Neurostimulator Lead Programming Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of configuring electrical stimulation therapy for implantable neurostimulators is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the complexity of lead array geometries and the need for trial and error in selecting optimal electrode combinations and parameters, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased clinician burden.
Innovation Solution
A user interface system that allows clinicians to select anatomical structures from an atlas or morphed atlas to generate stimulation parameters, enabling visualization and programming of complex electrode array geometries in a 3D environment, reducing the need for manual electrode manipulation and focusing on defining stimulation fields for targeted tissue treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual electrode combination selection is used, then clinician control over therapy parameters is maintained, but programming time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic electrode combination selection and therapy parameter optimization without requiring manual clinician input for each parameter. The processor automatically analyzes patient anatomy, selects appropriate electrode combinations, and generates therapy programs based on pre-stored protocols and algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrode combinations and therapy parameters are pre-programmed and stored in the device memory before patient treatment. The system prepares multiple electrode configurations and parameter sets in advance, allowing rapid selection and implementation during clinical use without time-consuming manual optimization.
2Reliability
If trial and error method is used to find optimal electrode combinations, then thorough testing of different configurations is achieved, but clinic time and patient visits increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where patient response to stimulation is monitored and used to automatically adjust and optimize electrode combinations and therapy parameters. This closed-loop approach ensures thorough testing and optimization of configurations while reducing the need for multiple manual trial sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically varies and tests multiple therapy parameters including electrode selection, amplitude, pulse width, and frequency to identify optimal combinations. This systematic parameter exploration ensures thorough optimization while being executed automatically by the processor rather than manually by the clinician.
3Measurement precision
If complex lead array geometries are used, then stimulation precision and targeting capability are improved, but device complexity and programming difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intelligent software intermediary layer that translates complex lead array geometries into simplified programming interfaces. The processor automatically handles the complexity of multi-electrode configurations, spatial relationships, and stimulation patterns, allowing clinicians to program therapy without directly managing the underlying geometric complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead array is divided into multiple independently controllable electrode segments or contacts. This segmentation allows the system to selectively activate specific electrodes based on anatomical targeting requirements, simplifying the programming process by allowing clinicians to choose from discrete electrode options rather than managing the entire complex array as a single unit.
4Reliability
If multiple electrode combinations are tested, then therapy efficacy is optimized, but power consumption and device load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system tests and activates only the necessary subset of electrode combinations required to achieve therapeutic effect, rather than continuously cycling through all possible configurations. The processor identifies and implements the minimal effective electrode set, reducing power consumption while maintaining therapy efficacy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system, comprising a lead configured to deliver electrical stimulation to a brain having a housing defining a longitudinal axis and a circumference, a ring electrode that encircles an entirety of the circumference of the lead housing disposed at a first axial position along the longitudinal axis of the lead housing and a plurality of electrodes disposed at respective different positions around the circumference of the lead housing, wherein the plurality of electrodes are disposed at a second axial position different than the first axial position along the longitudinal axis of the lead housing; a user interface; and a processor configured to present on the user interface at least one view of a representation of the lead and to receive user input via interaction with the at least one view for defining stimulation for delivery by the lead.