Graphical User Interface for Customizing Neurostimulation Pulse Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation systems are limited by their inability to deliver customized and complex patterns of neurostimulation pulses, leading to unintended side effects and reduced efficacy, as they often rely on pre-defined waveforms that do not emulate natural neural signals.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) is implemented to allow users to customize neurostimulation pulse patterns by defining waveforms, pulse groups, and groups of pulse groups, enabling programmability of stimulation parameters and electrode selection, facilitating the creation of individually tailored therapy protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pre-defined waveforms are used for neurostimulation, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability and therapy customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the neurostimulation waveform into multiple independent parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency, phase) that can be individually programmed. This allows the system to move from pre-defined fixed waveforms to customizable composite waveforms by combining different parameter values, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic programmability where stimulation parameters can be adjusted in real-time based on patient response and therapeutic needs. The system transitions from static pre-defined waveforms to dynamic customizable patterns, allowing physicians to optimize therapy delivery without requiring different hardware configurations.
2Device complexity
If simple periodic pulse patterns are delivered, then device complexity is reduced, but therapy efficacy is limited due to inability to emulate natural neural signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing independent adjustment of multiple waveform parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency, phase) to create complex stimulation patterns that emulate natural neural signals. This approach enables the system to deliver sophisticated therapy patterns without requiring complex hardware, as the complexity is achieved through programmable parameter variations rather than physical system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sophisticated pulse patterns are programmed manually pulse-by-pulse, then customization and therapy efficacy are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to programming complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-configured parameter sets and waveform templates that serve as starting points for customization. Physicians can begin with standardized patterns and modify specific parameters as needed, rather than programming each parameter from scratch. This reduces the time and complexity of programming while maintaining full customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying functionality where physicians can duplicate existing waveform configurations and parameter sets across multiple channels or time periods. This allows efficient replication of successful therapy patterns and reduces repetitive programming tasks, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining customization flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for delivering neurostimulation pulses through a plurality of electrodes, comprising: a storage device configured to store a plurality of individually definable waveforms; a programming control circuit configured to generate a plurality of stimulation parameters controlling the delivery of the neurostimulation pulses according to a pattern of the neurostimulation pulses; and a user interface coupled to the storage device and the control circuit and configured to define the pattern of the neurostimulation pulses using one or more waveforms selected from the plurality of individually definable waveforms, the user interface configured to allow a user to adjust one of the individually definable waveforms by repeating a portion thereof.