External Indicator Device for Visualizing Electrical Stimulation Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical stimulation devices lack a practical method for clinicians to visualize and understand stimulation parameters without actually delivering therapy to patients, which is essential for educational, training, and troubleshooting purposes.
Innovation Solution
An external indicator device that presents electrical stimulation parameters such as amplitude, pulse width, pulse rate, electrode combinations, and polarities using an array of visual indicators like LEDs or a pixelized display, allowing users to visualize the delivery of stimulation pulses across implanted electrodes without actual patient therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If electrical stimulation therapy is delivered to patients via implanted electrodes, then therapeutic benefits are achieved, but the ability to visualize and understand stimulation parameters for educational and training purposes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the electrical stimulation parameters through external indicators that mirror the actual stimulation being delivered to the patient. The indicators replicate the pulse waveforms, amplitudes, and timing parameters in a visible format, allowing clinicians and students to observe the stimulation parameters without directly exposing them to patient therapy. This copying approach resolves the contradiction by making parameter information visible while maintaining the integrity of the actual therapeutic delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (external indicator) that sits between the pulse generator and the observer. This intermediary translates invisible electrical parameters into visible indicators without interfering with the actual therapy delivery to the patient. The intermediary allows educational and training activities to occur while the actual patient treatment continues uninterrupted, resolving the contradiction between therapeutic delivery and parameter visualization.
2Measurement precision
If stimulation parameters are visualized through actual patient therapy delivery, then accurate parameter representation is achieved, but portability and convenience for field use are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visualization function from the implantable pulse generator itself and places it in a separate external indicator device. This extraction allows the visualization system to be optimized independently - the external indicator can be made portable and convenient for field use while maintaining accurate representation of the stimulation parameters. The separation resolves the contradiction by allowing the measurement/visualization function to be precisely accurate while the physical device remains portable.
3Loss of information
If detailed stimulation parameters are displayed, then comprehensive understanding is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stimulation parameters into distinct visual indicators, with each indicator representing a specific parameter (amplitude, pulse width, frequency, etc.). This segmentation allows comprehensive parameter information to be displayed in a modular, organized manner that is easy to understand. Each segment can be independently optimized for clarity, and the overall complexity is managed by dividing the information into manageable discrete elements rather than presenting a monolithic complex display.
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 intuitive visualization of stimulation parameters, facilitating educational and training settings, and providing a portable solution for technical personnel to demonstrate or troubleshoot electrical stimulation devices effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The indicators may be indicator lights, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Data Source
AI summary
An external indicator device presents parameters associated with stimulation therapy generated by a pulse generator, which may be associated with an external or implantable stimulation device. In this manner, the external indicator device enables a user to visualize stimulation parameters without actually delivering stimulation therapy to a patient via implanted electrodes. The electrical stimulation parameters may include electrical amplitude levels, pulse widths, pulse rates, electrode combinations, and electrode polarities for stimulation generated by the pulse generator.