Spinal Cord Stimulator with NIR Reflectometry for Position Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spinal cord stimulation technologies fail to accurately adjust for patient movement, leading to inconsistent pain relief and inefficient battery usage due to the lack of automatic adjustment mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing near-infrared (NIR) reflectometry with optical sensors and controllers to dynamically adjust current amplitudes, pulse widths, and frequencies based on spinal cord position, ensuring consistent electric field strength across electrodes during patient movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spinal cord stimulation uses a fixed electrode array position, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the stimulation effectiveness becomes inconsistent during patient movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation effectivenessVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters (current amplitude, pulse width, frequency) based on real-time detection of spinal cord position changes using impedance measurements and optical sensors. This allows the fixed electrode array to maintain effective stimulation despite patient movement by adapting the electrical parameters rather than the physical position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors impedance between electrodes and spinal cord tissue, and uses optical sensors to detect position changes. This feedback information is processed to automatically adjust stimulation parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains stimulation effectiveness without requiring complex movable structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the system continuously adjusts stimulation parameters to maintain consistent pain relief, then stimulation effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain relief consistencyVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs impedance measurements and optical sensing at periodic intervals rather than continuously, adjusting stimulation parameters only when position changes are detected. This reduces unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining consistent pain relief by responding to actual movement events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the patient's own physiological signals (impedance changes, optical reflectance) to trigger parameter adjustments only when needed. The automatic detection and adjustment mechanism serves itself by responding to genuine stimulation effectiveness changes rather than operating continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the electrode array is implanted in a fixed position, then the implantation procedure is simpler, but the system cannot adapt to spinal cord movement during patient activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to spinal cord movementVSAvoidimplantation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms (movable electrodes, adjustable implants) with electrical and optical sensing systems. By using impedance measurements and optical reflectance to detect position changes, the system achieves adaptability without mechanical complexity, keeping the electrode array fixed while adapting through parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces intermediary sensing mechanisms (impedance sensors, optical sensors) that detect spinal cord position indirectly through physiological properties. These intermediaries provide movement information without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex positioning mechanisms, simplifying the implantation while enabling adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides consistent pain relief by maintaining a constant electric field across the spinal cord during movement, optimizing battery life through adaptive current adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

A system utilizing near-infrared (NIR) reflectometry with optical sensors and controllers to dynamically adjust current amplitudes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear-infrared reflectometry: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9656097B2Apparatus and method using near infrared reflectometry to reduce the effect of positional changes during spinal cord stimulation

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 WAVEGATE CORP

AI summary

A positionally sensitive spinal cord stimulation apparatus and method using near-infrared (NIR) reflectometry are provided for automatic adjustments of spinal cord stimulation. The system comprises an electrode assembly with an integrated optical fiber sensor for sensing spinal cord position. The integrated optical fiber sensor, comprising a set of optical elements for emitting light from a set of IR emitters and for collecting reflected light into a set of IR photodetectors, determines a set of measured optical intensities. As the spinal cord changes position, the angles of incidence for light from the IR emitter and the measured optical intensities change. Electrode pulse characteristics are adjusted in real time, based on the set of measured optical intensities, to minimize changes in stimulation perceived by the patient during motion.