattern, creating a wave of paresthesia or therapeutic sensation that can be perceived as massaging or acupuncture-like, allowing for more dynamic and targeted therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed electrode configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but accommodation occurs and therapeutic effectiveness decreases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed electrode configurations to dynamic, movable stimulation patterns. The stimulator delivers electrical stimulation that moves between multiple electrode groups along a defined trajectory, creating a moving wave of paresthesia or therapeutic sensation. This dynamic approach prevents neural accommodation that occurs with stationary stimulation, thereby maintaining therapeutic effectiveness over time while using a programmable system that manages complexity through software control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by delivering electrical stimulation in repeating movement patterns across multiple electrode groups. The stimulation follows a defined trajectory that cycles through different electrode combinations in a periodic manner, creating rhythmic waves of therapeutic sensation. This periodic delivery prevents habituation and maintains efficacy while using programmable parameters that control the repetition cycle.
2Reliability
If stationary electrical stimulation is delivered, then device complexity is minimized, but accommodation to stimulation occurs and tolerability decreases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from stationary to dynamic stimulation delivery by moving the electrical stimulation between multiple electrode groups along a defined trajectory. This creates a moving wave of paresthesia or therapeutic sensation that prevents neural accommodation, thereby improving tolerability and comfort over time. The movement pattern is programmable, allowing customization of the dynamic delivery approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to stimulation delivery by moving the stimulation between multiple electrode groups rather than confining it to a single fixed location. This multi-dimensional approach creates a traveling wave effect that engages different neural pathways and tissue regions over time, preventing accommodation and improving tolerability while using a coordinated multi-electrode system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed parameter values are used, then ease of operation is improved, but ability to target varying pain symptoms is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adaptation to varying pain symptoms by moving electrical stimulation between multiple electrode groups according to programmable patterns. Different movement patterns, trajectories, and electrode combinations can be selected to target different anatomical regions and symptom types. This dynamic programmability provides versatility in symptom targeting while maintaining ease of operation through pre-configured programs that can be selected rather than manually programmed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-electrode system capable of delivering multiple different stimulation patterns and trajectories through a single device. The same hardware platform can be programmed to address various pain syndromes, anatomical regions, and symptom types by changing the movement pattern parameters, thereby providing a universal solution that adapts to diverse clinical needs without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and techniques for delivering electrical stimulation according to a spatial electrode movement pattern are disclosed. Moving electrical stimulation between electrodes in a repeatable movement pattern may provide a therapeutic sensation to a patient. In one example, a system may include a plurality of electrodes configured to be implanted within a patient, at least one processor, and a therapy module. The at least one processor may be configured to receive a spatial electrode movement pattern that defines a sequence with which electrical stimulation is moved between the plurality of electrodes. The therapy module may be configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the patient based on the spatial electrode movement pattern. The therapy module may also be configured to move the electrical stimulation between each of the plurality of electrodes according to the spatial electrode movement pattern and repeat the spatial electrode movement pattern when delivering the electrical stimulation to the patient.