External Simulated Case Electrode for Omnipolar Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for electrical stimulation therapy often require chronic implantation of electrodes on the housing of implantable stimulators, which can be invasive and limit flexibility in treating patients, especially in delivering localized stimulation fields.
Innovation Solution
The use of an external electrical stimulator with a simulation electrode that mimics the housing electrode of an implantable stimulator, allowing for omnipolar stimulation by simultaneously delivering electrical stimulation current through both the external electrode and implanted lead-borne electrodes, enabling hybrid stimulation arrangements that combine unipolar and bipolar techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chronic implantation of housing electrodes is used, then electrical stimulation therapy can be delivered, but invasiveness increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the housing electrode function from the implantable stimulator and relocates it to an external electrode. This allows the external electrode to simulate the housing electrode's electrical stimulation function without requiring chronic implantation, thereby reducing invasiveness while maintaining therapy delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The external electrode is designed to simulate or copy the electrical characteristics and stimulation function of the implantable housing electrode. By replicating the housing electrode's behavior, the system enables omnipolar stimulation without requiring the actual implanted housing electrode, increasing patient flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If external electrode simulation is used, then non-invasive evaluation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external electrical stimulator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can deliver trial stimulation, simulate chronic implantable stimulator operation, and provide omnipolar stimulation through the external electrode. This multi-functionality justifies the added device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid stimulation arrangements are used, then localized stimulation options increase, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external electrode can be positioned at specific locations on the patient's body to create localized stimulation fields. By adjusting the external electrode's position and configuration, the system provides localized stimulation options tailored to different treatment requirements without requiring multiple implanted devices.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes delivery of omnipolar electrical stimulation with an external electrical stimulator. Omnipolar electrical stimulation may involve stimulation with an electrode carried on the housing of an implantable medical device (IMD) while substantially simultaneously delivering stimulation via one or more implanted electrodes having the same polarity as the electrode on the housing. An external medical device (EMD) may simulate the IMD housing electrode with an electrode separate from the electrodes carried on leads implanted near target tissue. This electrode may be an external electrode carried on the external housing of the EMD or an external patch electrode. Alternatively, the electrode may be an implantable electrode coupled to the EMD. The conductivity of the external or implantable electrode may also be optimized to approximate the conductivity of the IMD housing electrode. This electrode coupled to the EMD may be utilized during trial stimulation or chronic, external, stimulation.