Interleaving Waveforms for Electrical Stimulation and Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable electrical stimulation systems face challenges in effectively interleaving therapeutic and sensing waveforms to accurately measure physiological responses without interference from stimulation artifacts.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a processor to alternate between therapeutic and sensing periods, using biphasic waveforms for both therapeutic and sensing purposes, with the sensing waveform having different parameters such as amplitude and pulse width, and combining signals from consecutive therapeutic and sensing periods to reduce artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If therapeutic waveforms are delivered continuously to provide effective stimulation therapy, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but artifact interference in sensing measurements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stimulation waveform into multiple phases (e.g., first phase, second phase, third phase) delivered in alternating polarity sequences. By dividing the continuous therapeutic waveform into discrete phases with different polarities, the system can sense physiological responses during specific phases while delivering therapy during others, thereby reducing artifact interference in measurements while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
2Productivity
If sensing is performed during therapeutic waveform delivery to maximize data collection, then measurement frequency is improved, but artifact interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sensing during specific phases of the therapeutic waveform delivery. The processor is configured to sense physiological responses at predetermined intervals corresponding to specific phases of the alternating polarity waveform sequence. This periodic sensing approach maximizes measurement frequency during artifact-free periods while maintaining continuous therapeutic stimulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If waveform parameters are adjusted in real-time based on sensed signals, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processor senses physiological responses during specific phases of waveform delivery and uses these sensed signals to adjust subsequent waveform parameters. The system monitors the physiological response to the first phase of the waveform sequence and adjusts parameters of subsequent phases based on this feedback, enabling real-time adaptability without requiring complex external control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system can utilize interleaving periods or waveforms to stimulate patient tissue and sense signals using the stimulation electrodes. For example, the system can utilize alternating therapeutic periods and sensing periods. As another example, the system can alternate between biphasic waveforms having opposite temporal orders of positive and negative phases. As another example, waveforms that differ in a parameter, such as amplitude or pulse width, can be interleaved to provide different information in the respective sensed signals.