Interleaved Neurostimulation via Single Pulse Circuit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neural stimulation systems require multiple pulse generating circuits for delivering multiple stimulation therapies, leading to increased size and power consumption, which results in shorter battery life and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system with an implantable medical device that generates a composite resultant pulse sequence using a single pulse generating circuit, allowing for interleaved delivery of stimulation therapies to multiple nerve tissue regions through an array of electrodes, managed by a processor that directs the pulse generating circuit and switching circuit to connect different electrode combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pulse generating circuits are used to deliver multiple stimulation therapies, then the ability to treat multiple body regions is improved, but the system size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single pulse generating circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by generating different pulse sequences for different stimulation therapies. The circuit can be configured to deliver tonic stimulation, burst stimulation, or other pulse patterns to different electrode combinations, replacing the need for separate dedicated circuits for each therapy type.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse generating circuit dynamically switches between different stimulation modes and electrode configurations through a switching circuit controlled by a processor. This allows the same hardware circuit to adaptively deliver different therapies at different times, achieving multi-functionality without increasing physical system size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pulse generating circuits are used to deliver multiple stimulation therapies, then the ability to treat multiple body regions is improved, but power consumption increases leading to shorter battery life
Solution Approach 1:
One pulse generating circuit serves multiple therapy functions, eliminating the redundant power consumption of multiple separate circuits. The single circuit is efficiently utilized to deliver different stimulation patterns to different electrode combinations based on therapeutic needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs interleaved pulse sequences where different stimulation therapies are delivered in alternating time periods to different electrode combinations. This periodic switching allows a single circuit to handle multiple therapies sequentially, reducing overall power consumption compared to simultaneous operation of multiple circuits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pulse generating circuits are used to deliver multiple stimulation therapies, then the ability to treat multiple body regions is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pulse generating circuits are merged into a single pulse generating circuit that can produce different pulse sequences. The switching circuit combines the output of this single circuit to different electrode combinations, effectively merging the functionality of multiple circuits into one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
A switching circuit acts as an intermediary between the single pulse generating circuit and multiple electrode combinations. This mediator directs the appropriate pulse sequences to the correct electrodes based on the desired therapy, enabling one circuit to control multiple stimulation channels without requiring multiple dedicated circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided to deliver interleaved stimulation to nerve tissue of interest. The system and method comprises an array of stimulation electrodes. The array is configured to be implanted proximate to nerve tissue of interest. An implantable medical device (IMD) is coupled to the array. The IMD includes memory storing a composite resultant pulse (CRP) sequence comprising first and second component sequences of first and second resultant pulse trains, respectively. One or more pulses from at least one of the first or second component sequences are temporally shifted relative to a corresponding target component sequence. The IMD further comprises a pulse generating circuit and switching circuit coupled to an output of the pulse generating circuit and the array. The switching circuit is configured to connect the pulse generating circuit to different combinations of the electrodes. The IMD further comprises a processor, configured to execute program instructions stored in the memory, directs the pulse generating circuit to generate the CRP sequence and manages the switching circuit to deliver the pulses of the first and second component sequences, in an interleaved manner, to first and second electrode combinations, respectively.