Neurostimulation Electrode Activation Pattern Adjustment for Axial Dislocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inadvertent axial movements of the stimulator shaft in electrical neurostimulation systems can impair the effectiveness of pain therapy by altering the position of electrodes relative to the nerve to be stimulated.
Innovation Solution
A determining device is used to detect axial dislocations of the stimulator shaft, and a control device adjusts the electrode activation pattern accordingly, ensuring that the stimulation remains effective by maintaining or approximating the original position relative to the nerve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stimulator shaft is positioned close to the nerve to be treated, then the stimulation effectiveness is improved, but the system becomes sensitive to axial dislocations that can occur during insertion or use
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the impedance pattern along the stimulator shaft and compares it to detect changes indicating axial dislocation. When a dislocation is detected, the control device automatically adjusts the electrode activation pattern to compensate for the position change, maintaining effective nerve stimulation despite the dislocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrode activation pattern parameters (which electrodes are activated and in what sequence) in response to detected axial dislocation. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains optimal stimulation effectiveness despite changes in the physical position of the stimulator shaft relative to the nerve.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are arranged adjacently along the longitudinal axis, then the precision of electrode activation pattern positioning is improved, but the complexity of controlling and monitoring the activation pattern increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the stimulator shaft into multiple discrete electrode segments arranged along the longitudinal axis. Each electrode can be independently controlled and monitored, allowing precise positioning of the activation pattern while managing complexity through modular control of individual segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical positioning and adjustment mechanisms with an electrical control approach. Instead of physically adjusting the stimulator shaft or electrodes to maintain optimal positioning, the control device uses electrical signals to dynamically adjust the activation pattern, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode activation pattern is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to axial dislocations and patient feedback is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed electrode activation pattern to a dynamic, adjustable pattern. The control device continuously adapts the activation pattern based on real-time impedance monitoring and patient feedback, allowing the system to respond to axial dislocations and changing physiological conditions while managing complexity through algorithmic control.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical neurostimulation system, which can be used in pain therapy, includes a stimulator having a shaft and a distal end having a plurality of electrodes arranged along an axis of the shaft and configured for outputting electrical stimuli to a body tissue surrounding the shaft. A control device is connected to the electrodes for controlling the output of the electrical stimuli. The electrodes can be activated and deactivated independently of one another by the control device and activated for forming different electrode activation patterns along the axis. A determining device can determine an axial dislocation of the shaft. The control device is connected to the determining device and can axially move the electrode activation pattern by a change of the activation and deactivation of the electrodes as a function of the axial dislocation, to locally adapt output of the electrical stimuli to the axial dislocation of the shaft.