Open-Loop Neuromodulation System for Selective Muscle Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation systems for treating neurological disorders like spinal cord injury lack selectivity and controllability, leading to inefficient recovery and daily functionality due to poor network activation and muscle targeting, especially in environments outside clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
An open-loop phasic neuromodulation system that uses pre-programmed spatial and temporal stimulation patterns to activate specific muscle groups at precise times, allowing for cyclic activities like walking or blood circulation support without the need for complex feedback systems, combining invasive and non-invasive electrode arrays for efficient muscle recruitment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If closed-loop real-time monitoring systems are used for neuromodulation, then stimulation precision and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming stimulation patterns with spatial and temporal components before clinical use. The stimulation controller stores multiple pre-configured patterns that can be selected and executed without real-time modification, eliminating the need for complex closed-loop monitoring systems while maintaining precise delivery of therapeutically effective stimulation parameters.
2Measurement precision
If invasive electrode arrays are used for precise muscle targeting, then stimulation selectivity is improved, but patient comfort and safety risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the stimulation system into two distinct components: an invasive electrode array implanted near the spinal cord for precise neural targeting, and a separate external controller that stores and delivers pre-programmed stimulation patterns. This segmentation allows the invasive portion to be minimal and focused on neural activation while the complex pattern generation occurs externally, reducing overall patient risk.
3Device complexity
If pre-programmed stimulation patterns are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying patient conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a stimulation controller capable of storing and executing multiple types of pre-programmed patterns (spatial, temporal, and combined patterns) that can be adapted to various clinical conditions. The same device hardware can deliver different stimulation regimens for acute injury, chronic conditions, or rehabilitation phases by simply loading appropriate pre-programmed patterns, providing multi-functionality without increasing hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for neuromodulation and/or neurostimulation, for the treatment of a subject. The system comprises a stimulation controller, a stimulation pattern storage means including stimulation data connected to the stimulation controller, an electrical stimulation device and electrical interface between the electrical stimulation device and the subject, the electrical interface being connectable with a bio-interface of the nervous system of the subject. The stimulation data are pre-programmed patterns comprising spatial and temporal components, The stimulation controller sends configuration signals on the basis of the stimulation data to the electrical stimulation device such that via the electrical interface electrical stimulation is provided to the bio-interface, wherein the electrical stimulation provided is characterized by stimulation parameters that vary over time in a pre-programmed manner.