ECAP Signal Analysis for Neural Threshold Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices face challenges in accurately determining neural thresholds for electrical stimulation therapy, leading to inefficiencies and the need for frequent patient visits to adjust settings, due to interference from noise and the subjective nature of manually identifying perception thresholds.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for analyzing evoked compound action potential (ECAP) signals to estimate neural thresholds, removing stimulation artifacts, and adjusting electrical stimulation parameters based on these estimates to improve therapy efficacy and reduce patient discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual methods are used to determine perception thresholds, then the process is simple to perform, but the accuracy and objectivity of neural threshold determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual subjective assessment with automated objective measurement using ECAP signal analysis. The system automatically determines neural thresholds by analyzing evoked compound action potentials, substituting the mechanical/manual process with an automated electronic measurement system that provides both ease of operation and high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ECAP signals as an intermediary objective measure between the stimulation stimulus and the perception threshold determination. Instead of directly relying on subjective patient feedback, the system uses ECAP signals as a mediator to objectively indicate neural activation thresholds, combining automated analysis with physiological response measurement.
2Loss of information
If stimulation artifact components are present in ECAP signals, then the signal contains complete information, but the measurement precision of ECAP characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes stimulation artifact components from the ECAP signal while preserving the neural response information. The system separates the harmful artifact portion from the useful ECAP signal, allowing accurate measurement of ECAP characteristics without contamination from stimulation artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful stimulation artifact into a beneficial reference signal for artifact removal. By using the known stimulus waveform and timing information, the system identifies and subtracts artifact components, transforming what was previously noise into a useful component for improving measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If fixed stimulation parameters are used, then the device operation is simple, but the adaptability to individual patient neural thresholds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of stimulation parameters based on individually determined neural thresholds. The system automatically adapts stimulation intensity and other parameters to match each patient's specific neural characteristics, transforming fixed static parameters into dynamic adaptive parameters that optimize therapy for each individual.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the device to automatically determine and adjust stimulation parameters without requiring manual reprogramming for each patient. The system performs self-calibration by measuring ECAP signals and autonomously setting appropriate stimulation levels, providing both simplicity of operation and patient-specific adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and techniques are described for analyzing evoked compound action potential (ECAP) signals to determine an estimated neural threshold of a patient. In one example, a method includes controlling, by processing circuitry, delivery of a plurality of stimulation pulses to a patient, wherein each stimulation pulse of the plurality of stimulation pulses is at least partially defined by a different respective value of a stimulation parameter; receiving, by the processing circuitry, ECAP signal information, wherein the ECAP signal information comprises ECAP signals sensed by sensing circuitry and elicited by the plurality of stimulation pulses; determining, by the processing circuitry and based on the ECAP signal information, ECAP characteristic values for each of the ECAP signals elicited by the plurality' of stimulation pulses; and determining, by the processing circuitry and based on the ECAP characteristic values, an estimated neural threshold of the patient.