Epidural Stimulation With Multiple IPGs for Coordinated Motor Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional epidural electrical stimulation (EES) systems are limited to providing a single stimulation program at a time, typically activating motor function in a single limb or multiple limbs simultaneously, failing to address complete or partial paralysis of multiple limbs due to spinal cord injury (SCI).
Innovation Solution
An improved EES system with multiple implantable pulse generators (IPGs) and a multi-electrode array that allows independent delivery of multiple stimulation programs, coordinated to activate specific spinal cord regions for desired motor functions, such as standing and stepping, and includes wireless communication and a rechargeable power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional EES system provides a single stimulation program at a time, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to address complete or partial paralysis of multiple limbs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single EES unit into multiple independent IPGs, with each IPG responsible for stimulating specific spinal cord regions. This segmentation allows simultaneous independent control of multiple muscle groups in different limbs, enabling comprehensive treatment of complete or partial paralysis while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Each IPG is designed with multi-functionality to handle different stimulation programs for various muscle groups. The system can simultaneously execute multiple stimulation programs targeting different spinal cord regions, making the system universally applicable to different paralysis patterns and motor function requirements
2Reliability
If multiple stimulation programs are delivered simultaneously to activate different muscle groups, then the effectiveness for complete paralysis is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the stimulation control into multiple independent IPGs, each managing specific muscle groups. This segmentation ensures reliable simultaneous stimulation of different spinal cord regions without creating a single complex control system, as each IPG operates independently with its own programming
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple IPGs are merged into a single coordinated system that delivers multiple stimulation programs simultaneously. The external controller synchronizes the IPGs to achieve coordinated muscle activation for walking and other motor functions, combining the reliability of multiple programs with unified system management
3Measurement precision
If precise electrode placement is achieved using vertebral anatomical markers and intra-operative electrophysiology, then the stimulation accuracy is improved, but the surgical time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Vertebral anatomical markers are placed during the surgical procedure to establish reference points for precise electrode positioning. Intra-operative electrophysiological testing is performed immediately during surgery to verify electrode placement accuracy before closure, ensuring high precision without requiring postoperative adjustments or extended surgical time
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
Enables coordinated activation of multiple muscle groups, facilitating walking in individuals with complete paralysis by alternating stimulation of left and right leg motor pools, with precise electrode placement using vertebral anatomical markers and intra-operative electrophysiology for optimal targeting.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical signals activate the electrodes, thereby causing the electrodes to generate local electrical pulses according to the signals. The electrical pulses can stimulate muscle tissue in the paralyzed limb so as to activate motor function.
Data Source
AI summary
Epidural electrical stimulation (EES) systems and techniques for accessing and locating targeted spinal cord segments are disclosed. In some examples, a method includes providing a first set of electrodes of an EES system at a first set of locations on the dura mater of a spine of a mammal, the first set of locations on the dura mater corresponding to a first muscle group of the mammal; providing a second set of electrodes of the epidural electrical stimulation system at a second set of locations on the dura mater of the spine of the mammal, the second set of locations on the dura mater corresponding to a second muscle group of the mammal; and stimulating the first and second sets of locations on the dura mater by electrically energizing the first and second sets of electrodes, respectively, thereby activating the first and second muscle groups in a coordinated manner.