Neurostimulator Program Transition Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation therapies face challenges in smoothly transitioning between different electrical stimulation programs, often requiring abrupt changes in pulse amplitudes, which can prolong the transition period and limit the types of therapies that can be provided, leading to potential gaps in effective treatment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method where an implantable medical device blends stimulation pulses from one program set with another by interleaving or interweaving them during a transition period, gradually changing the ratio of programs to minimize abrupt changes and ensure continuous therapy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If abrupt changes in pulse amplitudes are used to transition between stimulation programs, then the transition period is shortened, but this may cause discomfort or adverse effects to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the transition approach based on the degree of parameter overlap between programs. When overlap is sufficient, it enables faster transitions by directly switching programs. When overlap is insufficient, it implements gradual transitions with amplitude modulation to avoid patient discomfort, thus adapting the transition strategy to the specific situation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the amplitude parameter during transitions by modulating it between the amplitude values of the first and second programs. This allows smooth transitions when direct switching is not feasible, reducing patient discomfort while still achieving program transitions within acceptable time frames
2Object-affected harmful factors
If gradual blending of stimulation programs is used during transition, then patient comfort is improved, but the transition period is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the transition approach based on real-time analysis of program parameter overlap. When sufficient overlap exists, it switches to a faster direct transition mode. When overlap is insufficient, it employs gradual blending with amplitude modulation, thus optimizing the transition duration while maintaining patient comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system modulates the amplitude parameter during gradual transitions, dynamically adjusting it between the amplitude values of the first and second programs. This enables controlled blending that maintains patient comfort while managing the transition period duration through parameter optimization
3Adaptability or versatility
If the neurostimulator switches between different program sets, then therapy adaptability is improved, but the risk of gaps in effective treatment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of program parameter overlap before executing the transition. By evaluating whether the degree of overlap meets the required threshold in advance, it determines the appropriate transition approach, thereby preventing treatment gaps and ensuring continuous effective therapy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the program parameter comparison to control the transition process. Based on whether the overlap degree satisfies the threshold requirement, it automatically selects between direct switching and gradual blending approaches, ensuring that transitions maintain therapeutic effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and techniques are described for transitioning between different groups of electrical stimulation programs. For example, a system may control delivery of second electrical stimulation defined by one or more second programs of a second group of stimulation programs on a time-interleaved basis with first electrical stimulation defined by one or more first programs of the first group of stimulation programs. The system may change a first ratio of the one or more first programs used to define the first electrical stimulation to the one or more second programs used to define the second electrical stimulation delivered within a first period of time to a second ratio of the one or more first programs used to define the first electrical stimulation to the one or more second programs used to define the second electrical stimulation delivered within a second period of time.