Neuromodulation Programming Circuit with Adaptive Stimulation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current neurostimulation systems face challenges in programming implantable devices to deliver customized and timely neuromodulation therapies, as they often respond with unintended sensations and movements due to simple patterns of artificial stimulation, and require frequent adjustments to maintain efficacy as patient conditions change.

Innovation Solution

A neurostimulation system with a programming control circuit and user interface that allows for the generation and adjustment of stimulation parameters, including stimulation frequencies, waveforms, and electrode configurations, enabling safe and efficacious delivery of neurostimulation pulses through multiple electrodes, with features like compatible frequency computation and arbitration to avoid simultaneous pulse delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If simple patterns of artificial stimulation are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the nervous system responds with unintended sensations and movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation pattern complexityVSAvoidunintended sensations and movements

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic stimulation patterns that adapt in real-time based on physiological feedback. The system adjusts stimulation parameters (amplitude, frequency, pulse width) dynamically rather than using fixed simple patterns, allowing the stimulation to respond to changing neural states and prevent unintended sensations while maintaining manageable device complexity through algorithmic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic stimulation delivery with varying intervals and patterns. By using structured periodic action with different pulse trains and timing patterns rather than continuous or uniformly simple patterns, the system achieves more sophisticated neural modulation effects that prevent harmful responses while keeping the control logic manageable through temporal structuring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If sophisticated pulse patterns are customized and updated timely, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but programming of the stimulation device becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse pattern customizationVSAvoidprogramming difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-adjusting stimulation parameters that automatically adapt based on physiological measurements and pre-programmed algorithms. The device performs self-optimization of pulse patterns without requiring manual reprogramming by clinicians, allowing sophisticated customized patterns to be delivered automatically while simplifying operation through autonomous adaptation to patient needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback loops where physiological signals are continuously monitored and used to adjust stimulation parameters automatically. This closed-loop system enables timely updates of pulse patterns based on real-time patient response, achieving high adaptability while reducing programming complexity by replacing manual intervention with automated feedback-driven adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Area of stationary object

If multiple electrodes deliver neurostimulation pulses simultaneously, then coverage area is increased, but pulse timing conflicts occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation coverage areaVSAvoidpulse timing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the stimulation delivery into segmented time slots or channels for different electrode groups. By segmenting the simultaneous delivery into coordinated sequential phases with precise timing control, the system maintains broad coverage area through multiple electrodes while avoiding timing conflicts through structured temporal separation and synchronization protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11298545B2Method and apparatus for programming neuromodulation devices

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

AI summary

An example of a system for delivering neurostimulation may include a programming control circuit and a user interface. The programming control circuit may be configured to generate stimulation parameters controlling delivery of neurostimulation pulses according to one or more stimulation waveforms associated with areas of stimulation each defined by a set of electrodes. The neurostimulation pulses are each delivered to an area of stimulation. The user interface may include a display screen and an interface control circuit. The interface control circuit may be configured to define the one or more stimulation waveforms and the areas of stimulation, and may include a stimulation frequency module configured to display a stimulation rate table on the display screen. The stimulation rate table may present stimulation frequencies associated with each of the areas of stimulation for selection by a user.