Implantable Stimulation System Using Pathological Frequency for Pain Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current implantable electrical stimulation systems for pain management lack effective frequency-specific stimulation methods to efficiently target and alleviate chronic pain, as they often rely on general frequency ranges rather than tailored pathological frequencies.

Innovation Solution

The development of an implantable electrical stimulation system that generates and delivers electrical stimulation signals at a pathological frequency range of 4 to 8 Hz, utilizing a series of pulses or bursts with a pre-determined distribution function, such as a sine or normal distribution, to selectively stimulate neural tissue and modulate pain signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If general frequency ranges are used for electrical stimulation, then broader neural tissue can be stimulated, but pain management effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency range coverageVSAvoidpain management effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by transitioning from general frequency ranges to specific pathological frequencies (4-8 Hz) tailored to individual patient needs. The system delivers frequency-specific stimulation signals that target particular neural pathways associated with chronic pain, making the stimulation quality localized and precise rather than broad and generic. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability through customized frequency selection while improving reliability through frequency-specific efficacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the frequency parameter of electrical stimulation signals to match pathological frequencies identified in individual patients. The system adjusts stimulation parameters including frequency, amplitude, and pulse width based on patient-specific pain characteristics, thereby optimizing pain management effectiveness while maintaining versatility through programmable parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If frequency-specific stimulation at 4 to 8 Hz is used, then pain management effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain management effectivenessVSAvoidstimulation signal generation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a programmable pulse generator that can dynamically adjust stimulation parameters including frequency, amplitude, and pulse duration. The system transitions from fixed-frequency stimulation to dynamically adjustable frequency-specific stimulation at 4-8 Hz, allowing real-time optimization of pain management while managing device complexity through software-controlled parameter adjustment rather than hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes mechanical or hardware-based frequency adjustment mechanisms with software-controlled digital signal generation. The pulse generator uses programmable logic and digital signal processing to generate frequency-specific stimulation signals, replacing complex mechanical tuning systems with simpler electronic control that achieves the same frequency-specific therapeutic effect with reduced device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If implantable electrical stimulation systems are used, then chronic pain can be treated, but lack of frequency-specific targeting reduces therapeutic efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency targeting capabilityVSAvoidtherapeutic efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by conducting frequency identification and parameter optimization during initial patient assessment and programming sessions. The system pre-determines the pathological frequency range (4-8 Hz) and optimal stimulation parameters before implantation or during initial programming, eliminating the need for extensive post-implantation adjustments. This preliminary configuration ensures immediate therapeutic efficiency upon activation while maintaining frequency-specific adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 targeted pain management by synchronizing or disrupting undesirable neural signals at specific frequencies, providing more effective pain relief by using frequency-specific stimulation tailored to individual patient needs.

Implementation Method 1

The pulse generator in the control module generates electrical pulses that are delivered by the electrodes to body tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10004902B2Devices and methods using a pathological frequency in electrical stimulation for pain management

Publication Date: 2018.06.26 LOWE GRAHAMJONES PLLC

AI summary

An electrical stimulation system includes an implantable control module configured and arranged for implantation in a body of a patient. The implantable control module includes a processor that generates and delivers electrical stimulation pulses or pulse bursts at a pathological frequency or with a temporal separation between pulses or pulse bursts individually selected based on a pre-determined distribution function based on a pre-selected pathological frequency.