Neurostimulation Pattern Generator for Spatio-Temporal Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation systems are limited by their inability to deliver customized, complex patterns of neurostimulation energy, leading to unintended sensations and side effects due to the use of uniform waveforms, which do not mimic natural neural signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a storage device with a pattern library and neuronal network models, allowing for the generation of spatio-temporal patterns of neurostimulation through a pattern generator, which optimizes the delivery of energy across multiple electrodes using a combination of spatial and temporal patterns, minimizing side effects and maximizing therapeutic efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If uniform waveforms are used for neurostimulation delivery, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but therapeutic efficacy decreases and side effects increase due to inability to mimic natural neural signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments complex spatio-temporal stimulation patterns into reusable library elements (spatial patterns, temporal waveforms, spatio-temporal units) that can be individually stored and systematically combined. This segmentation allows sophisticated therapy patterns to be constructed from modular components, improving therapeutic efficacy while maintaining programming efficiency through the library-based approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing multiple spatial patterns, temporal waveforms, and spatio-temporal units in a library before clinical use. These pre-configured elements are optimized for specific therapeutic indications and can be directly selected and combined during programming, eliminating the need to create complex patterns from scratch and improving both efficacy and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If complex spatio-temporal patterns are generated through customization, then therapeutic efficacy and patient-specific optimization are improved, but device complexity and programming time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality through a multi-functional pattern library that contains spatial patterns, temporal waveforms, and spatio-temporal units applicable across multiple therapeutic indications. These universal building blocks can be combined in various ways to address different clinical needs, reducing programming complexity while maintaining high therapeutic efficacy through standardized, optimized elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by storing successful spatio-temporal pattern configurations in a library that can be replicated and reused across different patients and indications. Instead of creating unique complex patterns for each case, clinicians can copy proven patterns from the library and modify them as needed, significantly reducing programming complexity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sophisticated pulse patterns are delivered to emulate natural neural signals, then side effects are reduced and therapeutic outcomes are enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through temporal waveforms that deliver stimulation in structured sequences and cycles, emulating natural neural signaling patterns. These periodic patterns include variations in pulse frequency, amplitude modulation, and temporal spacing that reduce side effects by matching physiological rhythms while optimizing energy delivery through efficient periodic activation rather than continuous stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically varying stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency, temporal intervals) within the spatio-temporal patterns to optimize therapeutic effect while minimizing energy consumption. The library contains patterns with pre-optimized parameter combinations that achieve side effect reduction through parameter modulation without requiring maximum energy delivery.
4Ease of manufacture
If post-manufacturing programmability is limited, then device manufacturing is simplified and reliability is improved, but adaptability and customization capability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing preliminary action during manufacturing - the pattern library with multiple spatial patterns, temporal waveforms, and spatio-temporal units is pre-loaded into the device at factory. This allows the hardware to remain simple while providing extensive post-manufacturing programmability through the pre-configured library elements that can be combined to address diverse clinical needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses segmentation to separate the complex pattern generation functionality into discrete, pre-programmed library elements that are stored in device memory. This segmentation allows the hardware to remain simple while the software/library provides sophisticated customization capability through combinatorial use of segmented pattern components.
Data Source
AI summary
An example of a system for programming a neurostimulator may include a storage device and a pattern generator. The storage device may store a pattern library and one or more neuronal network models. The pattern library may include fields and waveforms of neuromodulation. The one or more neuronal network models may each be configured to allow for evaluating effects of one or more fields in combination with one or more waveforms in treating one or more indications for neuromodulation. The pattern generator may be configured to construct and approximately optimize a spatio-temporal pattern of neurostimulation and/or its building blocks for a specified range of varying conditions using at least one neuronal network model.