Neurostimulation Electrode Programming With Reduced Search Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
The large search space of electrode configurations and stimulation parameter values in neuromodulation applications, such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), is time-consuming and burdensome for patients and clinicians, requiring extensive testing to find optimal settings.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing spatial information of electrodes relative to an anatomical region of interest (ROI) and physiological information collected by electrodes, the system reduces the search space by identifying a restricted electrode configuration and parameter search space, facilitating efficient determination of optimal stimulation settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the full search space of electrode configurations and stimulation parameters is explored to ensure optimal therapy, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the time and burden on patients and clinicians increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes non-essential electrode configurations and parameter combinations from the search space. By identifying and eliminating configurations that are unlikely to produce therapeutic effects (such as those that do not engage target tissue or produce excessive side effects), the system reduces the programming burden while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of electrode configurations and parameter settings before full programming. By pre-identifying promising configurations based on anatomical data, tissue properties, and therapeutic goals, the system prepares a reduced set of candidate settings that can be quickly evaluated during clinical programming, saving significant time.
2Measurement precision
If more electrode configurations and parameter combinations are tested to find the optimal setting, then stimulation precision is improved, but the complexity of the programming process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the programming process into distinct phases: initial configuration selection, parameter optimization, and fine-tuning. By dividing the search space into manageable segments and addressing them in sequence, the system maintains stimulation precision while reducing overall programming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different levels of detail and optimization to different regions of the search space. High-priority configurations that are most likely to succeed receive detailed analysis and optimization, while lower-priority configurations are evaluated more broadly. This localized approach maintains precision where needed while reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for reducing neurostimulation electrode configuration and parameter search space and controlling electrostimulation are discussed. An exemplary system includes an implantable stimulator to provide electrostimulation via a lead comprising a plurality of electrodes, and a programming device. The programing device receives electrode position information relative to an anatomical region of interest or physiological signals respectively sensed by the plurality of electrodes, and identifies a search space of electrode configurations and parameter values for the lead with respect to the neural target. The programing device can determine a target stimulation setting based on a clinical response to electrostimulation delivered using electrodes and stimulation parameter values from the identified search space, and generate a control signal to the control the implantable stimulator to deliver electrostimulation in accordance with the target stimulation setting.