Head Position-Based Electrical Stimulation Therapy Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implantable medical devices delivering electrical stimulation therapy face challenges in maintaining efficacy due to changes in patient head position, which can affect the positioning of electrodes relative to the target stimulation site, leading to variations in the stimulation field and therapy effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a processor to determine the patient's head position and adjust the delivery of electrical stimulation accordingly, by modifying stimulation parameters or selecting different electrode configurations, ensuring consistent and effective therapy delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical stimulation therapy is delivered with fixed parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but therapy efficacy deteriorates when head position changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy efficacyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of electrical stimulation parameters based on detected head position changes. The system transitions from fixed parameters to variable parameters that automatically adapt to patient movement, ensuring consistent therapy efficacy regardless of head position through real-time parameter modification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where head position is continuously monitored and this information is fed back to the stimulation controller. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to detect position changes and automatically adjust stimulation parameters to maintain optimal therapy delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If stimulation parameters are adjusted frequently to maintain efficacy, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy effectivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic monitoring of head position rather than continuous adjustment. By detecting position changes at specific intervals or upon detecting significant movements, the system achieves effective parameter adjustment while minimizing unnecessary power consumption from constant monitoring and adjustment cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If head position is continuously monitored, then therapy efficacy is maintained, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy efficacyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements partial monitoring by detecting only significant head position changes rather than continuously tracking all positional variations. This selective monitoring approach maintains therapy efficacy for clinically relevant movements while reducing the complexity and power requirements of the monitoring system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9649494B2Electrical stimulation therapy based on head position

Publication Date: 2017.05.16 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

Techniques and systems for determining a head position of a patient and controlling delivery of electrical stimulation to a target stimulation site based on the determined head position are described. In some examples, movement of the head of the patient may result in movement of a lead, through which the electrical stimulation may be delivered, relative to the target stimulation site. Thus, controlling delivery of the electrical stimulation based on the head position may improve the efficiency and efficacy of the electrical stimulation therapy.