Multi-Electrode Stimulation Therapy Parameter Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical devices for electrical stimulation therapy face challenges in efficiently adjusting therapy parameters across multiple electrodes, leading to cumbersome and time-consuming processes, especially when programming complex electrode configurations, which can affect the shape and efficacy of the electrical stimulation field.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows for defining a relationship between therapy parameter values of multiple electrodes, enabling a master adjustment to maintain ratios and simplify the adjustment of stimulation settings, thereby controlling the delivery of electrical stimulation therapy while preserving the desired shape of the electrical field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If therapy parameters are adjusted individually for each electrode, then precise control of stimulation settings is achieved, but the programming process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidprogramming time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple electrode parameters into grouped configurations that can be adjusted simultaneously. By merging electrodes into groups with shared parameter settings, the system allows bulk adjustment of multiple electrodes at once, significantly reducing programming time while preserving the ability to achieve precise control when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments electrodes into different groups or categories based on their functional relationships. This segmentation allows the programming system to apply adjustments to specific groups rather than requiring individual electrode configuration, thereby reducing the overall programming complexity and time while maintaining precision within each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Shape

If complex electrode configurations are programmed with individual parameter adjustments, then optimal stimulation field shape is achieved, but the programming complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical field shapeVSAvoidprogramming complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges electrodes into configured groups that collectively define the stimulation field shape. By combining multiple electrodes into predefined geometric or functional configurations, the system simplifies the programming interface while maintaining the ability to create complex field shapes through group-level parameter adjustments rather than individual electrode settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If ratio relationships are locked between multiple electrodes, then the electrical field shape is preserved during adjustment, but flexibility in individual parameter modification is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield shape stabilityVSAvoidparameter adjustment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic parameter relationships where ratio locks between electrodes can be conditionally applied or released. This allows the system to maintain field shape stability when ratio relationships are active, while providing flexibility to modify individual parameters when the lock is released, adapting to different programming needs throughout the configuration process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4100108B1Shape control for electrical stimulation therapy
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 MEDTRONIC INC
  • EP4100108B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4100108B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4100108B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Devices, systems, and techniques are described for adjusting therapy parameters defining electrical stimulation therapy delivered by multiple electrodes while maintaining a ratio of a value of a therapy parameter between the multiple electrodes. In one example, a device defines a relationship for multiple electrodes that defines a ratio of a value of a therapy parameter between the multiple electrodes. The device performs a master adjustment that adjusts each value of the therapy parameter for each respective electrode of the multiple electrodes by an amount specified by the relationship to maintain the ratio of the value of the therapy parameter between the multiple electrodes. The device controls delivery of electrical stimulation therapy according to the master adjustment.