Implantable Pulse Generator Output Channels for Virtual Electrode Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neurostimulation systems, such as implantable pulse generators, are unable to effectively create virtual electrodes using both time-multiplexed and simultaneous current delivery with low-overhead current regulators, and lack the ability to manage charge build-up across DC blocking caps and electrode/tissue interfaces, affecting patient safety and stimulation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The output architecture for an implantable pulse generator includes a power supply, global source and sink current regulators, and branch selectors to efficiently source and sink current, enabling the creation of virtual electrodes during both anodic and cathodic stimulation, while managing potentials across electrodes and discharging non-active electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If virtual electrodes are created using interleaved stimulation pulses with low-overhead current regulators, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system cannot create virtual electrodes using both time-multiplexed and simultaneous current delivery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcurrent delivery capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The current regulator is divided into multiple independent low-overhead current regulators, each capable of operating independently to provide both time-multiplexed and simultaneous current delivery. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low energy consumption while gaining versatility in stimulation patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each low-overhead current regulator is designed to perform multiple functions -既可以用于time-multiplexed stimulation,也可以用于simultaneous stimulation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to achieve both energy efficiency and delivery versatility through the same hardware components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a passive discharge current path is included to discharge active electrodes, then electrode potential management is improved, but the system has no ability to monitor or discharge non-active electrodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode potential managementVSAvoidelectrode monitoring capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge functionality is extracted from the stimulation pathway and implemented as a separate passive discharge current path. This allows the system to discharge electrodes independently of their active/inactive status during stimulation, enabling both active electrode discharge and non-active electrode monitoring/discharge capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A passive discharge current path acts as an intermediary mechanism between the current regulators and the electrodes. This intermediary pathway enables safe discharge of any electrode regardless of its current operational state, improving reliability while maintaining versatility in electrode management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If charge build-up is not managed across DC blocking caps and electrode/tissue interfaces, then system complexity is reduced, but patient safety and electrode reliability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidpotential build-up risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Passive discharge current paths are provided in advance to prevent charge build-up before it becomes hazardous. These discharge paths are continuously available to safely manage potentials across DC blocking capacitors and electrode-tissue interfaces, addressing safety concerns without requiring complex active monitoring systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The passive discharge current paths convert the potentially harmful charge build-up into a beneficial safety mechanism. By providing predetermined discharge pathways, the system transforms what could be a dangerous accumulation of electrical charge into a controlled, safe discharge process that protects both patient and electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS11464981B2Systems and methods for output channel architectures in implantable pulse generators

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for an output architecture for an implantable pulse generator of a neurostimulation system. The output architecture includes a power supply, a plurality of outputs, a global source current regulator coupled to the power supply and operable to source current from the power supply to the plurality of outputs through a plurality of source current branches, a global sink current regulator operable to sink current from the plurality of outputs to ground through a plurality of sink current branches, a current source branch selector operable to select, for each of the plurality of outputs, an amount of current sourced from the plurality of source current branches, and a current sink branch selector operable to select, for each of the plurality of outputs, an amount of current sunk to the plurality of sink current branches.