Neurostimulator Current Steering via Ideal Multipole Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation systems face challenges in efficiently steering electrical current due to limited navigation tables, requiring extensive time and effort for development, and resulting in inefficiencies during reprogramming, especially when lead configurations or stimulation inputs change.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a user-controlled input device and control circuitry to define ideal multipole configurations, estimating effective electrode separations and generating stimulation parameter sets to steer current arbitrarily, allowing for flexible directionality and matching electrode spacings, thereby optimizing current steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional navigation tables are used for current steering, then current steering functionality is provided, but extensive time and effort is required for development and reprogramming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates ideal multipole configurations and calculates corresponding stimulation parameters based on the implanted lead configuration, eliminating the need for manual navigation table development. The neurostimulator autonomously computes electrode separations, pole positions, and current distribution ratios, enabling self-programming capabilities that reduce clinical programming time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters including current amplitude, pulse width, and electrode combination based on the specific lead configuration and desired stimulation direction. By calculating ideal multipole configurations tailored to each patient's anatomy and lead placement, the system optimizes current steering efficiency without requiring pre-defined navigation tables for every possible configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed navigation tables are used, then current steering is limited to predefined directions, but flexibility in steering direction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, pre-defined navigation tables to dynamic, real-time calculation of ideal multipole configurations. The neurostimulator continuously computes optimal electrode combinations and current distribution ratios based on the desired stimulation direction, allowing flexible steering in any direction without requiring complex pre-programmed navigation tables for every possible orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ideal multipole configuration approach provides a universal solution that works across different lead types, electrode arrangements, and stimulation directions. Rather than requiring separate navigation tables for each lead configuration and steering direction, the system calculates appropriate parameters for any scenario, making the solution universally applicable to diverse clinical situations.
3Measurement precision
If ideal multipole configurations are calculated to match electrode separations, then current steering precision is improved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces ideal multipole configurations as an intermediary computational model that bridges the gap between physical electrode locations and desired stimulation targets. By calculating virtual pole positions and current distribution ratios based on ideal multipole theory, the system achieves precise current steering while keeping the computational framework manageable through established mathematical models rather than requiring complex finite element analysis or iterative optimization algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a neurostimulator coupled to electrodes. The system comprises a input device configured for generating control signals, and control circuitry configured for defining at least one ideal multipole configuration relative to the electrodes in response to the control signals, the control circuitry, for each of the ideal multipole configuration(s), being further configured for, designating at least one of the electrodes as a reference electrode, estimating an effective electrode separation at each of the reference electrode(s), defining a spacing between the poles based on the estimated effective electrode separation at each of the reference electrode(s), generating at least one stimulation parameter set respectively corresponding to the ideal multipole configuration(s), each of the stimulation parameter set(s) defining relative amplitude values for the electrodes that emulate the respective ideal multipole configuration, and instructing the electrical neurostimulator to convey electrical energy to the electrodes in accordance with the stimulation parameter set(s).