Neuromodulation Scheduling Patterns for Time-Varying Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neuromodulation therapies fail to account for daily variations in patient medication levels, leading to undertreatment or overtreatment due to constant therapy delivery.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device system with a controller that adjusts stimulation patterns based on daily temporal patterns and patient events, such as medication intake or sleep cycles, using separate adjustment parameters to modify amplitude and frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant therapy is delivered by the neuromodulation system, then the system operation is simple and stable, but the patient may be undertreated or overtreated due to variations in medication concentration throughout the day
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant therapy delivery to dynamic, time-varying stimulation patterns. The controller modifies stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) based on temporal patterns and patient events such as medication intake, creating a dynamic system that adapts to changing patient needs throughout the day.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying stimulation amplitude, pulse width, and frequency over time according to predefined temporal patterns and patient events. The system automatically adjusts these parameters without requiring manual reprogramming, allowing the therapy to match the patient's medication concentration profile and symptom variability.
2Measurement precision
If the stimulation pattern is frequently adjusted to match patient needs, then treatment precision is improved, but the device complexity and programming burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming temporal patterns and adjustment parameters before therapy delivery begins. The system is configured with anticipated patient events (e.g., medication times, sleep-wake cycles) and predefined stimulation patterns that automatically activate based on these pre-set conditions, eliminating the need for real-time programming decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically selecting and applying appropriate stimulation patterns based on detected patient events or elapsed time. The controller autonomously modifies therapy parameters according to the pre-programmed temporal patterns without requiring continuous user intervention or complex real-time programming, reducing the programming burden while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment parameters are used to customize therapy, then adaptability to patient conditions is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex therapy delivery into distinct temporal patterns and separate adjustment parameters. Each temporal pattern represents a specific time period or patient state with predefined stimulation characteristics, allowing the system to handle multiple parameters independently and systematically, making customization more manageable despite the complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for adjusting neural therapy patterns of a neuromodulation system in response to each of patient events and passage of time. Initial stimulation parameters are set and used to start a stimulation period. As time passes or events occur, the neuromodulation system adjusts the stimulation parameters according to a preset temporal pattern. Further examples include handling of patient requests for therapy changes, and acute testing for complex stimulation patterns.