Neurostimulator System With Wireless Power And High Density Electrode Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable therapy systems face limitations in the number of electrodes due to high impedance conduction paths and connector constraints, leading to increased power requirements, reduced battery life, and higher device failure rates.
Innovation Solution
A neurostimulator system with a pulse generator module and power source module, where the pulse generator module is implanted and receives wireless power from an external source, using a flexible stimulation lead with a selection circuit and integrated switching array to connect multiple electrodes efficiently, allowing for higher density electrode arrays and reduced impedance conduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of electrodes is increased to improve stimulation selectivity and directionality, then the ability to shape current delivery to tissue volume is improved, but the number of required conductors increases leading to connector constraints and limited scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into two functional segments: the implanted pulse generator with limited connectors and the external controller with multiple electrode contacts. The external controller acts as a segmentation that provides the expanded electrode interface without requiring proportional increases in implanted device complexity. This allows 32 or more electrodes to be controlled through a limited number of implanted connectors by using the external controller to manage the additional connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a purely implanted solution to a hybrid implanted-external system. By adding the external controller dimension, the system can support more electrodes without increasing the complexity of the implanted portion. The external controller serves as an additional dimensional layer that handles the expanded electrode interface requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If smaller diameter conductors are used to accommodate higher density electrodes, then the lead can fit more electrodes, but the impedance increases and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The external controller serves as an intermediary that manages the connection between the power source and the high-density electrode array. By placing the control electronics externally, the system can support more electrodes without requiring the implanted conductors to carry full power for all electrodes simultaneously. The external controller can selectively activate subsets of electrodes, reducing the power burden on any single conductor.
3Quantity of substance
If smaller diameter conductors are used to accommodate higher density electrodes, then the lead can fit more electrodes, but the mechanical strength and flex life decrease leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mechanical stress-bearing function from the electrical connection function. The implanted pulse generator uses robust, thick-gauge connectors for reliable hermetic sealing and mechanical strength. The external controller handles the high-density electrode connections, allowing the use of thinner conductors only in the external portion where mechanical stress is minimized. This segmentation preserves reliability in the implanted portion while enabling high electrode density externally.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more functionality is incorporated into the implantable device to control multiple therapy modalities, then the versatility of the system is improved, but the power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The external controller serves as an intermediary that performs complex therapy control functions externally. By moving the microcontroller and therapy management electronics to the external device, the implanted pulse generator requires minimal processing power and can use a smaller, longer-lasting battery. The external controller handles the computationally intensive tasks of managing multiple therapy modalities, electrode selection, and stimulation parameter control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic wireless communication between the external controller and implanted pulse generator to transfer control instructions and therapy parameters. Instead of requiring the implanted device to continuously process and manage all therapy functions, the external controller periodically updates the implanted device with new therapy programs and parameters, reducing the power consumption of the implanted electronics.
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
This solution enables efficient energy delivery to a high density of electrodes, minimizing electrode dislodgement, interconnection issues, and increasing patient safety and convenience by reducing the burden on battery life and improving the reliability of the implantable device.
Implementation Method 1
the pulse generator module is configured to be implanted within a body of a subject, to provide a therapy to the subject, and to receive power wirelessly from a source remote from the pulse generator module
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a neurostimulator system includes a pulse generator module and a power source and control module. The pulse generator module includes an electrical stimulation lead and electrodes and is configured to be implanted within a body of a subject, to provide a therapy to the subject, and to receive power wirelessly from a source remote from the pulse generator module. And the power source and control module is configured to be located external to the body of the subject, to cause the pulse generator module to affect the therapy, and to provide power wirelessly to the pulse generator module.