Medical Electrode Linkage Checking With Pre-Conditioned Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for verifying the correct electrical connection of electrodes in medical devices like spinal cord stimulation (SCS) are complex, energy-intensive, time-consuming, and risky, often requiring surgical intervention to correct incorrect linkages.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the measurement and analysis of impedance values between predefined pairs of connections to determine the correct electrical linkage of electrodes to a pulse generator, using pre-conditioned impedance values to identify and correct any misconnections without surgical intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex programming and high energy methods are used to check electrode connections, then the accuracy of detecting incorrect connections is improved, but the energy consumption increases and device longevity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex programming and high-energy electrical tests with a passive impedance measurement system. By measuring impedance values between electrode pairs and comparing them to expected values, the system detects incorrect connections without requiring complex control algorithms or high energy consumption, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The medical device performs self-diagnosis by automatically measuring impedance values and comparing them to pre-stored expected values. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external programming and reduces energy consumption while maintaining accurate detection of incorrect electrode connections.
2Reliability
If complex programming and multiple tests are performed to verify electrode connections, then the reliability of connection verification is improved, but the time required increases and risk of undesired stimulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential verification function by measuring only the impedance values between electrode pairs and comparing them to expected values. This simplified approach removes unnecessary complex programming steps while maintaining reliable detection of incorrect connections, thus reducing verification time without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a focused impedance measurement between specific electrode pairs rather than comprehensive multi-parameter testing. This partial action approach provides sufficient reliability for connection verification while significantly reducing the time required and minimizing the risk of undesired electrode stimulation during the verification process.
3Device complexity
If impedance values are measured without pre-conditioning, then the measurement process is simpler, but the accuracy is reduced due to unwanted noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pre-conditioning to impedance values before comparison with expected values. This preliminary processing step filters unwanted noise from the raw measurements while maintaining the overall simplicity of the measurement process, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective way to ensure correct electrode connections, ensuring effective electrostimulation and reducing the risk of incorrect signal delivery or reception, thereby enhancing the efficiency and safety of SCS therapy.
Implementation Method 1
The pulse generator comprises at least one port having connections which are electrically and mechanically connected to the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
measuring an impedance value between the connections of each of the selected pairs of connections
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method to check a medical device (1,1'), to a method of operating such a medical device (1,1') and to the respective medical device (1,1'). The medical device (1,1') comprises at least two electrode groups (5) and a pulse generator (6), wherein each electrode group (5) comprises at least two electrodes (4), wherein the at least two electrode groups (5) are arranged on a surface (3) of at least one lead body (2,12), wherein the pulse generator (6) comprises at least one port (9), wherein the number of connections (10) of the at least one port (9) is equal to or greater than the number of electrodes (4) of all electrode groups (5) and form connection groups (11) corresponding to the electrode groups (5). In order to check whether the electrodes (4) of the at least one lead body (2) are correctly electrically linked to the pulse generator (6), the method is used.