Implantable Neural Stimulator Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for neural stimulation and cardiac rhythm management lack the ability to dynamically switch between different therapeutic modes and sensing configurations in response to various triggering events, such as changes in physiological conditions or user input, which limits their adaptability and effectiveness in providing optimal treatment.
Innovation Solution
An implantable device with stimulation and sensing circuitry, connected to electrodes and a controller that can switch between multiple modes, including neural stimulation, cardiac rhythm management, and drug therapy, in response to triggering events, allowing for adaptive therapy delivery and sensing configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device operates in a fixed mode with single therapy delivery, then the device structure remains simple, but the adaptability to different physiological conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements dynamic mode switching between stimulation and sensing operations based on detected physiological conditions. The controller automatically transitions between modes to adapt therapy delivery to changing physiological states, resolving the contradiction by making the device structure dynamically adaptable rather than statically complex
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions including neural stimulation, cardiac rhythm management, and sensing capabilities within a single implantable system. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to different therapeutic needs without requiring separate dedicated devices, improving versatility while maintaining integrated design
2Reliability
If the device continuously provides neural stimulation therapy, then the therapeutic effect is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic sensing operations to monitor physiological conditions and adjusts stimulation delivery based on detected changes. By intermittently sensing and conditionally stimulating rather than continuous operation, the device maintains therapeutic effectiveness while reducing overall energy consumption through event-driven therapy delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses sensing circuitry to detect physiological parameters and provides feedback to the controller to adjust stimulation therapy in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures consistent therapeutic effect by adapting stimulation to actual physiological needs, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption when therapy is not required
3Measurement precision
If the device uses sensed signal to provide neural stimulation therapy, then the therapy precision is improved, but the risk of signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediate controller that processes sensed signals before using them to control stimulation therapy. This intermediary processing layer filters and validates sensed signals to eliminate interference while preserving genuine physiological information, thereby maintaining therapy precision without being adversely affected by signal noise
4Reliability
If the device switches between multiple therapy modes, then the treatment effectiveness is enhanced, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements self-service through automatic mode switching based on pre-programmed physiological criteria. The controller autonomously determines when to switch between stimulation and sensing modes based on detected conditions, eliminating the need for complex external control systems and reducing control complexity while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present subject matter relate to an implantable device. Various device embodiments comprise at least one port to connect to at least one lead with at least electrode, stimulation circuitry connected to the at least one port and adapted to provide at least one neural stimulation therapy to at least one neural stimulation target using the at least one electrode, sensing circuitry connected to the at least one port and adapted to provide a sensed signal, and a controller connected to the stimulation circuitry to provide the at least one neural stimulation therapy and to the sensing circuitry to receive the sensed signal. In response to a triggering event, the controller is adapted to switch between at least two modes. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.