Neuromodulation Pulse Train Modulation for Neural Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neuromodulation systems face limitations in effectively delivering pulsed electrical energy due to tonic stimulation, which can lead to neural tissue accommodation and habituation, and high-frequency modulation consumes excessive energy, requiring frequent charging.
Innovation Solution
A neuromodulation system that allows users to define and modulate pulse amplitude, rate, and duration of electrical pulse trains using user-selectable signal shapes such as sinusoidal, triangular, and ramp waves, enabling tailored energy delivery to neural tissue with reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-frequency modulation is used to deliver pulsed electrical energy, then the efficacy of neural stimulation is improved, but energy consumption increases excessively requiring frequent charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pulse train characteristics (amplitude, frequency, duration) variable and adaptable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts these parameters based on real-time neural responses and therapeutic requirements, allowing optimization of energy consumption while maintaining stimulation efficacy. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to use high-frequency modulation only when and where needed, rather than continuously at maximum intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters of the electrical pulse train including amplitude, frequency, pulse width, and pattern to optimize the balance between efficacy and energy consumption. By varying these parameters adaptively, the system can achieve effective neural modulation with reduced overall energy demand, addressing the contradiction between stimulation effectiveness and power consumption.
2Device complexity
If tonic stimulation is used to deliver pulsed electrical energy, then the simplicity of the stimulation pattern is improved, but neural tissue accommodation and habituation occur reducing therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the use of pulsed electrical stimulation patterns with deliberate on-off cycles. Rather than continuous tonic stimulation, the system employs rhythmic pulsing with variable parameters that prevent neural accommodation. This periodic modulation maintains therapeutic effectiveness by continuously adapting to neural responses, resolving the contradiction between pattern simplicity and therapeutic efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic variability to the stimulation pattern by continuously adjusting pulse parameters based on real-time feedback. This dynamic approach prevents the neural tissue from adapting to a fixed pattern, thereby maintaining therapeutic effectiveness without requiring overly complex static designs. The dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the simplicity of the basic pulse pattern compatible with sustained therapeutic effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If fixed electrical pulse parameters are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different neural tissue responses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor neural responses and automatically adjust pulse parameters accordingly. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to different neural tissue responses while maintaining ease of operation, as the adjustments are made automatically rather than requiring manual reconfiguration. The feedback system resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability without sacrificing operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of pulse parameters based on real-time neural feedback, eliminating the need for manual intervention to optimize parameters for different tissues. This self-service capability provides adaptability to various neural responses while keeping the user interface simple, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
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
This approach enhances the flexibility and efficacy of neuromodulation by preventing tissue accommodation and minimizing energy expenditure, allowing for more precise and sustained neural stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
Electrical modulation energy may be delivered from the neuromodulator to the electrodes in the form of a pulsed electrical waveform. Thus, modulation energy may be controllably delivered to the electrodes to modulate neural tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
A neuromodulation system comprises a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to a plurality of electrodes, a user interface configured for receiving input from a user that selects one of a plurality of different shapes of a modulating signal and/or selects one of a plurality of different electrical pulse parameters of an electrical pulse train, neuromodulation output circuitry configured for outputting an electrical pulse train to the plurality of electrical terminals, and pulse train modulation circuitry configured for modulating the electrical pulse train in accordance with the selected shape of the modulating signal and/or selected electrical pulse parameter of the electrical pulse train.