Implantable Neurostimulator Electrode Switching Strategy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical electrical stimulation devices face challenges in effectively delivering high density electrical neurostimulation therapy, as patients may not immediately feel the effects, making it difficult to determine its therapeutic efficacy during the initial characterization procedure, leading to less utilization of this method.
Innovation Solution
The approach involves an implantable medical device that delivers high density electrical neurostimulation therapy using a first set of electrodes for a selected period, followed by a second set of electrodes, with the option to switch to low density stimulation if the first set is not effective, allowing for a more straightforward initial patient experience and focusing on overall pain relief rather than location-specific effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high density electrical neurostimulation therapy is delivered using a first set of electrodes, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but it is difficult to determine efficacy during initial characterization because patients may not immediately feel the effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by delivering high density stimulation through a first set of electrodes before the characterization procedure to pre-condition the neural tissue. This preliminary stimulation enhances the detectability of therapeutic effects during subsequent evaluation, resolving the contradiction by making efficacy measurable while maintaining the therapeutic benefits of high density stimulation.
2Reliability
If high density electrical neurostimulation therapy is delivered, then overall pain relief is improved, but the initial configuration complexity increases making it harder to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the electrode array into multiple independent sets (first set, second set, third set) that can be independently activated. This segmentation simplifies initial configuration by allowing the system to start with a single active set and progressively engage additional sets based on therapeutic response, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining the capability for comprehensive high density stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic configuration where the active electrode set changes over time based on therapeutic efficacy. The stimulator automatically or semi-automatically transitions between different electrode sets during operation, allowing the configuration to adapt to patient response rather than requiring complex pre-planning of all possible configurations.
3Measurement precision
If high density electrical neurostimulation is delivered for an extended period to ensure patient feels effects, then therapeutic evaluation is improved, but treatment time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by delivering high density stimulation in structured intervals through different electrode sets rather than continuous delivery. The stimulator cycles through predefined sequences of electrode activation, allowing therapeutic evaluation at specific time points while reducing overall treatment time and energy consumption compared to continuous high density stimulation.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method includes delivering, by an implantable medical device and during a first period of time, high density electrical neurostimulation therapy to a patient using a first set of electrodes of a plurality of electrodes; and delivering, by the implantable medical device and during a second period of time, high density electrical neurostimulation therapy to the patient using a second set of electrodes of the plurality of electrodes.