Implantable Neural Sensing With Dynamic Electrode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices face challenges in dynamically managing interactions between complex electrical stimulation and sensing parameters, leading to reduced sensing capabilities and increased programming complexity due to non-static interactions over time.
Innovation Solution
The IMD employs a dynamic sensing pattern that determines when and which electrodes to use for sensing based on current stimulation needs, allowing for parallel sensing during stimulation delivery, sensing during off-cycles, or both, and tags sensing data accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex electrical stimulation patterns are delivered, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but sensing capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts sensing parameters based on stimulation patterns. The processor determines which electrodes to use for sensing at different times based on which electrodes are delivering stimulation, allowing the sensing configuration to adapt in real-time to the stimulation pattern being delivered.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic sensing during stimulation delivery by dividing the stimulation cycle into active and inactive periods. Sensing occurs during off-cycles or between stimulation pulses, allowing periodic acquisition of neural signals without continuous interference from stimulation artifacts.
2Reliability
If complex electrical stimulation patterns are delivered, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but programming complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines sensing electrodes and timing based on the programmed stimulation pattern. The processor autonomously selects which electrodes to use for sensing at each time point based on the stimulation configuration, eliminating the need for manual programming of sensing parameters and reducing programming burden.
3Productivity
If sensing is performed during stimulation delivery, then data continuity is improved, but data reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sensing periodically during stimulation delivery by utilizing off-cycles and intervals between pulses. This periodic sensing approach maintains continuous monitoring capability while avoiding periods when stimulation artifacts would contaminate the neural signal measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system plans sensing opportunities in advance by identifying off-cycles and intervals between stimulation pulses before they occur. The processor determines the timing and electrode selection for sensing based on the predetermined stimulation pattern, ensuring sensing occurs at optimal moments before stimulation artifacts begin.
Data Source
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AI summary
An example method includes determining, by an implantable medical device (IMD), an electrode of a plurality of electrodes of a lead to be used to deliver electrical stimulation to a patient at a particular time; selecting, by the IMD and based on the determined electrode, a set of electrodes of the plurality of electrodes; and sensing, by the IMD and via the selected set of electrodes, electrical signals of the patient at the particular time.