Implanted Medical Device Therapy Protocol Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable medical devices face the challenge of body compensation to repeated electrical stimulation therapies, leading to reduced therapeutic benefits over time, necessitating frequent adjustments to operating parameters which are time-consuming and costly for patients.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device automatically switches between different therapy protocols based on elapsed time intervals or user/physiological events, maintaining a consistent duty cycle by altering on-time and off-time settings to prevent compensation and maintain therapeutic efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical signal parameters are adjusted to maintain therapeutic effectiveness, then the therapeutic benefit is improved, but the frequency of patient visits and adjustments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by automatically varying the electrical signal parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) over time to prevent the body from adapting to a static stimulation pattern. The controller dynamically adjusts parameters based on pre-programmed sequences or sensor feedback, maintaining therapeutic effectiveness without requiring manual intervention and reducing patient visit frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by systematically modifying electrical signal characteristics such as current amplitude, pulse width, and pulse frequency according to a predetermined schedule or based on sensor data. This automated parameter variation prevents compensation by the body while maintaining therapeutic benefit, eliminating the need for frequent manual adjustments.
2Reliability
If the electrical signal parameters are adjusted to prevent body compensation, then the therapeutic effectiveness is maintained, but the complexity of device operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the implantable medical device to automatically adjust its own electrical signal parameters without requiring manual intervention from patients or providers. The controller uses pre-programmed sequences or sensor feedback to autonomously vary parameters and prevent compensation, simplifying the overall system operation while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensor data (such as physiological measurements or patient responses) to automatically adjust electrical signal parameters. The controller receives input from sensors and modifies parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains therapeutic effectiveness without increasing operational complexity for the user.
3Reliability
If manual parameter adjustments are performed frequently, then the therapeutic benefit is maintained, but the cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming sequences of parameter variations into the device before implantation. The controller executes these pre-planned parameter changes automatically over time, preventing compensation before it occurs and eliminating the need for frequent manual adjustments, thereby improving adjustment efficiency and reducing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for reducing compensation of the body to therapy delivered by an implanted medical device are described herein. The disclosed techniques cause a change from one therapy protocol to another therapy protocol based on the occurrence of an event (e.g., time, user activations of a sensor, input from a physiological sensor, etc.). The therapy protocols of the implanted medical device differ in terms of the on-time and off-time, but effectuate the same or similar duty cycle.