Epidural Stimulation Electrode Placement for Coordinated Multi-Limb Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional epidural electrical stimulation (EES) systems are limited to providing a single stimulation program at a time, failing to activate multiple limbs simultaneously, and lack precise electrode placement techniques for targeted spinal cord stimulation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-electrode array with two or more independent implantable pulse generators (IPGs) that allow for simultaneous, coordinated stimulation of different spinal cord regions, utilizing wireless communication and anatomical markers for precise electrode placement, and employing intra-operative electrophysiology for verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional single IPG EES system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the system can only provide a single stimulation program at a time and cannot activate multiple limbs simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the stimulation function into multiple independent IPGs, with each IPG responsible for stimulating specific spinal cord regions or muscle groups. This segmentation allows simultaneous execution of multiple stimulation programs without requiring a single complex IPG to manage all functions, thereby improving versatility while keeping individual components manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Each IPG is designed with multi-functionality to handle different stimulation modes and target different muscle groups. The universal design of the IPGs allows them to be used for various stimulation programs (e.g., standing, stepping, sitting) while maintaining a consistent device architecture, thus achieving system versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple IPGs are used to provide multiple stimulation programs simultaneously, then the adaptability to activate multiple limbs is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple IPGs are merged into a unified system through a common controller that coordinates their operations. The controller integrates the stimulation timing and sequencing from multiple IPGs to achieve coordinated multi-limb activation, effectively managing the complexity through centralized control rather than requiring each IPG to independently manage all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs pre-programmed stimulation sequences and timing parameters that are established before operation. The controller uses these pre-established protocols to automatically coordinate multiple IPGs, reducing the real-time computational burden and simplifying the coordination requirement during actual multi-limb activation tasks.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional EES electrode placement is used, then the ease of placement is high, but the stimulation precision and targeting accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Intra-operative electrophysiological monitoring serves as an intermediary tool between the electrode placement procedure and the final stimulation outcome. This monitoring system provides real-time feedback on electrode positioning accuracy, allowing for immediate adjustment and verification. The intermediary monitoring capability enables precise electrode placement while maintaining a systematic and manageable placement procedure through objective measurement and verification.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables coordinated activation of multiple muscle groups, facilitating movements such as walking in individuals with complete spinal cord injuries by optimizing electrode placement and stimulation timing.
Implementation Method 1
The pulse generator sends electrical signals to the electrode array, which in turn includes one or more electrodes that have been placed on the dura at a location corresponding to a particular portion of the spine. The electrical signals activate the electrodes, thereby causing the electrodes to generate local electrical pulses according to the signals. The electrical pulses can stimulate muscle tissue in the paralyzed limb
Data Source
AI summary
Epidural electrical stimulation (EES) systems and techniques for accessing and locating targeted spinal cord segments are disclosed. In some examples, a method includes providing a first set of electrodes of an EES system at a first set of locations on the dura mater of a spine of a mammal, the first set of locations on the dura mater corresponding to a first muscle group of the mammal; providing a second set of electrodes of the epidural electrical stimulation system at a second set of locations on the dura mater of the spine of the mammal, the second set of locations on the dura mater corresponding to a second muscle group of the mammal; and stimulating the first and second sets of locations on the dura mater by electrically energizing the first and second sets of electrodes, respectively, thereby activating the first and second muscle groups in a coordinated manner.