Implantable Electric Stimulation With Biomarker Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical stimulation devices deliver therapy based on static programs determined by trial and error, leading to over- or under-stimulation and inefficient power consumption, reducing battery life.
Innovation Solution
A system that toggles between multiple stimulation programs based on monitored biomarkers, such as patient symptoms and physiological signals, to optimize therapy delivery and conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static stimulation programs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but therapy effectiveness deteriorates due to over- or under-stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic stimulation programming that automatically adjusts stimulation parameters based on real-time biomarker feedback. The system transitions from static pre-programmed therapy to adaptive closed-loop control, where stimulation intensity and delivery are continuously optimized according to measured physiological responses, thereby maintaining therapy effectiveness without requiring complex manual reprogramming.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring biomarkers (such as pain levels, physiological signals) and using this information to automatically adjust stimulation parameters. This closed-loop feedback control enables the device to respond to patient needs in real-time, improving therapy effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through algorithmic adaptation rather than hardware complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If static stimulation programs are used, then power consumption is increased due to over-stimulation, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses biomarker feedback to dynamically adjust stimulation intensity, delivering higher power only when clinically indicated and reducing or suspending stimulation when therapeutic goals are achieved. This feedback-driven power management prevents wasteful over-stimulation and extends battery life by optimizing energy delivery to match actual patient needs in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency, duty cycle) based on measured biomarker responses. By dynamically adjusting these parameters rather than maintaining fixed high-level stimulation, the system reduces average power consumption while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness, thereby extending battery operation duration.
3Reliability
If frequent reprogramming is performed, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment of stimulation parameters by automatically monitoring biomarkers and modifying therapy delivery without requiring user intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for frequent manual reprogramming sessions, making the device easier to operate while maintaining optimized therapy effectiveness through autonomous adaptation to patient responses.
Solution Approach 2:
Through continuous biomarker monitoring and automated feedback control, the system independently optimizes therapy parameters without requiring external reprogramming input. This feedback-driven autonomy resolves the contradiction by enabling effective therapy adaptation while eliminating the operational burden of frequent manual adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method of cycling electric stimulation includes delivering, via an implantable device, electric stimulation to a patient in accordance with a first therapy program; monitoring, via the implantable device and while the electric stimulation is being delivered in accordance with the first therapy program, a biomarker; and responsive to determining the biomarker satisfies a threshold, delivering, via the implantable device, electric stimulation to the patient in accordance with a second therapy program that is different than the first therapy program.