Neurostimulation Lead Positioning via Cross-Lead Electrical Profiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation systems face challenges in accurately determining the relative positions of multiple leads without requiring extensive memory space, which is a limitation for implementing features like the Electronically Generated Lead Scan in remote controls and implantable pulse generators.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for measuring and estimating cross-lead electrical parameters to generate reference profiles for different lead stagger configurations, allowing for real-time comparison and quantification of longitudinal stagger between electrode leads, with optional graphical representation and programming of stimulation parameters based on the quantified lead positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the Electronically Generated Lead Scan feature is implemented in remote controls and implantable pulse generators, then lead position determination accuracy is improved, but memory space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lead position determination process into multiple steps: first measuring cross-lead electrical parameters to generate a measured electrical profile, then comparing it to reference profiles generated for different lead stagger configurations. This segmentation allows the system to determine lead positions without storing comprehensive pre-computed lookup tables, thereby reducing memory requirements while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies of the lead position determination process by generating reference electrical profiles through mathematical modeling rather than storing complete anatomical and electrical datasets. These reference profiles are computed on-demand for different stagger configurations, providing accurate lead position information without requiring extensive memory storage.
2Measurement precision
If fluoroscopic imaging is used to determine lead positions, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and increased complexity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fluoroscopic imaging system with an electronic measurement system that uses electrical field interactions between leads. By measuring cross-lead electrical parameters and comparing them to reference profiles generated through computational modeling, the system achieves lead position determination without requiring physical fluoroscopic imaging equipment, thereby reducing time loss and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical field measurements as an intermediary between the physical lead positions and the determination process. Instead of directly imaging leads with fluoroscopy, the system measures electrical parameters that indirectly reflect lead positions, using reference profiles as an intermediary computational model to translate electrical measurements into spatial information.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple reference profiles are stored for different lead stagger configurations, then programming accuracy is improved, but device complexity and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the reference profile generation dynamic rather than static. Instead of storing complete sets of reference profiles for all possible lead configurations, the system generates reference profiles on-demand based on the specific lead stagger configuration being evaluated. This dynamic approach maintains programming accuracy while reducing stored data requirements and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the reference profiles from comprehensive pre-computed datasets to simplified mathematical models that can be generated dynamically. By using parameter-based modeling rather than data-based storage, the system achieves accurate lead position determination across different stagger configurations without requiring extensive memory or complex data structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and neurostimulation control system for operating two leads disposed adjacent tissue of a patient are provided. A plurality of cross-lead electrical parameters are measured to generate a measured electrical profile of the electrode leads. A plurality of cross-lead electrical parameters are estimated to generate a first reference electrical profile for the electrode leads in a first known staggered configuration. The first reference electrical profile is spatially shifted to generate a second reference electrical profile for the electrode leads in a second known staggered configuration. The measured electrical profile is compared to the first and second reference electrical profiles, and a longitudinal stagger between the electrode leads is quantified based on the comparison.