Neurostimulation Paddle Lead with Variable Electrode Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal cord stimulation systems face challenges in accurately targeting pain areas due to fixed electrode spacing and limited flexibility in adjusting to variations in cerebral spinal fluid thickness, which affects the effectiveness of pain relief and can lead to unwanted stimulation of motor fibers.
Innovation Solution
The development of a neurostimulation paddle lead with a medial-lateral electrode arrangement featuring adjustable electrode spacings and configurations, allowing for incremental shifting of cathodic and anodic currents to create a flexible electrical field that preferentially stimulates dorsal column fibers without stimulating dorsal root fibers, thereby improving targeting precision and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed electrode spacing is used in spinal cord stimulation leads, then the lead structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system lacks flexibility to adapt to variations in cerebral spinal fluid thickness and cannot accurately target pain areas
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple independent columns with adjustable spacing between adjacent electrodes. Each column can be independently configured with different spacing values, allowing the system to adapt to variations in cerebral spinal fluid thickness while maintaining a relatively simple overall lead structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode spacing is made variable rather than fixed. The system allows dynamic adjustment of the spacing between adjacent electrodes in each column, enabling adaptation to different patient anatomies and cerebral spinal fluid conditions without requiring a completely custom-designed lead for each patient.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed electrode spacing is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the system cannot provide flexible current steering to optimize pain relief and minimize unwanted stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is segmented into multiple independent columns that can be independently controlled for current delivery. This segmentation enables flexible current steering by selectively activating different columns and adjusting their individual parameters, while the manufacturing process remains relatively straightforward using standard lead fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode array have different properties - specifically, different spacing values between adjacent electrodes in each column. This local variation in spacing allows each region to be optimized for specific stimulation purposes while maintaining overall system manufacturability through modular design.
3Measurement precision
If uniform electrode spacing is used, then the lead structure is simple, but the system cannot effectively target specific pain areas and may stimulate unwanted motor fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple columns with different spacing characteristics. This segmentation enables precise targeting of specific pain areas by selecting and configuring appropriate columns, while avoiding the need for completely custom-designed leads for each patient.
Solution Approach 2:
Different columns have different spacing values between adjacent electrodes, creating local variations in electrical field distribution. This allows each column to be optimized for targeting specific anatomical regions and pain patterns, improving targeting precision while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
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 enhances the precision and adaptability of spinal cord stimulation by allowing for more effective targeting of pain areas and minimizing unwanted stimulation, leading to improved pain relief and reduced discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
conveying electrical energy between the cathodes and the anodes to create a medial-lateral electrical field that stimulates the spinal cord tissue
Implementation Method 2
conveying electrical energy between the cathodes and the anodes 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.