Multi-Application Trial Stimulator Emulating Implanted Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external trial stimulators for evaluating the efficacy of electrical stimulation therapies are limited as they are specific to individual types of chronic stimulators, requiring multiple devices for different therapies and increasing complexity and cost for both physicians and patients.
Innovation Solution
A multi-application trial stimulator that stores multiple sets of instructions to emulate the operation of different chronically implanted stimulators, allowing selection and switching between various stimulation therapies, including spinal cord, deep brain, and pelvic floor stimulation, using a single device and programmer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate trial stimulators are used for different stimulation therapies, then each therapy can be evaluated with a dedicated device, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The trial stimulator is designed with a programmable processor that can execute different sets of instructions to emulate multiple types of chronically implanted stimulators (spinal cord, deep brain, gastrointestinal, pelvic floor). This multi-functionality allows a single device to perform the roles of multiple specialized devices, reducing complexity while maintaining therapy evaluation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The trial stimulator employs dynamic reconfiguration through programmable instruction sets that can be loaded and switched based on the desired therapy type. The processor dynamically changes its operational mode by selecting different instruction sets, allowing the device to adapt its characteristics to match various chronic stimulator types without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trial stimulators are used for different therapies, then each therapy type can be properly evaluated, but the cost and logistical burden on patients and physicians increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single trial stimulator device provides universal coverage for multiple therapy types (spinal cord, deep brain, gastrointestinal, pelvic floor stimulation) through programmable instruction sets. This eliminates the need for physicians and patients to manage multiple separate devices, reducing logistical burden while maintaining comprehensive therapy evaluation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple specialized trial stimulator functions into a single integrated device. By merging the capabilities of separate spinal cord, deep brain, gastrointestinal, and pelvic floor stimulators into one device with switchable instruction sets, the system simplifies device management while preserving adaptability across therapy types.
3Device complexity
If a single trial stimulator emulates multiple chronic stimulators, then cost and complexity are reduced, but the ability to accurately evaluate different therapy types may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The trial stimulator creates accurate virtual copies of chronic stimulator operations through stored instruction sets. Each instruction set replicates the specific operational characteristics, pulse patterns, and control logic of a particular chronic stimulator type, enabling faithful emulation without requiring physical copies of each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains emulation accuracy by dynamically changing operational parameters based on the selected therapy type. The processor adjusts stimulation parameters, pulse frequencies, and control algorithms according to the loaded instruction set, ensuring each therapy type is evaluated with appropriate parameters while using a single physical device.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an electrical trial stimulator that stores multiple applications to selectively emulate the operation of different chronically implanted stimulators. Each application corresponds to a different chronically implanted stimulator. Upon selection of a particular application, the stimulator executes a set of instructions to emulate the operation of a chronically implanted stimulator that corresponds to the application. The multi-application stimulator permits a physician to select an application for stimulation therapy, and evaluate efficacy of a particular chronically implanted stimulator. In addition, the physician may select any of the other stimulation applications to emulate other stimulators. The different stimulation applications may correspond to different stimulators that deliver a similar therapy, e.g., stimulators designed to deliver spinal cord stimulation for alleviation of chronic pain. Alternatively, the applications may correspond to stimulators that deliver different types of therapy, e.g., stimulators that deliver spinal cord, deep brain, gastrointestinal, or pelvic floor stimulation.