Implantable Pulse Generator Memory Switching for Continuous Neuromodulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neurostimulation systems require stopping stimulation to update settings, posing risks to patients and limiting the effectiveness of complex stimulation patterns.
Innovation Solution
A neuromodulation system with an implantable pulse generator featuring alternately accessible memories and a controller/programmer that allows updating stimulation programs without interrupting the delivery of stimulation, enabling seamless transitions between programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stimulation is interrupted to update settings, then programming flexibility is improved, but patient safety deteriorates and therapeutic continuity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores multiple stimulation programs in memory, allowing the next program to be prepared in advance. When a program update is needed, the system can switch to the pre-prepared program without interrupting stimulation, thus maintaining both flexibility and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary memory structure that holds multiple programs simultaneously. This mediator allows the stimulation system to transition between programs without direct interruption, resolving the conflict between updating settings and maintaining continuous stimulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stimulation is interrupted to update programs, then parameter updating capability is improved, but therapeutic effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous stimulation by maintaining multiple programs in memory and switching between them without interruption. This ensures that the therapeutic action continues uninterrupted while still allowing parameter updates, thus preserving both updating capability and therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-loading multiple stimulation programs into memory, the system can update parameters without stopping the therapeutic effect. The next program is ready to be activated immediately, ensuring continuous therapy while enabling flexible parameter changes.
3Device complexity
If single memory architecture is used, then device simplicity is improved, but program switching capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The memory is segmented into multiple independent storage areas, each capable of holding a complete stimulation program. This segmentation allows the system to store and switch between multiple programs while maintaining a relatively simple overall architecture, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and switching capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a neuromodulation system. The neuromodulation system can include an implantable pulse generator configured to provide neuromodulation to a patient based on a sequence of neuromodulation programs. The implantable pulse generator can include alternately accessible memories. The alternately accessible memories can enable the implantable pulse generator to store a second neuromodulation program while providing neuromodulation according to a first neuromodulation program. The IPG can then transition from providing stimulation according to the first neuromodulation program to providing stimulation according to the second neuromodulation program without stopping stimulation. The neuromodulation system can include a parameter memory. Stimulation parameter updates can be written to the parameter memory. The value of the parameter memory can be used to determine the next stimulation pulse. The IPG can accordingly support pulse-to-pulse changes in stimulation parameters.