Neurostimulator Programming Interface for Customized Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation systems are limited in their ability to customize stimulation patterns, which can lead to reduced efficacy and increased side effects, as they often rely on pre-determined patterns that do not account for individual patient needs.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows clinicians to input physiological and therapy information to request and receive customized neurostimulation programs, including programmable parameter settings such as pulse patterns, frequencies, and electrode configurations, through a graphical user interface, enabling precise control of neurostimulation devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-determined stimulation patterns are used at manufacturing, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability and customization capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides pre-configured stimulation programs with default parameter settings that are prepared in advance. These preliminary configurations serve as starting points for clinicians, reducing the time and complexity of programming while still allowing subsequent customization based on individual patient needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of stimulation parameters after implantation. Clinicians can modify pulse width, amplitude, frequency, and other parameters in real-time based on patient feedback and treatment response, transforming a static pre-programmed system into a dynamically adaptable one.
2Reliability
If sophisticated pulse patterns are generated with modern electronics, then therapy efficacy is improved, but device complexity and programming difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex programming task is divided into manageable components through pre-configured programs. Each program represents a segmented, standardized configuration that addresses specific clinical scenarios, making the overall programming process less daunting while maintaining access to sophisticated stimulation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer of pre-programmed configurations that bridge the gap between complex electronic capabilities and simple clinical use. These intermediary programs translate sophisticated pulse patterns into clinically-relevant, ready-to-use settings that improve efficacy without exposing clinicians to underlying complexity.
3Ease of operation
If uniform waveforms are delivered continuously, then device operation is simplified, but therapy effectiveness is reduced due to inability to emulate natural neural patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic stimulation patterns that emulate natural neural signaling. Instead of continuous uniform delivery, the device delivers pulses in rhythmic patterns with varying frequencies and intervals, mimicking the body's natural electrical signaling while maintaining operational simplicity through pre-configured patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically varies stimulation parameters such as pulse width, amplitude, and frequency according to pre-programmed patterns. These parameter changes occur dynamically to replicate natural neural patterns, improving therapy effectiveness while the underlying automation maintains operational simplicity for clinicians.
Data Source
AI summary
An example of a system may include a processor and a memory device comprising instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive, in a graphical user interface, a clinician input of physiological information and therapy information for neurostimulation treatment of a human subject using a neurostimulation device, and request a neurostimulation program corresponding to the physiological information and the therapy information from a remote programming guidance information system. For example, program data of a neurostimulation program may be provided from the programming guidance information system, selected on the basis of a best match to the physiological information and the therapy information. A representation of the program data and the parameters of the neurostimulation program may be displayed in the graphical user interface, including ratings, comments, and other characteristics of the neurostimulation program that are maintained by the remote programming guidance information system.