Neurostimulator Programming via Electrode Combination Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation systems face challenges in efficiently programming optimal stimulation parameters due to non-optimal electrode placement and complex parameter selection, leading to excessive energy consumption, inadequate treatment, and undesirable side-effects, particularly in deep brain stimulation where precise targeting is crucial but difficult to achieve.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involve serially conveying electrical stimulation energy through different electrode combinations to determine their influence on clinical effects, using graphical representations to display therapeutic and side-effect impacts, allowing for precise adjustment and programming of stimulation parameters to optimize tissue targeting and minimize side-effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual programming methods are used for neurostimulation systems, then clinicians can adjust stimulation parameters, but the programming process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines electrode placement and calculates optimal stimulation parameters without requiring manual programming by the clinician. The processor analyzes patient-specific anatomical data and autonomously configures the neurostimulation settings, allowing the system to program itself based on objective measurements rather than subjective clinician input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the programming process from manual parameter adjustment to automated parameter calculation based on anatomical measurements. By changing from subjective clinician-defined parameters to objective measurement-based parameters, the system reduces programming complexity and time while improving accuracy and consistency.
2Ease of manufacture
If non-optimal electrode placement is used, then implantation is simpler, but stimulation effectiveness decreases and side-effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses patient-specific anatomical measurements (such as MRI or CT scan data) as feedback to determine optimal electrode placement and configuration. This feedback loop allows the system to objectively assess anatomical variations and adjust electrode positioning and stimulation parameters accordingly, ensuring optimal treatment effectiveness while accounting for individual patient anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of patient anatomical data before implantation to pre-determine optimal electrode placement and stimulation parameters. By calculating the optimal configuration in advance based on anatomical measurements, the system eliminates the need for trial-and-error adjustments during implantation, ensuring both simplicity of placement and reliability of treatment from the outset.
3Reliability
If high amplitude stimulation is applied to ensure adequate treatment, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but energy consumption increases and side-effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies stimulation locally and precisely to the target tissue region by optimizing electrode configuration and amplitude settings based on patient-specific anatomy. Rather than using high amplitude stimulation across all electrodes, the system selectively activates specific electrodes at specific amplitudes tailored to the individual patient's anatomical characteristics, achieving effective treatment with minimal energy consumption and reduced side-effects.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a patient and an external programmer for use with a neurostimulator. Electrical stimulation energy is conveyed into tissue of the patient via a specified combination of a plurality of electrodes, thereby creating one or more clinical effects. An influence of the specified electrode combination on the clinical effect(s) is determined. An anatomical region of interest is displayed in registration with a graphical representation of the plurality of electrodes. The displayed anatomical region of interest is modified based on the determined influence of the specified electrode combination on the clinical effect(s).