Neurostimulator Spinal Circuit Activation via Segmented Electrode Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable neurostimulators are ineffective in restoring voluntary movements, autonomic, sexual, vasomotor, and cognitive functions in patients with spinal cord injuries, and lack the capability to deliver complex stimulation patterns necessary for functional recovery.
Innovation Solution
A neurostimulator device with a high-density electrode array and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology that delivers customizable complex stimulation patterns, including varying waveforms and timing, to activate spinal circuits and facilitate voluntary control and autonomic functions, using a combination of electrical stimulation and physical training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional implantable neurostimulators are used, then basic pain management functions are provided, but they cannot restore voluntary movements or activate spinal circuits for functional recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple independently controllable channels (at least 16 channels), allowing different stimulation patterns to be applied to different segments of the spinal cord simultaneously. This segmentation enables complex spatiotemporal stimulation patterns that can activate specific spinal circuits while maintaining basic pain management functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The neurostimulator delivers dynamically adjustable stimulation patterns with varying amplitudes, pulse widths, and frequencies across multiple channels. The stimulation parameters can be modified in real-time to adapt to different therapeutic goals, enabling both basic pain management and complex spinal circuit activation for functional recovery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If simple electrical pulse stimulation is delivered, then basic neurostimulation is achieved, but complex stimulation patterns necessary for functional recovery cannot be delivered
Solution Approach 1:
The neurostimulator device integrates multiple functions into a single implantable system: basic pain management stimulation, complex spinal circuit activation patterns, and programmable control capabilities. The multi-channel electrode array serves both simple and complex stimulation requirements, making the device universally applicable to various therapeutic needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes programmable parameters including amplitude, pulse width, frequency, and channel configuration to generate diverse stimulation patterns from a single device architecture. By changing these parameters, the same hardware can deliver both simple therapeutic pulses and complex spatiotemporal patterns for spinal circuit activation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high-density electrode arrays with multiple channels are used, then complex stimulation patterns for spinal circuit activation are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-density electrode array is organized into multiple channels with independent control, allowing the complex array to be managed through modular channel groups. This segmentation simplifies the control architecture by enabling independent programming of each channel while maintaining the overall high-density configuration necessary for precise spinal circuit activation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables partial activation of spinal circuits, improving neurological function such as standing, stepping, and cognitive recovery in patients with spinal cord injuries by delivering tailored electrical stimulation patterns that address the limitations of prior art devices.
Implementation Method 1
The neurostimulator device is configured to deliver complex stimulation patterns to a subject's body tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
A neurostimulator device for use with groups (e.g., more than four groups) of electrodes. The neurostimulator may include a stimulation assembly configured to deliver different stimulation to each of the groups. The neurostimulator may also include at least one processor configured to direct the stimulation assembly to deliver stimulation to the groups. The stimulation delivered to at least one of the groups may include one or more waveform shapes other than a square or rectangular wave shape. The processor may receive data from one or more sensors and use that data to modify the stimulation delivered. The neurostimulator may be configured to communicate with an external computing device. The neurostimulator may send data to and/or receive data and/or instructions from the computing device. The computing device may use information collected by one or more sensors to at least partially determine stimulation parameters to communicate to the neurostimulator.