Nerve Location Mapping via Electrode Stimulation Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical electrical stimulation devices for implantable nerve stimulators face challenges in efficiently determining optimal stimulation thresholds for each electrode, leading to prolonged programming times and potential side effects, as existing methods require extensive testing of various electrode combinations and parameters to deliver effective therapy without unacceptable side effects.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining stimulation thresholds for each electrode by iteratively increasing stimulation intensity until a perceivable sensation is reached, mapping the location of nerves relative to electrodes based on these thresholds, and clustering electrodes with similar characteristics to create efficient stimulation programs, thereby reducing programming time and improving therapy efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extensive testing of various electrode combinations and parameters is performed to deliver effective therapy, then therapy efficacy is improved, but programming time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining stimulation thresholds for each electrode before conducting extensive therapy testing. The method first identifies which electrodes can effectively stimulate the target nerve by applying incremental stimulation and detecting perceivable sensations. This preliminary threshold determination creates a foundation of known effective electrodes, allowing subsequent therapy programming to focus only on combinations involving these validated electrodes, thereby reducing overall programming time while maintaining therapy efficacy.
2Measurement precision
If stimulation intensity is increased to reach perceivable sensation threshold, then electrode effectiveness is determined, but risk of side effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using incremental, stepwise increases in stimulation intensity rather than continuous high-level stimulation. The method involves applying stimulation at progressively higher intensities (e.g., increasing by fixed increments) until a perceivable sensation is detected. This periodic, controlled escalation allows for precise threshold determination while minimizing the duration and intensity of high-level stimulation exposure, thereby reducing the risk of side effects while maintaining accurate measurement of electrode effectiveness.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are tested individually to map nerve locations, then mapping precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electrode testing process into individual, discrete steps where each electrode is tested separately to determine its stimulation threshold and map its relationship to the target nerve. The system segments the overall mapping task into independent electrode evaluations, recording the stimulation intensity required to elicit a perceivable sensation for each electrode. This segmented approach maintains high mapping precision by considering each electrode's unique characteristics while organizing the complexity into manageable, systematic steps that can be automated and standardized.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable nerve stimulator is implanted in a patient near a nerve target. The implantable nerve stimulator has a plurality of electrodes through which stimulation is provided to the nerve target. The relative location of the nerve target and the electrodes may be determined by applying stimulation to the nerves via each of the electrodes, determining an effect of the stimulation for each of the electrodes, and mapping a location of the nerve relative to the electrodes based on the effect of the stimulation for each of the electrodes.