Implantable Stimulator Using Pre-recorded Waveforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable stimulators used for neuromodulation face challenges in generating complex waveforms due to space constraints, often trading off waveform complexity for reduced circuitry, which limits their effectiveness in treating conditions like stroke and traumatic brain injury.
Innovation Solution
An implantable programmable stimulator system that records and applies non-parametric waveforms, allowing for the storage and playback of complex waveform data without the need for complex circuitry, using electrodes to deliver electrical signals to specific brain areas for treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If implantable stimulators use traditional waveform generation with complex circuitry, then waveform complexity can be achieved, but device size and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pre-recorded waveform templates stored in memory as copies of ideal waveforms. Instead of generating complex waveforms through complex circuitry, the system stores template waveforms and applies them through simple playback circuitry, achieving high waveform complexity with minimal device size
Solution Approach 2:
Waveform templates are pre-recorded and stored in memory before implantation. The complex waveform generation work is performed in advance during the recording phase, allowing the implantable device to simply playback pre-prepared waveforms without requiring complex real-time generation circuitry
2Volume of moving object
If implantable stimulators reduce circuitry to save space, then device size decreases, but waveform complexity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Complex waveform patterns are copied into memory as stored templates. The simple playback circuitry retrieves and reproduces these pre-recorded complex waveforms, enabling high waveform complexity to be achieved with minimal circuitry and small device size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical waveform generation system with an information-based system. Instead of using complex analog circuitry to generate waveforms, the system uses digital storage and playback of waveform templates, substituting physical waveform generation with information retrieval and reproduction
3Volume of moving object
If implantable stimulators use pre-recorded waveform templates, then device size is reduced, but waveform adaptability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects and applies different pre-recorded waveform templates based on real-time sensor feedback and patient needs. The playback system can switch between multiple stored templates and adjust playback parameters, providing adaptability while maintaining the space efficiency of pre-recorded templates
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor feedback mechanisms monitor patient response and physiological parameters, allowing the system to automatically adjust which waveform templates are played back and how they are applied. This feedback loop enables adaptability to different patient conditions while using the space-efficient pre-recorded template approach
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods for neuromodulation using waveform signals. In certain embodiments, an input waveform is obtained from a signal source site in a source subject and an output waveform is applied to a target site in a target subject. The source subject is a human or animal and the signal source site is in the nervous system, including the brain. The source subject and target subject are the same subjects or different subjects. The output waveform is identical to the input waveform or derived from the input waveform. In some embodiments, the output waveform is modified in response to physiologic feedback. Also provided are systems for neuromodulation using waveform signals.