Closed-Loop Nerve Stimulation Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nerve stimulation systems for treating chronic pain face challenges in maintaining a consistent level of paresthesia due to movement, which can lead to either inadequate pain relief or increased discomfort, as the position of stimulation electrodes relative to the target nerve tissue changes.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a stimulation lead with both stimulation and sensing electrodes, where the sensing electrodes detect compound action potentials and transmit signals to a controller to adjust stimulation parameters such as amplitude and pulse width, ensuring a constant level of paresthesia by maintaining the optimal intensity of nerve fiber stimulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the stimulation electrode position changes due to body movement, then the intensity of stimulation varies, but the level of paresthesia becomes inconsistent and pain relief effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of paresthesia levelVSAvoidmaintaining optimal stimulation intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a closed-loop feedback mechanism where sensing electrodes detect compound action potentials from stimulated nerve fibers, and the controller adjusts stimulation parameters based on detected signal amplitude to maintain constant paresthesia level despite electrode movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically monitors and adjusts its own stimulation parameters through the feedback loop, eliminating the need for manual readjustment by the patient when movement occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the electrode moves closer to the target nerve tissue, then stimulation intensity increases, but the person experiences additional pain in the affected region

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of stimulation intensityVSAvoidexcessive stimulation causing pain

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback mechanism detects increased compound action potential amplitude when electrodes move closer to nerve tissue and automatically reduces stimulation intensity to prevent excessive stimulation and associated pain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary action by continuously monitoring compound action potentials and preemptively adjusting stimulation parameters to prevent harmful excessive stimulation before it occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If the electrode moves away from the target nerve tissue, then stimulation intensity decreases, but the person experiences insufficient pain relief

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of stimulation intensityVSAvoidinsufficient pain relief

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback mechanism detects decreased compound action potential amplitude when electrodes move away from nerve tissue and automatically increases stimulation intensity to maintain effective pain relief

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach reduces the likelihood of discomfort from excessive or insufficient stimulation by maintaining a consistent level of paresthesia, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of pain relief and stability of the treatment.

Implementation Method 1

detect a compound action potential associated with each stimulation pulse, and to transmit one or more signals reflecting one or more detected compound action potentials. The compound action potential associated with each stimulation pulse comprises the action potentials of the plurality of nerve fibers within the nerve pathway that are stimulated by that stimulation pulse.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompound action potential:

Implementation Method 2

Each stimulation pulse induces an action potential in each of a plurality of stimulated nerve fibers within the nerve pathway.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAction potential generation:

Data Source

PatentUS7450992B1Method for controlling or regulating therapeutic nerve stimulation using electrical feedback

Publication Date: 2008.11.11 ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A stimulation system includes a stimulation source, an implantable stimulation lead, an implantable sensing device, and a controller. The stimulation source generates and transmits stimulation pulses to stimulation electrodes on the stimulation lead. The stimulation electrodes deliver the stimulation pulses to target nerve tissue in a nerve pathway to cause paresthesia in a portion of the person's body. Each stimulation pulse induces an action potential in a number of nerve fibers in the nerve pathway. The sensing device includes sensing electrodes positioned proximate the nerve pathway that detect compound action potentials of nerve fibers stimulated by the stimulation pulses. The controller modifies the stimulation pulses generated by the stimulation source and delivered to the target nerve tissue by the stimulation electrodes based on the detected compound action potentials to maintain a substantially constant level of paresthesia in the portion of the person's body.