Graphical Stimulation Zone Programming for Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for electrical stimulation therapy lack intuitive programming techniques that allow clinicians to easily define and adjust stimulation zones without complex user intervention, leading to suboptimal therapy delivery and potential hazards.
Innovation Solution
A programmer system that enables users to graphically manipulate stimulation zones on a user interface, automatically determining electrode configurations and stimulation parameters to ensure safe and effective therapy delivery, with features like zone-based programming and automatic adjustment of electrode contributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional parameter-based programming is used, then stimulation parameters can be precisely controlled, but the programming process becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a graphical copy/representation of the electrical stimulation zone that mirrors the complex parameter settings. Instead of requiring clinicians to directly configure multiple stimulation parameters, they simply manipulate the graphical representation of the stimulation zone, and the system automatically generates the corresponding parameter settings. This graphical copy simplifies the interaction while preserving precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical user interface acts as an intermediary between the clinician and the complex stimulation parameters. The graphical representation serves as a mediator that translates simple visual manipulation into complex parameter configuration, shielding the user from the underlying complexity while maintaining precise control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stimulation parameters are manually adjusted, then therapy can be customized, but the time required for programming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary computation of the stimulation parameters based on the graphical zone definition. Once the clinician defines the stimulation zone graphically, the system automatically calculates all necessary parameters (current amplitude, pulse width, frequency, electrode selection) in advance, eliminating the need for manual parameter adjustment and significantly reducing programming time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically generating and optimizing the stimulation parameters based on the graphical zone definition. Instead of requiring manual parameter selection and adjustment, the system autonomously computes the optimal parameters, reducing the clinician's workload from hours of manual programming to minutes of graphical zone definition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stimulation zone boundaries are not constrained, then programming flexibility is improved, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary constraints to the graphical stimulation zone definition to prevent unsafe parameter configurations before they can be generated. By defining valid zones in advance and restricting manipulation to safe regions, the system proactively prevents hazardous stimulation patterns while maintaining flexibility within safe boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback during graphical zone manipulation, detecting when proposed zones would result in unsafe parameters and preventing such modifications. The feedback mechanism guides the clinician toward safe zone definitions while maintaining programming flexibility within acceptable parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various programming techniques are described for medical devices that deliver electrical stimulation therapy that may include mapping between discrete electrical stimulation parameters and a graphical view of the electrical stimulation representing a stimulation zone generated by the parameters. In one example, a method includes receiving, via a programmer for an electrical stimulator, user input that graphically manipulates at least one of a size and a shape of a graphical representation (830) of at least one electrical stimulation zone displayed on the programmer, and defining a program to control delivery of electrical stimulation therapy based on the user input.