Neurostimulation Parameter Prioritization for Faster Therapy Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The extensive parameter search space in neurostimulation systems, such as SCS, DBS, and PNS, requires a significant amount of time to find the optimal combination of stimulation parameters, which is daunting for clinicians due to the numerous programmable options, including spatial, temporal, and informational aspects.

Innovation Solution

An automated method for neurostimulation systems that prioritizes and systematically varies parameters, starting with the highest priority, such as stimulation site, and recursively adjusts lower priority parameters to determine the optimal settings efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If many programmable parameters are offered to customize neurostimulation therapy, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization of neurostimulation therapyVSAvoidparameter search space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the parameter search process into distinct phases: initial broad exploration of parameter space followed by refined optimization. This divides the complex task into manageable stages, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining comprehensive customization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary automated parameter optimization before clinical use. The processor automatically searches and identifies optimal parameter settings based on patient-specific data, eliminating the need for clinicians to manually navigate the complex parameter space and reducing programming time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If manual parameter testing is performed to find optimal settings, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimal parameter identificationVSAvoidparameter search time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical parameter adjustment with automated computational processing. The processor systematically evaluates parameter combinations using algorithms, substituting the time-consuming manual testing process with rapid automated computation that maintains or improves measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-optimization by automatically selecting optimal parameters without requiring extensive manual intervention. The processor autonomously analyzes patient data and determines the best stimulation settings, enabling the system to serve itself in the parameter optimization process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If extensive parameter search is conducted to customize therapy, then adaptability is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy customizationVSAvoidclinic efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual parameter searching with automated computational processing. The processor rapidly evaluates multiple parameter combinations and identifies optimal settings, dramatically improving clinic productivity while maintaining comprehensive therapy customization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs parameter optimization in advance through automated processing before clinical implementation. This preliminary automated action eliminates time-consuming manual parameter searching during patient visits, thereby improving overall clinic efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260091233A1Systems and methods for automatic sub-perception parameter selection

Publication Date: 2026.04.02 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

AI summary

A method of controlling operation of a neurostimulation device comprises receiving, by the neurostimulation device, an indication of a physiological search area of a subject for delivering electrical neurostimulation and a prioritized search list of neurostimulation parameters for neurostimulation therapy delivered to the search area; delivering the neurostimulation therapy to the search area and varying the neurostimulation parameters according to the parameter priority, wherein a highest priority parameter is varied first while lower priority parameters are held constant; determining the optimum value of the highest priority parameter; delivering neurostimulation to the search area using the determined optimum value of the highest priority parameter and varying one or more lower priority parameters according to the parameter priority; and determining optimum lower priority parameters for the neurostimulation.