Neurostimulation Current Steering via Boundary-Adjusted Multipole Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation systems face challenges in efficiently programming stimulation parameter sets due to the vast number of electrode combinations and complex pulse patterns, leading to time-consuming navigation table development and limited flexibility in current steering, especially when dealing with varying electrode positions and stimulation inputs.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a user-controlled input device to generate directional control signals, modifying ideal multipole configurations to match the electrode array's spatial relationship, allowing for on-the-fly current steering and optimal electrode spacing to minimize current dilution and amplitude fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional navigation table development is used to program stimulation parameter sets, then comprehensive electrode combinations can be achieved, but the programming process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode array into multiple independently controllable groups or channels, allowing selective activation of different electrode combinations without requiring comprehensive navigation tables. This segmentation enables clinicians to program specific electrode groups for targeted stimulation, reducing the complexity of programming while maintaining versatile electrode combination coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts current distribution across electrodes in real-time based on selected parameters, rather than relying on pre-defined static navigation tables. This dynamic current steering capability allows flexible reconfiguration of electrode combinations on-the-fly, significantly reducing programming time while maintaining adaptability to different clinical needs.
2Ease of operation
If fixed electrode configurations are used, then programming is simplified, but flexibility in current steering is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic current steering capabilities that allow real-time adjustment of current distribution across multiple electrode groups. The system can shift current focus along the electrode array in rostro-caudal and medial-lateral directions, providing flexible current steering without requiring complex pre-programmed navigation tables, thus maintaining both ease of operation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables independent adjustment of multiple stimulation parameters including current amplitude, pulse width, frequency, and electrode group selection. By allowing dynamic parameter changes during operation, the system achieves flexible current steering while maintaining simple programming through intuitive parameter control rather than complex configuration tables.
3Measurement precision
If ideal multipole configurations are not adjusted for electrode array boundaries, then theoretical optimal configurations can be used, but current dilution and amplitude fluctuations occur at lead boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality adjustment by modifying ideal multipole configurations based on their specific position within the electrode array. When multipole configurations approach lead boundaries, the system locally adjusts the configuration parameters to account for the reduced number of available electrodes, preventing current dilution and amplitude fluctuations while maintaining theoretical optimality where applicable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the actual current distribution and stimulation effectiveness at different electrode configurations. This feedback allows real-time optimization of multipole configurations, particularly at lead boundaries, ensuring consistent stimulation reliability while maintaining theoretical accuracy in the optimal configuration design.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for an neurostimulator coupled to electrodes. The system comprises a input device configured for generating directional control signals, and memory storing ideal multipole configurations. The system further comprises control circuitry configured for defining the ideal multipole configurations relative to the electrodes in response to the directional control signals, determining a spatial relationship between at least one of the defined ideal multipole configurations and the maximum extent of the electrodes, modifying the defined ideal multipole configurations based on the determined spatial relationship, such that the modified ideal multipole configurations are spatially within the maximum extent of the electrodes, generating stimulation parameter sets respectively corresponding to the modified ideal multipole configurations, each stimulation parameter set defining relative amplitude values for the electrodes that emulate the respective modified ideal multipole configuration, and instructing the neurostimulator to convey electrical energy to the electrodes in accordance with the stimulation parameter sets.