Neurostimulation Timing Coordination for Interpulse Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable neurostimulation systems face challenges in sensing electrical parameter information during stimulation procedures due to interference with therapy delivery and insufficient sampling rates, making on-the-fly closed-loop control difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that coordinate stimulation and sensing timing channels to allow continuous therapy while sensing electrical parameters, such as impedance or field potentials, by using sub-threshold pulses and hold-off periods to avoid temporal overlap with active stimulation phases, enabling efficient and uninterrupted data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical parameter sensing is performed during stimulation procedure, then measurement precision is improved, but therapy delivery is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sensing during stimulation by utilizing specific time windows within the stimulation cycle. Electrical parameters are sensed periodically during interpulse intervals or between stimulation bursts, allowing measurement without continuous interruption of therapy. The sensing occurs in a periodic manner synchronized with the stimulation timing, enabling both accurate measurement and continuous therapy delivery.
2Measurement precision
If sensing sampling rate is increased for fast change detection, then measurement precision is improved, but therapy delivery is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs sensing actions preliminarily within predetermined time windows before therapy interruption would occur. Electrical parameters are sensed during interpulse intervals or just before stimulation phases, allowing fast change detection without requiring continuous high-rate sensing that would interrupt therapy. The sensing is timed in advance to capture critical changes while maintaining therapy continuity.
3Productivity
If continuous stimulation therapy is provided, then productivity is improved, but sensing capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by implementing sensing during non-therapeutic time windows within the stimulation cycle. Electrical parameters are sensed during interpulse intervals, between bursts, or during refractory periods when no stimulation is delivered. This allows continuous therapy delivery while capturing electrical parameter information during the gaps, ensuring both productivity and information collection are maintained.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of providing therapy to a patient implanted with an array of electrodes is provided. A train of electrical stimulation pulses is conveyed within a stimulation timing channel between a group of the electrodes to stimulate neural tissue, thereby providing continuous therapy to the patient. Electrical parameter is sensed within a sensing timing channel using at least one of the electrodes, wherein the first stimulation timing channel and sensing timing channel are coordinated, such that the electrical parameter is sensed during the conveyance of the pulse train within time slots that do not temporally overlap any active phase of the stimulation pulses.