Implantable Device Modulating Stimulation Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical stimulation therapies for conditions like chronic pain and pelvic disorders often rely on static or constant signal waveforms, which may not fully engage the complex neural circuits, limiting their efficacy in treating symptoms such as urinary incontinence and pain.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device that introduces complex variations in electrical stimulation parameters, using stochastic functions to modulate pulse trains, allowing for dynamic and temporally complex patterns that can be phase-locked to physiological markers, thereby enhancing the inhibitory response of neurological tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static or constant signal waveforms are used for electrical stimulation therapy, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the efficacy in treating symptoms such as urinary incontinence and pain is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming static stimulation parameters into dynamic, time-varying parameters. The stimulation waveform continuously varies multiple parameters (amplitude, frequency, pulse width, phase) in a coordinated manner, creating a dynamic stimulation pattern that adapts over time to engage complex neural circuits more effectively, thereby improving treatment efficacy without requiring complex device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by simultaneously modulating multiple stimulation parameters (amplitude, frequency, pulse width, phase) in a coordinated fashion. This multi-parameter variation creates complex waveform patterns that can engage different neural pathways and circuits, enhancing therapeutic effect while maintaining relatively simple device implementation through systematic parameter modulation.
2Reliability
If complex variations in electrical stimulation parameters are introduced, then the efficacy in suppressing pain and treating overactive bladder is improved, but the device complexity and programming complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing cyclic variation of stimulation parameters. The waveform follows periodic patterns where parameters vary in a repeating sequence, creating predictable yet complex stimulation patterns. This periodic approach allows the system to engage neural circuits dynamically while maintaining programmable regularity that simplifies device control and programming compared to truly random or aperiodic variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional stimulation waveform that simultaneously achieves multiple therapeutic goals. The coordinated variation of multiple parameters enables the single waveform to address different symptoms (pain, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder) and engage different neural pathways, allowing one device configuration to serve multiple therapeutic functions without requiring separate programming for each condition.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques for delivering electrical stimulation therapy comprising a complex variation to at least one electrical stimulation parameter are described. In one example, processing circuitry of an implantable medical device (IMD) identifies a plurality of electrical stimulation parameters for at least one pulse train of electrical stimulation. The processing circuitry defines a complex variation to at least one electrical stimulation parameter of the plurality of electrical stimulation parameters. The processing circuitry modifies the at least one pulse train of electrical stimulation by introducing the complex variation to the electrical stimulation parameter function and controls a stimulation generator of the IMD to generate, as modified, the at least one pulse train of electrical stimulation.