Neurostimulation Programmer Energy Management Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical electrical stimulators lack a mechanism to efficiently estimate and manage energy consumption, which affects the longevity of rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, leading to frequent recharge sessions or reduced device lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A programmer for implantable medical devices that provides an energy consumption estimate based on selected stimulation therapy parameters, offering user interface-driven input and processor-determined programming options to reduce energy consumption, allowing users to balance therapeutic benefit with energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stimulation therapy parameters are increased to improve therapeutic efficacy, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback to the user about energy consumption estimates and projected battery longevity based on selected stimulation parameters. The programmer displays energy consumption information and allows users to adjust parameters to achieve desired therapeutic effects while managing energy usage, creating a closed-loop feedback system that balances efficacy and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts and allows adjustment of stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, pulse rate, duty cycle) to optimize the balance between therapeutic efficacy and energy consumption. Users can modify parameters in real-time based on feedback about energy consumption estimates, enabling dynamic optimization of the therapy-delivery system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of stationary object

If rechargeable battery is used to extend device longevity, then battery life is extended, but frequent recharge sessions are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery longevityVSAvoidrecharge session frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculation and display of energy consumption estimates and projected battery longevity before the user finalizes parameter selections. This allows users to anticipate energy requirements and plan accordingly, preventing situations where therapy must be interrupted for recharging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically calculates and updates energy consumption estimates based on selected parameters, eliminating the need for manual computation by the user. The programmer autonomously provides energy management information and guides parameter optimization, reducing the burden on the user to manage recharge schedules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If non-rechargeable battery is used to simplify device structure, then device complexity is reduced, but device lifespan is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoiddevice lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex rechargeable battery mechanisms with simpler non-rechargeable battery technology, eliminating the need for recharge ports, charging circuits, and associated safety mechanisms. This substitution maintains acceptable device lifespan for the intended application duration while significantly reducing device complexity and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If multiple stimulation parameters are adjusted to optimize therapy, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables adjustment of multiple stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, pulse rate, duty cycle) and automatically calculates the combined energy consumption impact of these parameter changes. Users can explore different parameter combinations and select the optimal balance between treatment effectiveness and energy consumption based on real-time feedback about projected battery longevity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10204706B2User interface for optimizing energy management in a neurostimulation system

Publication Date: 2019.02.12 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

In one aspect, a programmer for an implantable medical device comprises a user interface that receives user input corresponding to one or more selected stimulation therapy parameters for delivering stimulation therapy to a patient with the implantable medical device and presents an energy consumption estimate of a power source based on the selected stimulation therapy parameters; and a processor that determines one or more programming options that, if selected, would alter the selected stimulation therapy parameters and reduce the energy consumption estimate. The user interface presents at least one of the programming options to reduce the energy consumption estimate to the user with an indication that user selection of one or more of the presented programming options would alter the selected stimulation therapy parameters to reduce energy consumption of the implantable medical device.