Neurostimulator Lead Connection Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable neurostimulation systems face challenges in efficiently defining connections between leads and output ports of a neurostimulator, leading to potential ineffective therapy due to incorrect lead-port connections, which complicates programming and prolongs treatment times.
Innovation Solution
An external control device with a user interface, including a mouse, trackball, touchpad, or joystick, is used to selectively define connections between lead bodies and output ports of a neurostimulator, allowing users to visually select and verify compatibility, and program stimulation parameters accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to define connections between leads and output ports, then programming can be performed, but programming time is prolonged and connection accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic detection and definition of lead-body to output port connections through visual display and compatibility verification. The external control device automatically identifies compatible connections and presents them to the user for confirmation, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error connection definition while reducing programming time and increasing accuracy.
2Productivity
If connection definition is simplified, then programming time is reduced, but therapy effectiveness may be compromised due to incorrect connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying defined connections between lead bodies and output ports, allowing users to verify compatibility and correctness before finalizing the programming. This feedback mechanism ensures that simplified connection definition processes do not compromise therapy effectiveness, as users can confirm that the automatic detection has identified the correct connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lead configurations are supported, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external control device provides a universal interface that automatically detects and defines connections for multiple lead configurations (single lead, multiple leads, different port configurations). The system adapts to various configurations without requiring different programming procedures, thereby supporting versatility while maintaining simplicity through automatic connection definition and visual verification.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for defining connections between a plurality of lead bodies and a plurality of output ports of a neurostimulator, and an external control device for performing the method are disclosed. The external control device includes a user interface and control circuitry. The method includes displaying the lead bodies and the output ports of the neurostimulator; selecting a first one of the lead bodies; dragging a connector from the first lead body to a first one of the output ports of the neurostimulator; and dropping the connector onto the first output port of the neurostimulator, thereby defining a connection between the first lead body and the first output port of the neurostimulator. In another embodiment, a method includes defining the connection between the first lead body and the first output port, and graphically displaying the connection between the first lead body and the first output port of the neurostimulator.