Neuromodulation System Starting and Ending Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation systems, particularly those using spinal cord stimulation, often cause erratic movements and non-physiological responses due to sudden stimulation onset, making it difficult for patients to control movements and functions like locomotion, autonomic functions, and muscle activations.
Innovation Solution
A neuromodulation system with a starting sequence and ending sequence that gradually adjusts stimulation parameters, such as amplitude and frequency, before and after the main stimulation block, to prevent sudden shocks and promote physiological responses, using pre-pulses and pulse ramping to condition the neural circuitry and ensure controlled movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sudden stimulation is applied to activate neural circuits, then motor function restoration is achieved, but erratic movements and non-physiological responses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies a pre-pulse before the main stimulation block to condition the neural circuitry in advance. This preliminary action prepares the neural pathways for the upcoming stimulation, preventing erratic responses while maintaining motor function restoration benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation is delivered in a structured pattern with periodic pre-pulses preceding main stimulation blocks. This periodic structure allows the neural system to adapt rhythmically, reducing non-physiological responses while preserving therapeutic effects.
2Reliability
If stimulation parameters are abruptly changed, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort and physiological response deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Stimulation parameters are adjusted gradually through pre-pulses that incrementally change amplitude and other parameters before the main therapy block. This preliminary parameter adjustment prevents sudden shocks while maintaining therapy effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time, transitioning from lower intensity pre-pulses to higher intensity main stimulation blocks. This dynamic adaptation allows effective therapy delivery while minimizing patient discomfort and physiological disruption.
3Reliability
If high intensity stimulation is applied to restore autonomic function, then physiological control is improved, but non-physiological responses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system conditions autonomic neural pathways using pre-pulses before applying high-intensity stimulation for autonomic function restoration. This preliminary conditioning ensures that high-intensity stimulation produces physiological rather than erratic responses.
Solution Approach 2:
Stimulation parameters such as amplitude, pulse width, and frequency are systematically changed from low to high levels through pre-pulses before reaching therapeutic intensity. This parameter progression ensures autonomic function control is achieved while maintaining physiological response patterns.
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AI summary
A neuromodulation system (10) for planning and/or adjusting and/or providing a neuromodulation therapy, comprising: - at least one neuromodulation means (12) configured to provide neuromodulation at least partially by means of neurostimulation; - at least one neuromodulation controller (14) configured to control the neuromodulation means (12), wherein the neuromodulation controller (14) is further configured to control the neuromodulation means (12) at the beginning of a neuromodulation action including neurostimulation that the neurostimulation comprises a starting sequence and/or at the end of a neuromodulation action including neurostimulation that the neurostimulation comprises an ending sequence. The invention further relates the use of a neuromodulation system in a method for the treatment of a patient.