Neurostimulation Programming Circuit Therapeutic Threshold Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neurostimulation systems face challenges in efficiently programming stimulation parameters to achieve therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects, as the optimal values of these parameters can vary over time and differ significantly between patients.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a programming control circuit and a stimulation programming circuit that utilize sensed information to determine a therapeutic effect threshold for adjustable stimulation parameters, allowing for the precise setting of stimulation parameters to produce the desired therapeutic effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stimulation parameters are set to high values to ensure therapeutic effect, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but side effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidside effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) based on real-time sensed physiological responses. By continuously monitoring biomarkers and adjusting parameters within a therapeutic window, the system maintains efficacy while minimizing side effects through adaptive parameter optimization rather than fixed high-value settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs closed-loop feedback by sensing physiological responses (such as neural activity or biomarker levels) and using this information to adjust stimulation parameters in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures the therapy remains within the effective range while avoiding excessive stimulation that causes side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If stimulation parameters are customized for each patient to achieve optimal therapeutic effect, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but programming complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidprogramming complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-programming by automatically determining optimal stimulation parameters based on individual patient physiological responses. The device autonomously senses patient-specific biomarkers and adjusts parameters without requiring extensive manual programming, thereby achieving personalized therapy while reducing programming complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system conducts preliminary sensing and analysis of patient-specific physiological characteristics before finalizing parameter settings. By pre-characterizing patient responses through initial sensing and testing, the system establishes baseline parameters that can be automatically adjusted, reducing the burden of complex manual programming while ensuring personalized efficacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If stimulation parameters are adjusted frequently to maintain therapeutic effect over time, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidprogramming time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously senses physiological parameters and maintains optimal stimulation without interruption. By implementing continuous monitoring and real-time adjustment, the therapy remains effective over time without requiring periodic manual reprogramming, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining efficacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Through continuous feedback from physiological sensing, the system automatically detects changes in patient response over time and adjusts parameters accordingly. This real-time feedback loop maintains therapeutic efficacy without requiring frequent manual intervention or reprogramming sessions, saving time while ensuring consistent effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250135203A1Method and apparatus for neurostimulation programming using therapeutic effect threshold

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

AI summary

A neurostimulation system may program a stimulation device to control delivery of neurostimulation according to a set of stimulation parameters and include a stimulation programming circuit. The stimulation programming circuit may include a sensed signal input, threshold detection circuity, and parameter setting circuity. The sensed signal input may be configured to receive sensed information indicative of a therapeutic effect improving a condition being treated using the neurostimulation. The threshold detection circuity may be configured to determine a therapeutic effect threshold of an adjustable parameter using the sensed information. The therapeutic effect threshold can be a minimum value of the adjustable parameter for the delivery of the neurostimulation according to the set of stimulation parameters to produce the therapeutic effect. The parameter setting circuity may be configured to determine the set of stimulation parameters for producing the therapeutic effect using the therapeutic effect threshold of the adjustable parameter.