Electrical Stimulation Frequency Cycling to Limit Neurological Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical stimulation technologies for pain management face limitations due to neurological tolerance, leading to reduced efficacy over time.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for rapid frequency cycling during electrical stimulation, involving determining frequency band groupings, tuning current or voltage amplitudes based on patient feedback, and delivering the signal through an electrode array in a random sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical stimulation is delivered at a fixed frequency and amplitude throughout treatment, then the stimulation parameters are simple to implement, but neurological tolerance develops leading to reduced efficacy over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed stimulation parameters to dynamically varying parameters. The system randomly cycles through multiple frequency bands (e.g., 10-1500 Hz) and adjusts amplitudes in real-time based on patient feedback, preventing neurological tolerance while maintaining therapeutic efficacy throughout long-term treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying frequency and amplitude parameters. The controller randomly selects from multiple frequency bands and independently tunes amplitudes for each band based on patient feedback, creating a continuously changing stimulation pattern that adapts to prevent tolerance development
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the electrical stimulation signal uses a single frequency, then the device operation is simple, but neurological accommodation occurs reducing long-term effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through rapid frequency cycling, where the stimulation signal alternates between multiple frequency bands in a random sequence. This periodic variation occurs continuously during treatment, maintaining patient response over extended periods while the controller manages the complexity of coordinating multiple frequencies and amplitudes
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamics to extend treatment duration by continuously adapting stimulation parameters. The controller randomly cycles through frequency bands and adjusts amplitudes based on real-time patient feedback, creating a dynamic treatment that remains effective throughout years of use rather than declining due to tolerance
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed electrical contacts are used for stimulation, then the electrode configuration is stable, but the treatment effects are limited and tolerance develops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the electrode array to dynamically switch between different contact configurations. The controller randomly selects which electrodes serve as cathodes and anodes for each frequency band, allowing the same physical electrode array to deliver varied stimulation patterns that adapt to prevent tolerance while the system manages the complexity of coordinating electrode switching with frequency cycling
Data Source
AI summary
A method of rapid frequency cycling during electrical stimulation according to an embodiment may include determining, by a controller of an electrical stimulation system, a plurality of frequency band groupings of discrete frequency bands of an electrical stimulation signal having a frequency range, wherein each frequency band grouping includes at least one discrete frequency band, wherein a corresponding current or voltage amplitude of the electrical stimulation signal is independently tuned within each discrete frequency band based on feedback received from a patient, determining, by the controller, a random sequence of the frequency band groupings of the plurality of frequency band groupings, generating, by at least one signal generator controlled by the controller, the electrical stimulation signal according to the determined random sequence of the frequency band groupings, and delivering the generated electrical stimulation signal through an electrode array to the patient to provide therapy to the patient.