Electrode Combination Search Algorithm for Neurostimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of selecting optimal electrode combinations for neurostimulation therapy in implantable medical devices is time-consuming and requires significant trial and error, as clinicians must test numerous combinations to find a balance between clinical efficacy and side effects while minimizing power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A programming device employs an electrode combination search algorithm that selects electrode combinations in a non-random order based on proximity, allowing clinicians to quickly identify desirable combinations by testing electrodes systematically, avoiding redundant combinations and providing a list of tested combinations for easy selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all possible electrode combinations are tested to identify the best combination, then the completeness of electrode selection is improved, but the time required and complexity of the process increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of electrode selectionVSAvoidtime required for electrode combination testing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically testing electrode combinations according to a systematic algorithm before clinician review. The programmer executes search algorithms that pre-evaluate combinations based on proximity metrics, preparing results in advance for clinician selection, thereby reducing the time clinicians spend on manual testing while maintaining comprehensive evaluation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The programming device acts as an intermediary between the electrode set and the clinician. It systematically evaluates electrode combinations using automated search algorithms and presents processed results to the clinician, mediating the complex task of combination selection and reducing both time and complexity for the end user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual testing of electrode combinations is performed based on clinician intuition, then flexibility in selection is improved, but the time and effort required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in electrode selectionVSAvoidefficiency of electrode combination identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines dynamic algorithmic search with flexible clinician control. The search algorithm adapts based on proximity calculations and can be configured with different parameters, while the clinician retains the ability to review, select, and adjust results. This dynamic combination maintains adaptability while significantly improving productivity through automated systematic evaluation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to the clinician by presenting evaluated electrode combinations with their characteristics. The clinician can review the algorithm-generated results and make adjustments based on clinical judgment, creating a feedback loop that maintains flexibility while leveraging automated efficiency for the initial evaluation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If numerous electrode combinations are tested to achieve optimal clinical efficacy, then the quality of therapy outcome is improved, but the power consumption and time required increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclinical efficacy of therapyVSAvoidpower consumption during programming

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs partial action by evaluating a strategically selected subset of electrode combinations rather than exhaustively testing all possible combinations. The search algorithm uses proximity-based metrics to identify the most promising combinations, achieving sufficient clinical efficacy through partial evaluation and reducing the overall energy and time requirements of the programming process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Loss of time

If systematic electrode combination testing is performed, then the time required is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming time for electrode selectionVSAvoidcomplexity of programming device

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical testing processes with automated computational algorithms. The programming device uses search algorithms and proximity calculations to systematically evaluate electrode combinations, substituting the clinician's manual testing methodology with automated electronic processing, thereby reducing time requirements while concentrating complexity in the programming device rather than the clinical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9186517B2Identifying combinations of electrodes for neurostimulation therapy

Publication Date: 2015.11.17 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

A programmer allows a clinician to identify combinations of electrodes from within an electrode set implanted in a patient that enable delivery of desirable neurostimulation therapy by an implantable medical device. The programmer executes an electrode combination search algorithm to select combinations of electrodes to test in a non-random order. According to algorithms consistent with the invention, the programmer may first identify a position of a first cathode for subsequent combinations, and then select electrodes from the set to test with the first cathode as anodes or additional cathodes based on the proximity of the electrodes to the first cathode. The programmer may store information for each combination tested, and the information may facilitate the identification of desirable electrode combinations by the clinician. The clinician may create neurostimulation therapy programs that include identified desirable program combinations.