2D Stimulation Field UI for Neurostimulator Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The process of configuring electrical stimulation therapy for implantable neurostimulators is time-consuming and requires significant trial and error, especially with complex electrode array geometries, which increases the burden on clinicians and can lead to inefficiencies in delivering effective therapy while minimizing side effects.
Innovation Solution
A user interface system that allows clinicians to define and manipulate stimulation fields over anatomical regions, enabling the automatic generation of necessary stimulation parameters, thereby simplifying the configuration of electrical stimulation therapy for complex electrode array geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual electrode combination selection is used, then clinician control and customization are improved, but programming time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating electrode combinations based on pre-defined criteria and anatomical models before the clinician needs to select them. The processor pre-calculates multiple electrode combinations with different configurations, allowing the clinician to review and select from pre-prepared options rather than manually creating each combination from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified representations or models of electrode configurations that can be copied and reused. Once an effective electrode combination is identified, it can be stored as a template or program and copied for future use with similar anatomical configurations, significantly reducing programming time for subsequent patients or adjustments.
2Reliability
If more electrode combinations are tested, then therapy optimization is improved, but the number of parameters to select increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the large set of all possible electrode combinations into smaller, manageable groups based on anatomical regions, electrode types, or clinical criteria. The processor divides the comprehensive parameter space into discrete categories that can be independently evaluated and selected, making the complexity tractable for the clinician.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts and optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously based on predefined relationships and clinical goals. When one parameter is selected, the processor automatically determines the corresponding optimal values for other parameters, reducing the number of independent selections the clinician must make while still exploring multiple effective configurations.
3Measurement precision
If complex electrode array geometries are used, then stimulation field precision is improved, but configuration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating the optimal electrode combinations and stimulation parameters based on the implanted electrode array geometry. The processor analyzes the specific configuration of electrodes in the patient and autonomously determines the best settings, eliminating the need for the clinician to manually compute complex geometric relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary computational layer between the complex electrode geometry and the clinician. The processor acts as a mediator that translates the complex physical electrode arrangements into simplified configuration options and predicted stimulation outcomes, allowing the clinician to work with intuitive representations rather than raw geometric complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
The disclosure describes a method and system that allows a user to configure electrical stimulation therapy by defining a stimulation field. After a stimulation lead is implanted in a patient, a clinician manipulates a stimulation field on the display to encompass desired anatomical regions of the patient. In this manner, the clinician determines which anatomical regions to stimulate, and the system generates the necessary stimulation parameters. In some cases, a lead icon representing the implanted lead is displayed to show the clinician where the lead is relative to anatomical regions of the patient.