Perpendicular Electrode Arrangement for Artifact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closed-loop neuromodulation therapies face challenges in accurately recording physiological responses due to stimulation artifacts, which can obscure the signals needed to adjust therapy effectively, particularly in spinal cord stimulation where movement affects the position of stimulation contacts relative to the spinal cord.
Innovation Solution
The use of a lead configuration with stimulating electrodes and recording electrodes positioned in a perpendicular arrangement, with the recording electrodes spaced apart from the stimulating electrodes to minimize stimulation artifacts, allowing for optimal signal recording and adjustment of electrical signals based on recorded physiological responses such as ECAPs or LFPs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If recording electrodes are positioned close to stimulating electrodes for compact lead design, then device complexity is reduced, but stimulation artifacts increase and obscure physiological response signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions recording electrodes in a different spatial dimension relative to stimulating electrodes, specifically in the radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lead. This dimensional separation allows both electrode types to be compact along the lead length while maintaining sufficient distance between recording and stimulating electrodes to reduce artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an asymmetric electrode arrangement where recording electrodes are positioned at specific angles (e.g., 90 degrees) relative to stimulating electrodes, creating an asymmetric configuration that optimizes signal recording while minimizing stimulation artifacts. This asymmetric positioning allows the recording electrodes to capture physiological responses without being overwhelmed by the electrical field from stimulating electrodes.
2Reliability
If stimulating electrodes are positioned to deliver effective therapy, then therapeutic effect is improved, but stimulation artifacts increase and interfere with physiological response recording
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the recording function from the stimulating electrode assembly by positioning recording electrodes separately in the radial direction. This separation allows the stimulating electrodes to deliver effective therapy without their electrical artifacts overwhelming the recording electrodes, as the recording electrodes are positioned outside the primary stimulation field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the radial positioning arrangement as an intermediary spatial configuration between stimulating and recording functions. By placing recording electrodes in the radial direction at an intermediate distance from stimulating electrodes, the system mediates between the need for effective stimulation and the need for clean signal recording, reducing artifact interference while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If lead design accommodates both stimulating and recording electrodes in close proximity, then ease of implantation is improved, but signal recording accuracy deteriorates due to artifact contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension perpendicular to the lead's longitudinal axis to position recording electrodes away from stimulating electrodes. This allows both electrode types to be accommodated in a compact lead structure suitable for simple implantation, while the radial separation ensures sufficient distance to reduce artifact contamination and improve signal quality.
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 configuration reduces stimulation artifacts, enabling more accurate real-time adjustment of electrical signals to maintain therapeutic ranges, improving the effectiveness of closed-loop neuromodulation therapies by minimizing interference from movement and enhancing patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a pulse generator configured to generate an electrical signal; a lead in communication with the pulse generator and configured to transmit the electrical signal to a plurality of electrodes; the plurality of electrodes comprising at least one stimulating electrode configured to stimulate an anatomical element based on the electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling and optimizing closed-loop neuromodulation therapies are provided. The system may include a pulse generator configured to generate an electrical signal that may be transmitted to a plurality of a electrodes. The plurality of electrodes may include at least one stimulating electrode and at least one recording electrode. The at least one stimulating electrode may be configured to stimulate an anatomical element based on the electrical signal and the at least one recording electrode configured to record a physiological response.