Multi-channel Neuromodulation Pulse Train Merging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-channel neuromodulation systems face limitations in modulation flexibility due to restricted pulse amplitude and rate capabilities in individual timing channels, which restrict the complexity and combination of electrical pulse trains that can be delivered to target tissue regions.
Innovation Solution
A neuromodulation system that combines multiple electrical pulse trains from different timing channels to create a single combined pulse train with characteristics such as enhanced pulse amplitude, varied pulse rate, or complex burst patterns, exceeding the limitations of individual channels, using control circuitry and modulation output circuitry to achieve these combined effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple timing channels are used to deliver electrical pulse trains to different tissue regions, then the ability to treat multiple regions simultaneously is improved, but the pulse amplitude and rate capabilities of individual channels remain limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual pulse trains from different timing channels into a single composite pulse train that is delivered through a common electrode. This merging allows the system to achieve higher effective pulse amplitudes and more complex stimulation patterns than any single channel could produce independently, while still maintaining the ability to address multiple tissue regions through the coordinated operation of multiple channels
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of electrodes and modulation parameters is increased to enhance treatment flexibility, then the ability to stimulate different tissue regions is improved, but the complexity of programming and selecting optimal parameter sets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stimulation delivery into multiple independent timing channels, each with its own electrode combination and modulation parameters. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high treatment flexibility through multiple configurable channels while simplifying programming, as each channel can be independently optimized and controlled without requiring complex coordination between parameters
3Power
If individual timing channels are configured with high pulse amplitude and rate capabilities, then the ability to stimulate tissue effectively is improved, but the system cannot deliver complex combined pulse patterns that exceed single-channel limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pulse trains from channels with moderate individual capabilities into a composite pulse train that achieves higher effective amplitudes and more complex patterns. By combining the output of multiple channels through a common electrode, the system achieves the benefits of high power delivery while maintaining modulation flexibility through the coordinated operation of multiple channels with different parameter sets
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A neuromodulation system (14) comprises a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to electrodes (108), modulation output circuitry (100) configured for respectively outputting a plurality of individual electrical pulse trains in a plurality of timing channels to the electrical terminals, wherein each of the timing channels prevents the respective pulse train from having a specific characteristic, and control circuitry (114) configured for controlling the modulation output circuitry in a manner that outputs the pulse trains to a common set of the electrical terminals, thereby creating a combined electrical pulse train at the common set of electrical terminals that has the specific characteristic. A method of providing therapy to a patient comprises delivering a plurality of electrical pulse trains respectively in a plurality of timing channels to a common set of electrodes implanted within the patient, thereby creating a combined electrical pulse train at the common set of electrical terminals.