Patient-Controlled Implantable Stimulator Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current implantable stimulators lack user-friendly and cost-effective methods for patients to adjust settings, requiring professional intervention and not allowing for individualized parameter adjustments, which limits the efficacy and accessibility of neural modulation therapy.

Innovation Solution

A computer-assisted method and device system that enables patients to wirelessly control and adjust stimulation waveform parameters for implantable stimulators through a user interface, allowing for individualized settings and feedback-based optimization, reducing the need for professional intervention and incorporating wireless power transmission without inductive coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If professional intervention is required to adjust stimulator settings, then treatment safety and accuracy are improved, but accessibility and user independence deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment safetyVSAvoiduser independence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a programming device as an intermediary between the user and the implantable stimulator. This device provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies complex parameter adjustments while maintaining safe operation through controlled access to adjustment functions and professional oversight capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables patients to independently adjust their own stimulator settings through an intuitive interface on the programming device. Users can modify parameters such as pulse width, frequency, and amplitude without requiring continuous professional intervention, thereby achieving self-service while maintaining treatment safety through pre-configured safety limits and professional programming capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If fixed stimulator parameters are used, then device simplicity is improved, but treatment effectiveness for individualized patient needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidindividualized treatment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment capabilities that allow stimulator settings to be customized and modified in real-time based on individual patient needs. The system transitions from fixed parameters to dynamically adjustable parameters through the programming device interface, enabling adaptation to changing therapeutic requirements while maintaining operational simplicity through automated controls and pre-configured programs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables modification of key stimulation parameters including pulse width, frequency, amplitude, and electrode configuration through the programming device. These parameter changes allow individualized treatment optimization while the device maintains simplicity through automated parameter selection algorithms and pre-configured treatment programs that guide users through necessary adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If inductive coupling is used for wireless power transmission, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity and potential interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces inductive coupling with optical coupling for wireless power transmission. This substitution eliminates the need for large magnetic coils and complex inductive coupling mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while providing sufficient power transfer efficiency for the implantable stimulator's operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts the power transmission function from the implantable device by using external optical transmission through the skin. This removes the need for complex power management circuitry and large energy storage components within the implant, significantly simplifying the device design while maintaining adequate power delivery through optimized optical coupling and efficient energy conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10632314B1User interface for a patient user to adjust settings on an implantable device

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 CURONIX LLC

AI summary

A computer-assisted method that includes: establishing a communication link between a programming device and a controller device, the controller device wirelessly and non-inductively powering and controlling a passive implantable stimulator device; presenting configuration options to the patient user of the passive implantable stimulator device, the configuration options comprising stimulation waveform parameters for driving the passive implantable stimulator; receiving a specification of the configuration options in response to the presented configuration options; receiving user feedback when the user specified configuration options are transferred to the controller device which, in turn, drives the implantable stimulator device according to the specified configuration options; building, at the programming device, a profile that correlates the user specified configuration options with the corresponding quantitative index of pain; and recommending at least one configuration option based on the profile built from historic data when the configuration options are subsequently presented to the patient user for later treatment.