Flexible Spinal Cord Stimulator with Integrated Neuromorphic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal cord stimulators have limitations including low electrode density, complex architecture leading to laborious implantation and hardware failures, and heterogeneous patient responses requiring individualized and posture-specific adjustments, which are not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A flexible spinal cord stimulator with a high-density electrode array, integrated miniaturized power source, and neuromorphic computing component that can autonomously adapt stimulation patterns using on-chip machine learning, eliminating the need for external programming and long wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid SCS architecture with external battery and long wires is used, then device functionality is maintained, but surgical complexity increases and hardware failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the battery, controller, and electrode array into a single flexible substrate, eliminating the need for separate components connected by long wires. This merging of components reduces surgical complexity and potential failure points while maintaining full device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the external battery and controller from the traditional SCS architecture, extracting these components and integrating them directly into the flexible substrate with the electrodes, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If low electrode density is used in traditional SCS, then device simplicity is maintained, but stimulation effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible substrate to support a high-density electrode array, allowing the electrodes to be closely spaced and conform to the spinal cord surface. This flexibility enables high electrode density without increasing rigidity or surgical complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed stimulation patterns are used in traditional SCS, then device simplicity is maintained, but patient-specific adaptation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autonomous adaptation through a controller that automatically adjusts stimulation patterns based on sensed physiological signals. The system serves itself by making real-time adjustments without requiring external programming or manual intervention, achieving patient-specific adaptation through self-regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensing electrodes and a controller that uses feedback from physiological signals to dynamically adjust stimulation patterns. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time adaptation to patient-specific responses and changing physiological conditions.
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
The flexible design with high electrode density and autonomous adaptation capabilities enhances the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation, reduces surgical complexity, and improves patient-specific pain management by learning individual pain signatures in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
generates and sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord to mask pain signals
Data Source
AI summary
A spinal cord stimulator includes: (1) a flexible substrate; (2) a power source embedded in the flexible substrate; (3) a controller embedded in the flexible substrate and connected to the power source; and (4) an array of electrodes, including an array of stimulation electrodes, disposed over the flexible substrate and connected to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to direct the array of stimulation electrodes to deliver a stimulation pattern to a spinal cord of a patient.