Rechargeable Neuromodulation Pulse Generator for CAP-Guided Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation devices face challenges in maintaining stimulus amplitude within a therapeutic range due to electrode migration and postural changes, which can lead to ineffective or painful neural stimulation, especially when charging, as the charging process interferes with the measurement of compound action potential (CAP) signals used for feedback control.
Innovation Solution
An implantable pulse generator device with a processor that selectively transitions between charging and measurement modes, allowing it to cease receiving electromagnetic radiation during CAP signal measurement, enabling accurate feedback-based adjustment of neural stimulus amplitude and maintaining effective and comfortable stimulation even during charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the device receives electromagnetic radiation for charging, then the energy storage device is charged, but the measurement of CAP signals is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The device alternates between charging mode and measurement mode in periodic cycles. During charging mode, the device receives electromagnetic radiation to charge the energy storage device. During measurement mode, the device measures CAP signals without receiving electromagnetic radiation. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by separating the two functions in time, allowing both charging and accurate measurement to occur without interference.
2Reliability
If the device operates in closed-loop mode to adjust stimulus amplitude, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements closed-loop control by measuring CAP signals and using them as feedback to adjust the stimulus amplitude. The processor continuously monitors the CAP signal characteristics and modifies the stimulation parameters to maintain optimal therapeutic effect. This feedback mechanism improves reliability by ensuring consistent therapeutic effectiveness while adapting to changes in electrode position or tissue properties.
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 closed-loop neural stimulation (CLNS) by allowing the device to measure and adjust stimulus amplitude based on CAP signals without interference from the charging process, ensuring consistent therapeutic effects and patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
receive, in a charging mode, electromagnetic radiation from a charging device wherein the electromagnetic radiation transfers energy to the implantable device to charge an energy storage device
Implementation Method 2
measure, in a measurement mode, an electrical field parameter signal representing a neural response
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable pulse generator device (110) comprising a processor (117) configured to: receive, in a charging mode, electromagnetic radiation (106) from a charging device (102) wherein the electromagnetic radiation (106) transfers energy to the implantable device (110) to charge an energy storage device (104); measure, in a measurement mode, an electrical field parameter signal representing a neural response; and selectively transition between the charging mode and the measurement mode, such that the implantable device (110) does not receive electromagnetic radiation (106) from the charging device (102) during the measurement of the electrical field parameter signal.