Multi-Channel Stimulator with Independent Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for electrical stimulation therapy lack the ability to independently control the rate of electrical stimulation across multiple channels using a single stimulation generator, leading to inefficiencies and potential amplitude sag due to inadequate recharge intervals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a stimulator with independent rate control for each channel, utilizing rate counters and queues to manage pulse delivery and recharge signals, allowing for adaptive adjustment of recharge intervals and amplitudes to maintain programmed rates and prevent amplitude sag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single stimulation generator is used for multiple channels, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently control stimulation rate across channels is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stimulation control into separate rate counters and queues for each channel, allowing independent rate control while sharing a single stimulation generator. Each channel has its own rate counter and queue structure, enabling flexible, independent rate adjustment without requiring separate generators for each channel.
2Reliability
If recharge intervals are extended to allow adequate charging, then charge balance is improved, but stimulation rate fidelity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts recharge intervals based on the current state of each channel's queue and the programmed rate requirements. The system can extend recharge intervals when charge balance is compromised and reduce them when rate fidelity is critical, allowing the system to adapt to different operational conditions and optimize between these two competing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the recharge interval parameter dynamically based on operational conditions. By adjusting this parameter in response to queue depths and programmed rates, the system can optimize charge balance when needed while maintaining rate fidelity during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels are served simultaneously with different rates, then treatment versatility is improved, but pulse delivery precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pulse delivery control into separate rate counters and queues for each channel, allowing precise independent control of pulse rates across multiple channels. This segmentation enables the system to maintain precise pulse delivery timing for each channel while serving multiple channels simultaneously with different rates.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described in this disclosure for delivering electrical stimulation therapy to a patient over multiple channels, with independent rate control for each channel, using a single stimulation generator. In one example, the disclosure describes a method for delivering electrical stimulation therapy to a patient that includes delivering first electrical stimulation pulses at a first programmed rate on a first channel using a stimulation generator, and delivering second electrical stimulation pulses at a second programmed rate on a second channel using the stimulation generator, the second programmed rate being different than the first programmed rate, and the second programmed rate being independent of the first programmed rate.