Linked Pole Configurations for Concurrent Spinal Cord Stimulation Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) systems face challenges in determining an effective therapeutic stimulation program, particularly in identifying the optimal combination of electrodes to target neural sites related to pain processing.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a graphical user interface (GUI) to allow users to specify and link multiple pole configurations, which can be moved simultaneously to maintain relative positions, enabling concurrent stimulation from each pole configuration in the electrode array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pole configurations are used concurrently to target neural sites, then the effectiveness of pain symptom treatment is improved, but the complexity of determining optimal electrode combinations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the electrode array into multiple independent pole configurations, each capable of being positioned and controlled separately. This allows the complex task of targeting neural sites to be divided into manageable pole configurations rather than requiring optimization of all electrodes simultaneously, thus improving treatment effectiveness while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic steering of pole configurations along the electrode array, allowing the pole configurations to be moved and repositioned in real-time to locate optimal positions for pain relief. This dynamic capability transforms the static electrode selection problem into a dynamic search process, improving the ability to find optimal configurations without permanently increasing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the positions of multiple pole configurations are adjusted individually, then precise targeting of neural sites is achieved, but the time required to locate optimal positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the control of multiple pole configurations by providing a common steering mechanism that can move multiple pole configurations simultaneously. This allows operators to adjust several pole configurations in unison during the sweet spot search process, maintaining precise targeting capability while significantly reducing the time required to locate optimal positions compared to individual adjustment.
3Reliability
If concurrent stimulation from multiple pole configurations is applied, then recruitment of neural fibers involved in pain symptoms is enhanced, but the complexity of the stimulation system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal steering mechanism that can control multiple pole configurations simultaneously, allowing the same control interface and movement commands to manage multiple stimulation sources. This multi-functionality enables enhanced neural fiber recruitment through concurrent stimulation while avoiding proportional increases in system complexity, as the steering infrastructure serves multiple purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
Software for providing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for use in a clinician programmer for programming an implantable pulse generator (IPG) or external trial stimulator (ETS) is disclosed. A user may define in the GUI multiple pole configurations (e.g., monopoles, bipoles, etc.) which may be used independently to provide stimulation to a patient via the IPG or ETS's electrode array. Selected of the pole configurations can be linked or associated as a group in the GUI and used to concurrently provide stimulation. The pole configuration group may be steered or moved in the electrode array using a single movement instruction which moves all pole configurations in the group simultaneously. This allows the relative positions of the pole configurations in the group to remain constant as the group is moved.