Neurostimulator Electrode Feedback Control for Artifact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulators face challenges in efficiently regulating stimulation intensity and duration, often relying on subjective patient feedback and indirect measurement methods, which can lead to unnecessary discomfort and collateral neural activity, as well as stimulation artifacts that saturate recording equipment.
Innovation Solution
A neurostimulator with integrated sensing and stimulation electrodes, where sensing electrodes are positioned at a predetermined distance from stimulation electrodes to measure compound action potentials during the inactive period of recording equipment, allowing for continuous, automatic regulation of stimulation amplitude and shape to optimize therapeutic effects while minimizing artifact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional neurostimulators use subjective patient feedback and indirect measurement methods to regulate stimulation intensity, then the device can operate without complex sensing systems, but this leads to unnecessary discomfort and collateral neural activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensing electrodes detect compound action potentials generated by stimulation electrodes, and the controller uses this feedback to automatically regulate stimulation intensity. This closed-loop system eliminates the need for subjective patient feedback while preventing collateral neural activity by continuously monitoring and adjusting stimulation parameters based on actual neural response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective mechanical assessment methods (patient feedback) with an objective electrical measurement system. Sensing electrodes detect electrical signals (compound action potentials) generated by stimulation, substituting the mechanical/subjective feedback process with an automated electrical detection and control system that precisely regulates stimulation intensity without causing discomfort or collateral effects.
2Measurement precision
If sensing electrodes are positioned close to stimulation electrodes to measure compound action potentials, then measurement precision is improved, but stimulation artifacts saturate recording equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning sensing electrodes at specific distances from stimulation electrodes to optimize the measurement of compound action potentials. The sensing electrodes are placed far enough from stimulation electrodes to avoid saturation from stimulation artifacts, yet close enough to detect the compound action potentials with sufficient precision. This spatial arrangement creates different local measurement zones that balance artifact avoidance with signal detection quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the compound action potential itself as an intermediary signal. Instead of directly measuring the stimulation current (which causes artifact saturation), the system measures the compound action potential generated in response to stimulation. This intermediary approach allows indirect measurement of stimulation effectiveness while avoiding direct contact with the stimulating current that would cause equipment saturation.
3Productivity
If compound action potential measurement is performed during the active stimulation period, then real-time regulation is achieved, but stimulation artifacts saturate recording equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by measuring compound action potentials during the inactive period between stimulation pulses. The controller regulates stimulation intensity based on compound action potential measurements taken during these inactive periods, allowing real-time regulation capability while avoiding stimulation artifact saturation. This periodic measurement approach maintains continuous control without interfering with the stimulation delivery process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables direct, efficient, and comfortable regulation of neural stimulation, reducing collateral activity and equipment saturation, allowing for precise monitoring and control of stimulation effects in real-time, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
neural tissue being capable of generating one or more action potentials, said one or more action potentials propagating with a given speed in said neural tissue
Implementation Method 2
stimulation electrode contacts deposited on a surface of said carrier for applying an electrical stimulation to said neural tissue so as to generate, after a given latency time, a compound action potential
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrode (30,30′) for implantation in contact with a neural tissue, said electrode extending along an axis, said neural tissue being capable of generating one or more action potentials, and said one or more action potentials propagating with a given speed in said neural tissue. The electrode comprises a carrier (31, 31′) of biocompatible electrically insulating material; stimulation electrode contacts (32a; 32′a; 32b; 32′b) deposited on a surface of said carrier (31, 31′) for applying an electrical stimulation to said neural tissue so as to generate, after a given latency time, a compound action potential when stimulated by said electrical stimulation; one or more sensing electrode contacts (33a; 33b; 33c; 33′a; 33′b; 33′c) deposited on said surface of said carrier and provided at a distance from said stimulation electrode contacts, said sensing electrode contacts being adapted to be connected to measuring means (23) having a given inactive period. The invention includes means to reduce the stimulation artifact. The invention also relates to an apparatus (20) and method for using various signals obtained from the stimulation probe itself and used to control the parameters of the current pulses applied to the electrodes.