Neurostimulator Electrode Current Steering via Multipole Emulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation systems face challenges in efficiently steering electrical current between lead electrodes due to limitations in navigation tables, which result in a vast number of possible electrode configurations that cannot be stored, leading to lengthy reprogramming times and inefficiencies in lead development and patient therapy adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that define a target current source multipole and emulate it by redistributing electrical current values based on threshold comparisons, allowing for efficient reconfiguration of electrode polarities and currents to optimize therapy delivery without the need for extensive navigation table updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If navigation tables are used to store electrode configurations, then current steering capability is provided, but the number of stored configurations is limited and reprogramming time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model (computer-generated image) of the lead and electrode configurations that can be manipulated without physical constraints. This virtual copy allows unlimited exploration of electrode configurations without storing each one, resolving the contradiction between configuration variety and storage limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/navigation table-based system with a computer-based simulation system. Instead of physically storing and switching between pre-defined configurations in a navigation table, the system uses software to generate and evaluate configurations on-demand, eliminating storage constraints and reducing reprogramming time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous electrode configurations are supported, then therapy optimization is improved, but system complexity and reprogramming time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a virtual model of the lead and electrodes, the system can explore numerous configuration options without adding physical complexity. The computer-generated image serves as a simplified representation that captures essential geometry without requiring complex hardware or storage infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential geometric information from physical leads and electrodes into a simplified computer model. This extraction separates the critical configuration data from the complex physical system, allowing efficient manipulation and analysis without the burden of full system complexity.
3Productivity
If lead development is accelerated, then new therapies are delivered faster, but navigation table updates become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual model approach allows new lead designs to be simulated and evaluated without creating physical navigation tables. Developers can generate computer-generated images of new electrode configurations and immediately test them, eliminating the time-consuming process of updating navigation tables for each new lead design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static navigation tables to dynamic, on-the-fly configuration generation. The computer-based system can adapt to new lead designs automatically by generating virtual models, making the development process flexible and responsive to design changes without requiring manual navigation table updates.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a neurostimulator coupled to electrodes, and a method of providing therapy to a patient using the electrodes implanted within the patient. A target multipole relative to the electrodes is defined. The target multipole is emulated by defining an initial electrical current distribution for the electrodes, such that a first set of active electrodes respectively has electrical current values of a first polarity. Each of the electrical current values of the first polarity is compared to a first threshold value, and at least one of the electrodes in the first active electrode set is zeroed-out based on the comparison. The electrical current value of each of the zeroed-out electrode(s) is redistributed to remaining ones of the electrodes to define a new electrical current distribution for the electrodes. Electrical current is conveyed to the electrodes in accordance with the new electrical current distribution, thereby providing the therapy.