High Frequency Spinal Cord Modulation for Intermittent Pain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal cord stimulation techniques for pain relief often result in unwanted side effects such as motor stimulation or interference with sensory functions, and require continuous delivery of modulation signals to maintain effectiveness, which can be inefficient and lead to rapid pain recurrence after cessation.
Innovation Solution
High-frequency spinal cord modulation using programmable pulse generators and implantable leads that deliver therapeutic electrical signals to target neural populations, reducing neural activity and pain without continuous signal delivery, thereby minimizing side effects and extending the duration of pain relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If continuous modulation signals are delivered to maintain pain relief effectiveness, then pain relief duration is extended, but energy consumption increases and patient comfort deteriorates due to continuous paresthesia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements intermittent modulation signal delivery with on-periods and off-periods, replacing continuous signaling. The pulse generator delivers modulation signals during on-periods to maintain pain relief, then pauses during off-periods to conserve energy and reduce paresthesia. This periodic action allows the system to achieve sustained pain relief while reducing overall energy consumption and improving patient comfort.
2Duration of action of moving object
If continuous modulation signals are delivered to maintain pain relief effectiveness, then pain relief duration is extended, but patient comfort deteriorates due to continuous paresthesia
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses intermittent signaling with defined on-periods and off-periods. During off-periods, the modulation signals are ceased or reduced, allowing paresthesia to subside while maintaining pain relief benefits. This periodic approach eliminates continuous paresthesia while preserving therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse generator dynamically adjusts signal delivery parameters including amplitude, frequency, and duty cycle based on therapeutic needs. By varying these parameters over time, the system can maintain effective pain relief while minimizing uncomfortable paresthesia, particularly during off-periods when parameters are reduced or signals are paused.
3Reliability
If high frequency modulation is applied to reduce neural activity and pain, then pain relief effectiveness is improved, but side effects like motor stimulation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs high-frequency modulation signals (e.g., 1 kHz to 100 kHz) that selectively activate sensory fibers while avoiding motor fiber activation. By changing the frequency parameter to this high range, the system achieves reliable pain relief through sensory pathway modulation without triggering unwanted motor responses, thus eliminating the harmful side effect while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
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 high-frequency modulation technique provides sustained pain relief that persists after signal cessation, reduces the need for continuous signal delivery, and minimizes side effects like paresthesia, allowing for intermittent therapy and potentially permanent pain reduction with reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Implantable neurological stimulation systems generally have an implantable pulse generator and one or more leads that deliver electrical pulses to neurological tissue or muscle tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Extended pain relief via high frequency spinal cord modulation, and associated systems and methods. A method for treating a patient in accordance with a particular embodiment includes selecting a neural modulation site to include at least one of a dorsal root entry zone and dorsal horn of the patient's spinal cord, and selecting parameters of a neural modulation signal to reduce patient pain for a period of time after ceasing delivery of the signals, the period of time being at least one tenth of one second.