Patterned Neurostimulation via Dynamic Burst Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation systems are limited in their ability to deliver complex patterns of electrical energy, which are necessary for effective therapies, as they often rely on periodic pulses with uniform waveforms, failing to mimic the sophisticated neural signals used by the human nervous system.
Innovation Solution
A medical device system that includes an implantable pulse generator and stimulation leads with segmented electrodes, capable of delivering temporally patterned neurostimulation energy through varied burst parameters, inter-burst frequencies, and frequency modulation, allowing for precise targeting and unsynchronized stimulation of different neuron subgroups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If periodic pulses with uniform waveforms are delivered continuously or in bursts, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the ability to mimic sophisticated neural signals is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic stimulation patterns by varying multiple parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency, inter-pulse intervals) over time within programmed patterns. The neurostimulator transitions from static uniform pulses to dynamic patterned stimulation that adapts temporal and informational characteristics to mimic sophisticated neural signals, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs parameter changes by programmatically modifying stimulation parameters including amplitude, pulse width, frequency, and inter-pulse intervals according to predefined patterns. This allows the device to deliver complex temporal patterns that mimic natural neural signaling while maintaining control through parameter variation rather than hardware complexity.
2Reliability
If complex patterns of neurostimulation energy are delivered, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but the programming capability required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming complex stimulation patterns into the neurostimulator before implantation or during initial programming. The device stores multiple pattern configurations that can be selected and activated without requiring complex real-time programming, thus improving therapeutic efficacy through complex patterns while maintaining ease of operation through pre-configured solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated pattern delivery where the neurostimulator autonomously executes programmed stimulation patterns without requiring continuous clinician intervention. The device manages complex temporal patterns, parameter transitions, and pattern sequencing automatically, improving therapeutic efficacy while reducing the operational burden on clinicians.
3Reliability
If temporally patterned stimulation is delivered to different neuron subgroups, then therapeutic efficacy is enhanced, but the precision of parameter control required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the stimulation into distinct temporal patterns and parameter sets that can be independently controlled and programmed. Different neuron subgroups are targeted through segmented delivery of patterned stimulation with specific temporal and informational characteristics, allowing precise control over which patterns are delivered to which targets without requiring physical segmentation of the device itself.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3D
Figure 3E~3H
AI summary
This document discusses medical device for coupling to a plurality of implantable electrodes. The medical device includes a therapy circuit configured to deliver electrical neurostimulation energy to the plurality of implantable electrodes; and a control circuit operatively coupled to the therapy circuit. The control circuit is configured to: initiate delivery of bursts of pulses of the electrical neurostimulation energy to the plurality of the implantable electrodes, wherein pulses within a burst include an intra-pulse period; change a combination of electrodes used to deliver the bursts of pulses according to an inter-burst period between bursts; and change the inter-burst period during the delivery of the electrical neuromodulation energy.