Omnipolar Implantable Medical Device Electrode Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for electrical stimulation therapy lack flexibility in shaping the stimulation field and efficiency, as unipolar arrangements consume less power but stimulate a larger volume of tissue, while bipolar arrangements provide more localized fields but with higher power consumption and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an omnipolar arrangement that combines unipolar and bipolar electrode relationships, allowing simultaneous delivery of electrical stimulation via a housing anode and lead anodes with cathodes, enabling precise control of current paths to achieve localized stimulation fields with reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If unipolar electrode arrangement is used, then power consumption is reduced, but stimulation field localization precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stimulation field generation into multiple independent electrode sources (housing anode and lead anodes) that can be individually controlled. This allows the system to divide the total current into separate pathways, enabling localized stimulation while maintaining lower overall power consumption by activating only the necessary electrode combinations for each therapeutic target.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different electrodes to have different polarities and activation states. The housing anode and lead anodes can be independently controlled to create localized positive potential regions, while cathodes are strategically positioned to create localized negative potential regions. This enables precise spatial control of stimulation fields without requiring high power across the entire device.
2Manufacturing precision
If bipolar electrode arrangement is used, then stimulation field localization precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both unipolar and bipolar arrangements by combining multiple electrode pathways into a unified omnipolar system. The housing anode can operate in conjunction with multiple lead anodes and cathodes, allowing the system to switch between unipolar-like low-power modes and bipolar-like high-precision modes, or operate in hybrid modes that balance both requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control by allowing the electrode configuration to be programmably adjusted in real-time. The system can dynamically switch between different electrode activation patterns (unipolar, bipolar, or hybrid) based on therapeutic requirements, tissue impedance changes, and power availability. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to optimize the balance between power consumption and localization precision during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrode configurations are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing the omnipolar electrode system to perform multiple functions through a single integrated architecture. The same housing anode and lead electrodes can be programmably configured to create unipolar, bipolar, or hybrid stimulation patterns without requiring separate hardware systems. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to various therapeutic needs while maintaining a relatively simple physical structure.
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 approach allows for more localized and efficient electrical stimulation therapy by balancing power consumption and field precision, offering flexibility in shaping the stimulation field and extending battery life while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
delivering electrical stimulation current with a first polarity via a first electrode carried by a housing of an implantable medical device (IMD), delivering electrical stimulation current with the first polarity via a second electrode of the IMD substantially simultaneously with the electrical stimulation current delivered via the first electrode
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes techniques that support delivering electrical stimulation via an electrode on a housing of an implantable medical device (IMD) while substantially simultaneously delivering electrical stimulation via one or more electrodes, having the same polarity as the electrode on the housing, on one or more leads engaged to the IMD. The stimulation may be constant current-based or constant voltage-based stimulation in the form of pulses or continuous waveforms. Delivery of stimulation via both a housing anode and one or more lead anodes, for example, may allow a user to control current paths between the housing electrode and the lead electrode(s) in a relative manner to achieve different electric or stimulation field shapes.