Multichannel Spinal Cord Stimulator with Segmented Pulse Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive spinal cord stimulation technologies face challenges in accurately localizing electrodes and delivering sufficient current amplitude to induce locomotor responses in patients with severe spinal cord trauma or disease, as existing devices often lack precision in targeting multiple spinal segments and roots, and have limited current amplitude, which is insufficient for patients with significant trauma or long-term spinal cord damage.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional device generating rhythmic bipolar and monopolar pulses with a maximum current amplitude of 300 mA, capable of stimulating multiple spinal segments and roots simultaneously, using five stimulation channels with adjustable pulse parameters, including frequency, amplitude, and duration, to enhance muscle activation and electrode localization precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-invasive transcutaneous stimulation is used, then patient safety and comfort are improved, but current amplitude and precision in targeting spinal segments are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the stimulation task into five independent stimulation channels, each capable of delivering current to specific spinal segments. This segmentation allows precise targeting of multiple spinal levels simultaneously while maintaining safe current distribution across the skin surface, resolving the contradiction between safety and sufficient current amplitude.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point stimulation to multi-dimensional stimulation by enabling simultaneous activation of five different spinal segments through five separate channels. This dimensional expansion allows the system to deliver adequate current amplitude to each targeted segment while distributing the total power load safely across multiple entry points on the skin.
2Device complexity
If existing stimulation devices are used, then simplicity is maintained, but precision in localizing and stimulating multiple spinal segments is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic control capabilities where each of the five stimulation channels can be independently configured and adjusted during operation. This dynamic flexibility allows precise localization and stimulation of multiple spinal segments without requiring a permanently complex hardware architecture, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precise spinal segment targeting by allowing independent parameter adjustment for each stimulation channel, including current amplitude, pulse frequency, and duration. This parameter variability enables precise control over which spinal segments are stimulated and to what degree, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and localization precision.
3Productivity
If high current amplitude is delivered to induce locomotor responses, then rehabilitation effectiveness is improved, but risk of skin burns increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the stimulation into five separate channels targeting different spinal segments, the device distributes the current amplitude load across multiple skin contact points. This segmentation allows each individual electrode to deliver safe current levels while the collective effect across all five channels achieves the high total stimulation intensity needed for effective rehabilitation, resolving the contradiction between productivity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The five-channel stimulation system acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the need for high current amplitude into a safe multi-point delivery system. Each channel serves as an intermediate pathway that delivers controlled current to specific spinal segments, collectively achieving the therapeutic effect without any single point exceeding safe current densities, thus preventing skin burns.
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 device effectively restores voluntary movements and improves rehabilitation outcomes for patients with severe motor disorders by precisely targeting spinal segments and roots, increasing the efficiency of spinal cord stimulation and reducing the risk of skin burns due to its ability to provide zero potential on the skin surface.
Implementation Method 1
electrical stimulation of the spinal cord is to conduct a direct (imposing of electrodes is carried out in medical conditions) electrical impact on a spinal cord of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the noninvasive stimulation of the spinal cord, intended for carrying out diagnostic tests and physiotherapy. A spinal cord electrostimulator includes five stimulation channels with an electrode system, each of the channels includes connected in series a voltage converter, a current generator and an output signal generator and it is configured to be able to generate the following rectangular pulses: rhythmic modulated bipolar, rhythmic modulated monopolar, rhythmic non-modulated monopolar, single non-modulated monopolar. The inputs of each of the channels are coupled to a microcontroller, which is connected to an indication unit, a control unit and a radio module. The microcontroller is configured to trigger at least one said channel, to select a triggering mode independently for each of the channels, to control each of said channels with parameters of the pulses and vary said parameters depending on a degree of damage to a spinal segment.