Implantable Pulse Generator Battery Life via Segmented Signal Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal cord stimulators face challenges with high power consumption and limited ability to generate diverse stimulation patterns simultaneously, making it difficult to effectively treat varying pain levels across different body areas.
Innovation Solution
An implantable pulse generator (IPG) with a programmable signal generator that can operate without processor intervention to conserve battery power, featuring control registers for flexible stimulation channel management, a timing generator, and a high frequency generator for modulating burst frequencies, allowing for independent amplitude control and simultaneous treatment of multiple channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the processor continuously controls signal generation, then stimulation patterns can be dynamically adjusted, but battery power is consumed rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal generation function into two parts: a programmable signal generator that operates autonomously to produce basic stimulation patterns, and a processor that handles only high-level control and parameter adjustments. This segmentation allows the processor to enter low-power modes while the signal generator continues to provide therapeutic stimulation, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-programming multiple stimulation patterns and parameters into the signal generator before implantation. The device can then switch between these pre-configured patterns without requiring continuous processor intervention, allowing dynamic adjustment when needed while conserving battery power during steady-state operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stimulation channels operate simultaneously, then different body areas can be treated concurrently, but power supply becomes overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel management where the arbitrator continuously monitors power consumption and dynamically adjusts which channels are active. The system can allocate power resources flexibly, activating multiple channels when power is sufficient and prioritizing essential channels when power is limited, thereby enabling concurrent multi-area treatment without overloading the power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by allowing selective activation of stimulation channels based on therapeutic need and power availability. Rather than requiring all channels to operate at full capacity simultaneously, the system activates only the necessary subset of channels, providing adequate treatment for multiple body areas while staying within power supply limits.
3Ease of operation
If percutaneous trial stimulator is used, then treatment effectiveness can be tested, but device stability is poor due to movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the trial stimulator with self-adjusting features including motion sensors and feedback circuits that automatically compensate for device movement. The system can detect positional changes and adjust stimulation parameters or activate alerts to inform the patient and physician, allowing effective trial treatment testing while mitigating the stability issues inherent in percutaneous placement.
Data Source
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AI summary
An implantable pulse generator (IPG) that generates spinal cord stimulation signals for a human body has a programmable signal generator that can generate the signals based on stored signal parameters without any intervention from a processor that controls the overall operation of the IPG. While the signal generator is generating the signals the processor can be in a standby mode to substantially save battery power.