Neurostimulation Programming Screen Activation Region Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation systems face challenges in accurately programming stimulation parameters due to the large number of electrode combinations and varying nerve fiber diameters, leading to incomplete or inaccurate estimations of tissue activation regions, which can result in ineffective therapy.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to select nerve fiber diameters and stimulation parameters, processing circuitry to estimate tissue activation regions, and a display device to show these regions, enabling precise targeting of neural tissue with different indicia for better therapy planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrode combinations are used to stimulate different tissue regions, then the coverage of neural tissue targeted for therapy is improved, but the complexity of programming and selecting appropriate stimulation parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual programming mechanisms with an automated computerized programming system that displays estimated regions of tissue activation and allows users to interactively adjust stimulation parameters. The system automatically calculates and displays which nerve fibers will be activated based on selected electrode combinations and stimulation parameters, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual representation (copy) of the estimated region of tissue activation on a display device that mirrors the actual neural tissue being stimulated. This visual copy allows users to see the effects of different electrode combinations before actual stimulation, enabling informed selection of appropriate stimulation patterns without complex manual programming.
2Ease of operation
If estimation of tissue activation regions is performed without considering varying nerve fiber diameters, then the programming process is simplified, but the accuracy of tissue activation estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates nerve fiber diameter as a variable parameter in the tissue activation estimation algorithm. The computerized programming system allows users to input or select ranges of nerve fiber diameters, and the system automatically adjusts the estimated region of activation accordingly. This maintains programming simplicity while significantly improving estimation accuracy by accounting for biological variability.
3Device complexity
If the region of tissue activation is not accurately displayed, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to target specific neural tissue and minimize side effects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple display structures with a computerized graphical display system that visually represents the estimated region of tissue activation. The display shows which nerve fibers will be activated by different electrode combinations, allowing precise targeting of therapeutic regions while avoiding areas that would cause side effects. This computational approach provides high targeting precision without requiring complex hardware modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use with a neurostimulator coupled to one or more electrodes implanted adjacent neural tissue of a patient. The system comprises a user input device configured for allowing a user to select different nerve fiber diameters and to select a set of stimulation parameters. The system further comprises processing circuitry configured estimating regions of activation within the neural tissue of the patient based on the selected nerve fiber diameters and the selected stimulation parameter set. The system further comprises a display device configured for displaying the estimated regions of tissue activation. The user input device may further be configured for allowing the user to select different tissue regions of therapy, in which case, the display device may display the different tissue region on a human body map, and different indicia associating the displayed tissue regions for therapy to displayed estimated regions of tissue activation.