Modulated Neural Stimulation to Reduce Collateral Nerve Recruitment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical stimulation therapy often unintentionally stimulates collateral neural populations, leading to uncomfortable sensations and potential inflammation, due to the recruitment of non-target neural fibers during therapy delivery.

Innovation Solution

A medical device system that modulates electrical stimulation signals between a first level and a second level over time, controlling the recruitment of collateral neural populations to minimize unwanted sensations by adjusting parameters such as amplitude, pulse width, and frequency, thereby managing the number and duration of neuron activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical stimulation signals are delivered at high intensity to ensure therapeutic efficacy, then therapeutic effect is improved, but collateral neural population recruitment increases causing uncomfortable sensations and inflammation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidcollateral neural population recruitment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by modulating electrical stimulation signals between a first level (lower intensity) and a second level (higher intensity) in a periodic manner. The stimulation signal alternates between these levels over time, allowing the system to achieve therapeutic effects at the higher level while reducing collateral recruitment during the lower level phases. This periodic modulation enables the therapeutic benefit to outweigh the harmful collateral effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the intensity level of electrical stimulation signals between a first level and a second level. This parameter modulation allows the system to vary the stimulation intensity based on therapeutic needs and collateral recruitment effects, optimizing the balance between achieving therapeutic efficacy and minimizing harmful effects on collateral neural populations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If electrical stimulation signals are delivered continuously to maintain therapeutic effect, then therapeutic efficacy is maintained, but collateral neural population recruitment causes continuous uncomfortable sensations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effect maintenanceVSAvoidcontinuous uncomfortable sensations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by replacing continuous stimulation with periodic modulation between a first level and a second level. During the first level phase, therapeutic effect is maintained with reduced intensity, minimizing uncomfortable sensations from collateral recruitment. During the second level phase, enhanced therapeutic effect is achieved. This periodic pattern maintains overall therapeutic efficacy while reducing continuous harmful sensations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies continuity of useful action by ensuring that therapeutic stimulation is delivered throughout the modulation cycle, preventing gaps in therapeutic effect. The continuous alternation between first and second levels ensures that the useful therapeutic action remains uninterrupted, while the varying intensity levels manage the harmful sensations from collateral recruitment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

The modulation of electrical stimulation signals reduces uncomfortable sensations and inflammation by dynamically controlling the recruitment of collateral neural populations, ensuring therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects.

Implementation Method 1

a medical device delivers electrical stimulation signals to one or more target neural population

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240278018A1Stimulation modulation to mitigate collateral nerve recruitment effects

Publication Date: 2024.08.22 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

A system includes a memory and processing circuitry coupled to the memory. The processing circuitry is configured to cause stimulation circuitry to deliver an electrical stimulation signal to a target neural population, wherein the electrical stimulation signal is modulated between a first level and a second level over time, wherein the delivery of the electrical stimulation signal at the first level recruits a first collateral neural population, and the delivery of the electrical stimulation signal at the second level recruits a second collateral neural population.