Neuromodulation System Energy Optimization via Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency neuromodulation therapies for conditions like chronic pain require high energy levels, leading to frequent device recharging, which is inconvenient and inefficient compared to low- to mid-frequency therapies.
Innovation Solution
An electrical neuromodulation system that automatically adjusts modulation parameters such as pulse rate, amplitude, and electrode combination to minimize energy consumption while achieving therapeutic goals, using feedback indicators to determine the optimal parameter settings that reduce energy usage without compromising treatment efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-frequency neuromodulation therapy is used to treat chronic pain, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases leading to frequent device recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts neuromodulation parameters (frequency, amplitude, pulse width) based on real-time feedback from sensors monitoring therapeutic response and energy consumption levels. This allows the system to optimize the balance between therapeutic effectiveness and energy usage, maintaining high-frequency therapy when needed while reducing frequency when lower energy modes suffice for pain management
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor therapeutic outcomes and energy consumption, and this information is used to automatically adjust modulation parameters. The feedback loop enables the system to learn optimal parameter combinations that achieve pain relief with minimal energy expenditure, preventing frequent recharging while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
2Reliability
If high-frequency electrical pulses are delivered to achieve therapeutic goals, then pain relief is improved, but battery life decreases requiring frequent recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by alternating between high-frequency neuromodulation pulses for acute pain relief and lower-frequency or idle states for energy conservation. The controller modulates the duty cycle of high-frequency pulses, delivering intense therapy only when necessary and allowing the battery to conserve energy during less critical periods, thereby extending overall battery life while maintaining pain relief effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (frequency, amplitude, pulse duration) based on therapeutic needs and battery status. When battery charge levels decrease, the system automatically adjusts parameters to reduce energy consumption while attempting to maintain adequate pain relief. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to extend battery life without completely sacrificing therapeutic effectiveness
3Reliability
If modulation parameters are increased to enhance therapeutic effect, then treatment efficacy is improved, but energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by delivering modulation pulses at just sufficient amplitude and frequency to achieve therapeutic effect, avoiding excessive parameter settings that would consume unnecessary energy. The feedback-controlled system determines the minimum effective parameters needed for pain relief and operates at those levels, reducing overall energy requirements while maintaining treatment efficacy
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
The system effectively reduces energy requirements for high-frequency neuromodulation, extending battery life and reducing the need for frequent recharging while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
electrical energy conveyed between at least one cathodic electrode and at least one anodic electrode creates an electrical field, which when strong enough, depolarizes (or 'stimulates') the neurons beyond a threshold level
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical neuromodulation system and method of meeting a therapeutic goal for a patient using a neuromodulation device. A modulation parameter value is varied by a step size. The neurostimulation device instructs the neuromodulation device to deliver electrical energy to at least one electrode in accordance with the varied modulation parameter value. A therapeutic feedback indicator is compared to a threshold in response to the delivery of the electrical energy. Whether the therapeutic goal has been met is determined based on the comparison, and the previous steps are repeated to determine the modulation parameter value at the resolution of the step size that minimizes energy consumption of the neuromodulation device required to meet the therapeutic goal when delivering the electrical energy to the electrode(s) in accordance with the varied modulation parameter value.