Interleaved Timing Channels for Implantable Stimulator Electrode Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for optimizing electrode activation in implantable stimulator devices during setup are time-consuming and prone to erroneous results due to the need for incremental and sequential adjustments, which can lead to suboptimal or uncomfortable intermediary conditions for patients.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple timing channels allows simultaneous testing of initial and final electrode conditions, with interleaved pulses to preserve independent assessment and allow time for recovery, facilitating easier manipulation and reducing the risk of erroneous results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If incremental and sequential electrode adjustments are used during setup, then electrode conditions can be adjusted step-by-step, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to erroneous results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode adjustment process into multiple independent timing channels, each capable of delivering different electrode conditions simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel testing of multiple electrode configurations rather than sequential adjustment, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining optimization accuracy through independent channel evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by using interleaved pulse delivery across multiple timing channels. Each channel delivers pulses in a periodic manner with alternating timing, allowing the system to test multiple electrode conditions in an interleaved fashion. This periodic delivery enables simultaneous assessment of different electrode configurations without requiring continuous sequential adjustment, thus reducing overall setup time while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If multiple electrode conditions are tested simultaneously, then optimization speed increases, but intermediary conditions may cause patient discomfort or erroneous results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action with interleaved pulse delivery across multiple timing channels. Each channel delivers pulses periodically with alternating timing, ensuring that when one electrode condition is active, others are inactive or in transition. This periodic interleaving allows simultaneous testing of multiple conditions while minimizing patient discomfort by avoiding overlapping stimulation from conflicting electrode configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming multiple complete electrode conditions across different timing channels before delivery. Each timing channel is configured with a complete set of electrode parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) in advance. This preliminary configuration allows the system to switch between pre-defined conditions without requiring incremental adjustments during delivery, thereby increasing optimization speed while avoiding uncomfortable intermediary states through discrete condition transitions.
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
Methods using multiple timing channels for electrode adjustment during set up of an implanted stimulator device are disclosed. In one embodiment, at least two conditions of electrodes (i.e., electrode combinations, pulse widths, pulse frequencies, pulse amplitudes) can be "simultaneously" tested by providing each condition in its own timing channel. In a preferred embodiment, the pulses in each of the timing channels are interleaved and non-overlapping to preserve the ability of the patient to assess the therapeutic feel of both and to allow some time between pulses for recovery. As well as allowing two sets of electrode conditions to be gauged at the same time, the technique allows the electrode to be manipulated during set up with ease and with a reduced possibility of providing the patient with erroneous results. For example, the two conditions in the two timing channels can comprise initial and target final conditions, and transitioning between from one to the other during device set up is facilitated as compared to the prior art because concerns with electrodes having inconsistent properties in both conditions are alleviated.