Neurostimulation Pulsed Waveforms for Colored Noise Without Tissue Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neurostimulation waveforms with long anodic or cathodic phases can lead to tissue damage due to irreversible Faraday reactions and electrode corrosion, despite maintaining a power spectral density similar to colored noise.
Innovation Solution
Generate pulsed waveforms that approximate colored noise using thresholding and optimization methods, limiting pulse widths to reduce tissue damage and corrosion, while maintaining the desired power spectral density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If colored noise waveforms with long anodic or cathodic phases are used to maintain power spectral density similar to colored noise, then the power spectral density is improved, but tissue damage and electrode corrosion occur due to irreversible Faraday reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the waveform parameters (pulse width, amplitude, duty cycle) to create pulsed waveforms that maintain the desired power spectral density while limiting the duration of anodic or cathodic phases. This resolves the contradiction by changing the temporal parameters of the waveform to prevent tissue damage while preserving the spectral characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by implementing pulsed waveforms with alternating anodic and cathodic phases. The periodic switching between polarities prevents the accumulation of substances that would otherwise cause tissue damage, while maintaining the overall power spectral density similar to colored noise through careful control of pulse timing and duration.
2Reliability
If colored noise waveforms with long anodic or cathodic phases are used to maintain power spectral density similar to colored noise, then the power spectral density is improved, but electrode corrosion occurs due to oxidation of metallic electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the waveform parameters (pulse width, amplitude, duty cycle) to create pulsed waveforms that maintain the desired power spectral density while limiting the duration of anodic or cathodic phases. This resolves the contradiction by changing the temporal parameters of the waveform to prevent tissue damage while preserving the spectral characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by implementing pulsed waveforms with alternating anodic and cathodic phases. The periodic switching between polarities prevents the accumulation of substances that would otherwise cause tissue damage, while maintaining the overall power spectral density similar to colored noise through careful control of pulse timing and duration.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If charge balanced or slightly imbalanced biphasic waveforms are used to avoid irreversible Faraday reactions, then tissue damage is prevented, but the power spectral density may deviate from colored noise characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically adjusting waveform parameters (pulse width, amplitude, duty cycle, inter-pulse intervals) to achieve both charge balance and colored noise spectral characteristics. This resolves the contradiction by finding optimal parameter combinations that satisfy both safety requirements and spectral fidelity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback by using optimization algorithms that iteratively adjust waveform parameters based on the calculated power spectral density and charge balance metrics. This feedback loop enables the system to converge on parameter sets that simultaneously prevent tissue damage and maintain accurate colored noise spectral characteristics.
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
The described waveforms effectively treat neurological disorders and chronic pain by restoring neuronal activity to normal states, reducing tissue damage and electrode corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
The neurostimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator communicatively coupled to the stimulation lead and configured to generate a pulsed waveform that approximates colored noise using at least one of a thresholding method and an optimization method
Implementation Method 2
the long phase duration may, in some scenarios, be detrimental to tissue, due to the accumulation of substances as a result of irreversible Faraday reactions at the interface
Implementation Method 3
or due to electrode corrosion by oxidation of metallic electrodes
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for generating pulsed waveforms that approximate colored noise for use in a neurostimulation system. An implantable neurostimulation system includes an implantable stimulation lead including a plurality of contacts, and an implantable pulse generator communicatively coupled to the stimulation lead. The pulse generator is configured to generate a pulsed waveform that approximates colored noise using at least one of a thresholding method and an optimization method, and cause stimulation to be delivered by the stimulation lead based on the pulsed waveform.