Implantable Pulse Generators Delivering High-Frequency Spinal Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neurological stimulation systems for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) face challenges in effectively addressing a broad range of patient indications with improved devices and therapies that can provide pain relief without unwanted side effects such as motor stimulation or interference with sensory functions, and the therapeutic effects do not persist after the stimulation ceases.
Innovation Solution
High frequency spinal cord modulation techniques targeting neural populations like the dorsal column, dorsal root, and dorsal root ganglion, using implantable devices with programmable pulse generators to deliver therapeutic signals that inhibit or modulate neural activity, reducing neural transmissions and desensitizing hyperactive WDR cells, thereby providing prolonged pain relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spinal cord stimulation is used to provide pain relief, then pain reduction is achieved, but unwanted side effects such as motor stimulation and interference with sensory functions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional low-frequency stimulation to high-frequency stimulation (e.g., 10 kHz or higher). This frequency parameter change fundamentally alters the neural response, providing pain relief through different mechanisms that avoid motor stimulation and sensory interference side effects while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
2Reliability
If continuous spinal cord stimulation is applied to maintain pain relief, then pain control is sustained, but energy consumption increases and therapeutic effects do not persist after stimulation ceases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using high-frequency stimulation pulses that can be delivered intermittently rather than continuously. The high-frequency nature of the stimulation creates lasting neural effects that persist after each pulse sequence, allowing for periodic delivery that maintains pain relief while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous low-frequency stimulation
3Duration of action of moving object
If high frequency spinal cord modulation is applied to provide prolonged pain relief, then therapeutic effects last minutes to days after stimulation ceases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves device complexity by leveraging a single parameter change—frequency—to achieve prolonged therapeutic effects. Rather than requiring complex multi-parameter control systems or sophisticated neural interfaces, the invention uses high-frequency stimulation that naturally produces lasting neural adaptations, simplifying the overall device architecture while extending pain relief duration to minutes or days
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 spinal cord modulation techniques achieve significant and prolonged pain relief without paresthesia, with effects lasting minutes to days after the stimulation ceases, reducing the need for continuous signal delivery and minimizing side effects, and allowing for flexible patient positioning and activity without immediate pain onset.
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
Autonomic nervous system control 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 a neural population of the patient's spinal cord, and selecting parameters of a neural modulation signal to at least reduce an autonomic system deficit in the patient.