Dynamic Neurostimulation Programming for Posture and Lead-Migration Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neurostimulation systems face challenges in efficiently delivering therapeutic effects due to the need for frequent manual adjustments and precise targeting, especially when patient posture changes or lead migration occurs, which complicates the programming of dynamic stimulation patterns.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for programming neurostimulation using dynamic stimulation patterns defined by time-varying parameters, allowing for automated adjustment and expanded coverage without frequent reprogramming, including a programming control circuit and stimulation programming circuit to determine and implement dynamic stimulation patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If constant stimulation parameters are used, then the programming is simple and device complexity is low, but the therapeutic effectiveness is limited and cannot adapt to posture changes or lead migration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to posture changes and lead migrationVSAvoidprogramming complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant stimulation parameters to time-varying stimulation parameters that automatically adapt to changing physiological conditions. The system dynamically adjusts stimulation patterns based on detected neural responses, enabling adaptation to posture changes and lead migration without requiring complex manual reprogramming by clinicians.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service through automated closed-loop control where the neurostimulator autonomously adjusts stimulation parameters based on real-time detection of neural responses. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for frequent manual interventions and allows the device to serve itself in adapting to changing conditions, reducing programming complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If time-varying stimulation parameters are used, then the therapeutic effectiveness is improved and natural neural activities are better resembled, but the programming complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoidprogramming complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback through closed-loop control where the system continuously detects neural responses and uses this information to automatically adjust time-varying stimulation parameters. This feedback mechanism ensures therapeutic effectiveness by adapting to individual patient responses while simplifying programming, as the system self-optimizes rather than requiring complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes parameter changes by implementing time-varying stimulation parameters that automatically modulate according to detected neural responses. This approach improves therapeutic effectiveness by resembling natural neural activities while the automated parameter adjustment reduces programming complexity, as the system dynamically optimizes parameters without requiring detailed manual programming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If frequent manual adjustments are made to maintain precise targeting, then the stimulation coverage can be optimized, but the loss of time and reduced productivity occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestimulation coverageVSAvoidtime for reprogramming
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming the system with algorithms that automatically detect and adapt to changes in stimulation coverage requirements. Rather than requiring frequent manual adjustments, the system is prepared in advance with the capability to autonomously optimize stimulation coverage, eliminating time loss associated with repeated reprogramming sessions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains optimized stimulation coverage through self-service mechanisms where the neurostimulator automatically detects changes in coverage and adjusts parameters accordingly. This autonomous optimization eliminates the need for frequent manual interventions, preserving both stimulation coverage and clinician time without requiring repeated programming sessions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If manual programming is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent adjustments and precise targeting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of programmingVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent improves ease of operation through self-service where the system automatically performs programming and parameter adjustment functions that would otherwise require complex manual intervention. The neurostimulator autonomously detects neural responses and optimizes stimulation parameters, making the system easier to operate despite the underlying complexity of the adaptive algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual programming mechanics with automated electronic control and detection systems. Instead of requiring clinicians to manually adjust parameters based on trial and error, the system uses electronic sensors and processors to automatically detect neural responses and optimize programming, improving ease of operation while managing system complexity through integrated electronics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250249260A1Method and apparatus for programming neurostimulation with dynamic stimulation patterns
Publication Date: 2025.08.07 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP
  • US20250249260A1 patent drawing
  • US20250249260A1 patent drawing
  • US20250249260A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for delivering neurostimulation from a stimulation device to a targeted area on a patient may include a programming control circuit and a stimulation programming circuit. The programming control circuit may be configured to generate information for programming the stimulation device to control the delivery of the neurostimulation according to a stimulation program. The stimulation programming circuit may be configured to receive a stimulation field and a stimulation coverage and to determine the stimulation program by including at least one dynamic stimulation pattern configured to expand the stimulation coverage resulting from delivering the neurostimulation to the stimulation field. The stimulation coverage is a portion of the targeted area effectively stimulated by the neurostimulation delivered to the stimulation field. The dynamic stimulation pattern is defined by at least one time-varying stimulation waveform parameter of the stimulation waveform parameters.