High-Frequency Neurostimulation Pauses for ECAP-Based Adaptive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High frequency electrical stimulation pulses mask evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs), preventing their detection and hindering adaptive parameter adjustments in medical devices, thus compromising therapeutic efficacy and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Medical devices pause high frequency stimulation to sense ECAPs, allowing for adaptive parameter adjustments based on detected ECAPs, thereby maintaining therapeutic efficacy and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high frequency electrical stimulation pulses are delivered continuously, then therapeutic efficacy is maintained, but ECAP detection is prevented due to signal masking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by delivering high frequency stimulation in intermittent trains separated by pause intervals, allowing ECAP detection during the pauses when the stimulation signal is absent. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both therapeutic delivery and measurement during different time periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation protocol is segmented into discrete trains of high frequency pulses with defined pause intervals between trains. This segmentation creates temporal windows where ECAPs can be detected without interference from ongoing stimulation artifacts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ECAP detection is performed during high frequency stimulation, then adaptive parameter adjustment is enabled, but signal masking prevents detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by detecting ECAPs during pause intervals and using the detected signal to adaptively adjust stimulation parameters for subsequent trains. This closed-loop feedback enables continuous optimization while avoiding signal masking during the actual detection window.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of ECAPs during pause intervals before delivering the next train of stimulation pulses. This preliminary action allows parameter optimization to be prepared in advance, improving adaptability without interfering with the main therapeutic delivery.
3Reliability
If continuous high frequency stimulation is delivered, then therapeutic effect is maintained, but energy consumption increases without adaptive optimization
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing ECAP-based feedback during pause intervals, the system can optimize stimulation parameters to maintain therapeutic effect with reduced amplitude or duration, thereby lowering energy consumption while preserving therapeutic efficacy through adaptive control.
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 technique enables effective closed-loop control of high frequency electrical stimulation by using ECAPs as feedback, enhancing targeted delivery and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a medical device delivers electrical stimulation to a patient in a manner that elicits an evoked compound action potential (ECAP) response from the patient's nerve tissue
Implementation Method 2
During the pause interval(s), the medical device senses an ECAP signal from the patient's nerve tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for implementing the use of electrically evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) to adaptively adjust parameters of high frequency electrical stimulation. In one example, a medical device delivers electrical stimulation therapy comprising a train of electrical stimulation pulses to a patient, wherein the train of electrical stimulation pulses comprises a pulse frequency greater than or equal to 500 Hertz. After delivering the train of electrical stimulation pulses, the medical device ceases delivery of the high frequency electrical stimulation therapy for a predetermined period of time. During the predetermined period of time, the medical device senses an ECAP from the patient and determines, based on the sensed ECAP, a value of a parameter at least partially defining the train of electrical stimulation pulses. Responsive to the predetermined period of time elapsing, the medical device resumes delivery of the high frequency electrical stimulation according to the determined parameter.