Threshold Optimization for Nerve Stimulation Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nerve stimulation therapies face challenges in determining optimal parameter settings for individual patients, leading to inefficient energy use and potential battery drain in implantable medical devices, as each patient has unique tolerance levels and reactions to stimulation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves delivering electrical signals with varying parameters to determine upper and lower threshold settings through parameter sweeps, using a temporary or permanent electrode to measure responses and iteratively adjust parameters to find an optimal therapeutic window, optimizing energy efficiency and extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different current levels and frequencies are used for nerve stimulation, then therapeutic effectiveness may be improved for individual patients, but battery drain increases and device energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs parameter sweeps to systematically vary current levels and frequencies, then uses threshold optimization to determine the minimal effective parameters for each patient. This identifies the optimal operating point that achieves therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures electrical responses from the nerve tissue during parameter sweeps and uses this feedback to determine threshold values. This feedback mechanism enables the system to identify the minimal parameter settings that produce therapeutic effects, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption from overly aggressive parameter choices.
2Use of energy by moving object
If parameter settings are optimized for each individual patient, then energy efficiency improves, but the complexity of determining optimal parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs threshold optimization and parameter sweep measurements during the surgical implantation process, before the device begins long-term operation. This preliminary characterization of the patient-nerve-system interaction simplifies future operation, as the optimized parameters can be programmed into the implantable medical device in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs parameter sweeps and threshold optimization without requiring manual adjustment by the physician. The implantable medical device autonomously measures electrical responses, determines threshold values, and identifies optimal parameters, reducing the complexity burden on the healthcare provider.
3Measurement precision
If extensive parameter testing is performed to determine optimal settings, then therapeutic window accuracy improves, but surgical time and procedure duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic electrical signals at varying frequencies and amplitudes during the parameter sweep process. This periodic stimulation pattern allows for efficient measurement of neural responses across multiple parameters simultaneously, achieving accurate therapeutic window determination without requiring excessive measurement 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
This approach allows for the determination of a known, optimal range of parameter settings for nerve stimulation therapy, reducing the need for trial and error and ensuring improved energy efficiency in implantable medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
an implantable medical device having a pulse generator for electrically stimulating (i.e., applying an electrical signal to) a target location of the patient's neural tissue
Implementation Method 2
measuring a voltage of the nerve in response to the electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for determining an optimal therapeutic window of parameter settings for nerve stimulation therapy are described herein. The disclosed techniques generally utilize one or more parameter sweeps to determine upper and lower threshold settings. The determination of the optimal therapeutic window may be performed during or after implantation.