Modulated Neurostimulation Pulse Sequences to Prevent Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neurostimulation systems face inefficiencies in generating stimulation parameters that lead to accommodation and reduced effectiveness over time, necessitating higher energy levels or target adjustments, and lack a user-friendly method for constructing flexible and efficient pulse sequences.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating modulation functions that modulate stimulation parameters to convert a tonic pulse sequence into a patterned pulse sequence, allowing for efficient and customizable neurostimulation delivery by applying modulation functions to stimulation parameters such as pulse amplitude, width, and rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tonic pulse sequences are used for neurostimulation, then the system is simple to operate, but accommodation occurs and effectiveness is reduced over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions from static tonic pulse sequences to dynamic patterned pulse sequences by applying modulation functions to stimulation parameters. This allows the pulse sequence to adapt and change over time, preventing neural accommodation while maintaining ease of operation through automated generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) by applying modulation functions to generate patterned pulse sequences. This transforms constant parameter tonic stimulation into variable parameter patterned stimulation, improving effectiveness without complicating operation.
2Reliability
If higher energy levels are used to overcome accommodation, then effectiveness is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic modulation functions to create patterned pulse sequences that vary stimulation parameters in a cyclic manner. This prevents accommodation by introducing temporal patterns, maintaining effectiveness at lower energy levels compared to continuously high-energy tonic stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically varies stimulation parameters through modulation functions, creating effective patterned sequences that prevent accommodation without requiring sustained high energy levels. This dynamic approach maintains therapeutic effectiveness while reducing overall energy consumption.
3Reliability
If complex patterned pulse sequences are generated manually, then neurostimulation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and programming difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically generating complex patterned pulse sequences through modulation functions. The programmer simply selects base tonic parameters and modulation types, and the system autonomously creates the complex patterned sequence, eliminating the need for manual programming of complex temporal patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The modulation function acts as an intermediary between simple tonic parameter selection and complex patterned pulse generation. It mediates the transformation, allowing users to work with simple base parameters while automatically generating the complexity needed for effective patterned stimulation.
4Ease of operation
If tonic pulse sequences are used, then programming is simple, but the system lacks adaptability to prevent accommodation
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains programming simplicity while introducing adaptability through dynamic modulation functions. These functions automatically create temporal and parametric variations in the pulse sequence, enabling the system to adapt and prevent accommodation without requiring complex manual programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes stimulation parameters through applied modulation functions, transforming static tonic sequences into adaptive patterned sequences. This provides the versatility needed to prevent accommodation while keeping the programming interface simple, as users work with base parameters and select modulation types rather than programming complex patterns manually.
Data Source
AI summary
An example of a system for delivering neurostimulation may include a programming control circuit and a user interface. The programming control circuit may be configured to generate stimulation parameters controlling delivery of the neurostimulation according to a pulse sequence. The pulse sequence may include a series of neurostimulation pulses and be defined by sequence parameters and one or more modulation functions each modulating an adjustable parameter selected from the sequence parameters. The user interface may be configured to set the pulse sequence to a tonic pulse sequence by determining an initial value for each adjustable parameter and set the pulse sequence to a modulated pulse sequence by selecting one or more adjustable parameters, determining a modulation function for each selected adjustable parameter, and applying the determined modulation function to that selected adjustable parameter to modulate the tonic pulse sequence.