Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation Vector Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for peripheral nerve field stimulation lack the ability to programmatically control the direction, breadth, focus, and depth of stimulation fields effectively, limiting their precision and adaptability in treating pain.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to input stimulation field vectors to determine electrode configurations, enabling precise control over the direction, breadth, focus, and depth of electrical stimulation fields delivered by implantable medical devices, using a user interface to select regions of pain and adjust therapy parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional neurostimulation devices are used, then pain treatment can be provided, but the direction, breadth, focus, and depth of stimulation fields cannot be effectively controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation field control is segmented into independent adjustable parameters: direction (azimuth and elevation angles), breadth (beam width), focus (focal point position), and depth (stimulation penetration depth). Each parameter can be independently programmed and optimized to achieve precise control over the stimulation field characteristics without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular dimensions (azimuth and elevation angles) to control the direction of stimulation fields, transforming traditional one-dimensional stimulation into multi-dimensional controllable fields. This dimensional expansion allows precise targeting of pain regions from multiple spatial angles while maintaining manageable device complexity through software-based parameter control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stimulation parameters are fixed, then device operation is simple, but adaptability to different pain regions and patients is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation device transitions from fixed parameters to dynamically adjustable parameters. The system allows real-time modification of stimulation characteristics including direction angles, field breadth, focal depth, and intensity levels. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to different pain regions and patient responses while maintaining ease of operation through pre-configured programs and intuitive adjustment interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multiple可调 parameters (azimuth angle, elevation angle, beam width, focal depth, stimulation intensity) that can be independently modified to customize therapy for different patients and pain conditions. These parameter changes are achieved through software control without requiring hardware modifications, balancing versatility with operational simplicity.
3Area of stationary object
If broad stimulation fields are used, then coverage of pain regions is improved, but precision of targeted stimulation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple partial stimulation fields that can be individually directed at specific sub-regions of the pain area. By combining several focused fields with appropriate angular orientations and focal points, the system achieves both broad overall coverage and precise localized stimulation, allowing clinicians to target specific pain generators while maintaining coverage of surrounding affected areas.
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
Enables tailored and effective peripheral nerve field stimulation by allowing clinicians and patients to customize stimulation parameters, improving pain management by targeting specific areas and achieving desired therapeutic effects.
Implementation Method 1
a medical device may deliver stimulation pulses or continuous stimulation waveforms to one or more tissue areas via electrodes to, for example, reduce the sensation of pain in a tissue area proximate to an implantation site of the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The configuration of electrodes may include, for example, a first electrode and a second electrode selected from an electrode array. In some examples, a first active electrode, which may be an anode electrode, may be selected from the electrode array based on a vector beginning point of the stimulation vector input and a second active electrode, which may be a cathode electrode, may be selected based on a vector end point. In this way, an electric current flowing from the at least one anode to the at least one cathode may produce a stimulation direction corresponding to the stimulation field vector input.
Data Source
AI summary
Peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) delivered by medical device to a patient may be programmed by specifying one or more characteristics of a stimulation field generated by the IMD to provide the PNFS. The characteristics of the stimulation field may include, for example, a direction of stimulation within the field, a breadth of the stimulation field, a focus of stimulation within the stimulation field, a depth of the stimulation field relative to a reference point, such as the epidermis of the patient, or a nerve fiber diameter selection.