Neurostimulation Paddle Lead with Offset Electrode Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal cord stimulation systems have limited flexibility in targeting pain areas due to fixed electrode spacings, which do not account for variations in cerebral spinal fluid thickness, leading to suboptimal pain relief and potential discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A neurostimulation paddle lead with a medial-lateral electrode arrangement featuring adjustable spacings between electrodes, allowing for incremental shifting of cathodic and anodic current to modify the electrical field and improve targeting precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed electrode spacings are used in spinal cord stimulation systems, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to account for variations in cerebral spinal fluid thickness is limited, leading to suboptimal pain relief
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable electrode spacings that can be dynamically configured to account for variations in cerebral spinal fluid thickness. The electrode array allows selective activation of electrodes at different spacings, enabling the system to adapt to individual patient anatomical variations and optimize pain relief effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of the electrode array by providing multiple electrodes at different spacings along the lead body. This allows the system to modify the electrical field distribution by selecting different electrode combinations, thereby adapting to variations in cerebral spinal fluid thickness without changing the physical lead structure.
2Reliability
If electrical energy is applied to stimulate all target tissue, then pain relief coverage is maximized, but the volume of non-target tissue stimulated increases, causing unwanted or uncomfortable paresthesia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling selective stimulation of specific spinal cord regions through targeted electrode activation. By choosing which electrodes to activate based on the treatment target, the system can concentrate electrical energy on the desired dorsal column fibers while minimizing spread to adjacent dorsal root fibers, thereby reducing unwanted paresthesia.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electrode array into multiple independently controllable electrodes along the lead body. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the specific electrodes needed to reach the target tissue, creating a more focused electrical field that reduces stimulation of non-target tissue and associated discomfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrode arrangements are used, then the implantation procedure is simple, but the flexibility in targeting specific pain areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides dynamic configurability of the electrical field by allowing selective activation of different electrode combinations. This enables the system to adapt the stimulation pattern to match the specific anatomical location and extent of the patient's pain, whether unilateral or bilateral, without requiring a different physical lead configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal electrode array design that can serve multiple targeting functions. The same lead with multiple electrodes at different spacings can be used to treat various pain conditions by simply changing which electrodes are activated, making the device multi-functional without requiring multiple specialized leads.
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
Enhances the ability to stimulate dorsal column fibers while minimizing stimulation of dorsal root fibers, providing more effective pain relief with improved tunability and reduced discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
convey electrical energy between the electrodes to create a medial-lateral electrical field
Implementation Method 2
convey electrical energy between the electrodes to create a medial-lateral electrical field that stimulates the spinal cord tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A neurostimulation paddle lead, method of neurostimulation, and neurostimulation system are provided. The neurostimulation paddle lead carries a plurality of electrodes comprising at least four columns of electrodes having a spacing between two inner electrode columns less than a spacing between the inner electrode columns and adjacent outer electrode columns. The inner electrode columns may also be longitudinally offset from the outer electrode columns. The methods and neurostimulation systems steer current between the electrodes to modify a medial-lateral electrical field created adjacent spinal cord tissue.