Neurostimulation Waveform Mixing Low- and High-Frequency Pulses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stimulation systems and methods fail to provide an optimal stimulation waveform for neurostimulation therapy.
Innovation Solution
A pulse generator that generates a stimulation waveform with a paresthesia-inducing low-frequency component and a spread-spectrum high-frequency component, incorporating charging circuitry, communication circuitry, and stimulation circuitry to deliver electrical pulses based on programming instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional single-frequency stimulation waveform is used, then the device complexity is low, but the stimulation effectiveness and ability to optimize therapy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation waveform is segmented into multiple distinct frequency components: a low-frequency component (e.g., 20-100 Hz) that induces paresthesia and a high-frequency component (e.g., 100-1000 Hz) that provides non-paresthesia inducing stimulation. This segmentation allows each component to serve a specific therapeutic function, improving overall stimulation effectiveness while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular waveform generation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the frequency, amplitude, and temporal characteristics of each waveform component based on patient response and therapeutic goals. The controller can vary the ratio of low-frequency to high-frequency components, adjust pulse widths, and modulate frequencies in real-time to optimize therapy effectiveness for different patients and conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex multi-component waveform is generated, then the stimulation therapy optimization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveform generator uses periodic modulation techniques where the low-frequency and high-frequency components are systematically varied according to predetermined patterns or patient-specific protocols. This periodic action enables customized therapy while using efficient, well-understood signal processing techniques that do not excessively increase device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes therapy by dynamically changing multiple parameters including frequency, amplitude, pulse width, and duty cycle for each waveform component. The controller adjusts these parameters based on programmed protocols and real-time patient feedback, providing high adaptability through systematic parameter variation rather than complex hardware reconfiguration
3Reliability
If existing stimulation parameters are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the stimulation waveform cannot optimize the therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where patient responses to stimulation are monitored and used to automatically adjust waveform parameters. This feedback loop enables therapy optimization without requiring complex manual programming, as the system learns and adapts to individual patient needs over time, maintaining ease of operation while improving therapeutic effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
A pulse generator includes charging circuitry configured to provide electrical power to the pulse generator. The pulse generator includes communication circuitry configured to conduct wireless telecommunications with external programming devices. The telecommunications contain programming instructions sent from the external programming devices. The pulse generator includes stimulation circuitry configured to generate electrical pulses based on the programming instructions. The electrical pulses include a first component that is paresthesia-inducing and a second component that is non-paresthesia-inducing.