Pulse Generator Impedance Checks for Medical Electrode Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for verifying the correct electrical connection of electrodes in medical devices like spinal cord stimulation (SCS) are complex, energy-intensive, and risky, often requiring surgical interventions to correct incorrect linkages.
Innovation Solution
A method using impedance measurements between predefined pairs of connections to determine if electrodes are correctly linked to a pulse generator by measuring and pre-conditioning impedance values to identify incorrect connections, allowing for correction without surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If medical imaging or paresthesia mapping methods are used to check electrode positioning, then the reason for incorrect functioning can be determined, but the methods require complex programming, high energy consumption, and are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex medical imaging systems and paresthesia mapping procedures with a simple electrical impedance measurement system. The pulse generator measures impedance between electrodes to automatically determine lead body type and electrode positioning, substituting sophisticated imaging equipment with basic electrical measurements that require no complex programming or external imaging devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse generator performs self-diagnosis by automatically measuring impedance values between its own electrodes and using these measurements to determine lead body type and correct electrode-port associations. The system checks its own functionality without requiring external imaging equipment, complex programming, or additional testing devices, thereby eliminating the drawbacks of prior art methods.
2Reliability
If medical imaging or paresthesia mapping methods are used to check electrode positioning, then the reason for incorrect functioning can be determined, but the methods consume high energy which is critical for device longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes energy-intensive medical imaging systems with low-power electrical impedance measurements. The pulse generator uses its existing electrical circuits to measure impedance between electrodes, consuming minimal energy compared to external imaging equipment or complex mapping procedures, thus preserving device longevity while maintaining determination accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse generator performs self-checks using its own electrical resources without requiring external imaging equipment that would consume additional energy. By using its existing electrical circuits for impedance measurement and automatic lead body type determination, the system maintains reliability while minimizing energy consumption and extending device operational life.
3Reliability
If medical imaging or paresthesia mapping methods are used to check electrode positioning, then the reason for incorrect functioning can be determined, but these methods are time-consuming and increase the risk of undesired electrode stimulations
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generator automatically performs impedance measurements and determines lead body type and electrode positioning without requiring time-consuming external imaging procedures or complex programming steps. The system quickly checks its own electrode connections and provides results, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining accurate determination and minimizing the risk of incorrect electrode stimulation.
4Measurement precision
If complex programming and multiple verification steps are performed to ensure correct electrode connections, then connection accuracy can be verified, but the set-up process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generator automatically measures impedance between electrodes and determines lead body type and correct electrode-port associations without requiring manual verification steps or complex programming. The system performs its own self-check and provides automatic verification, achieving high measurement precision for connection accuracy while significantly reducing the time required during the set-up process.
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 method provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective way to verify electrode connections, ensuring correct functioning of medical devices by identifying and correcting incorrect linkages without surgical intervention.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an impedance value between the connections of each of the selected pairs of connections
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method to check a medical device (1,1′), to a method of operating such a medical device (1,1′) and to the respective medical device (1,1′). The medical device (1,1′) comprises at least two electrode groups (5) and a pulse generator (6), wherein each electrode group (5) comprises at least two electrodes (4), wherein the at least two electrode groups (5) are arranged on a surface (3) of at least one lead body (2,12), wherein the pulse generator (6) comprises at least one port (9), wherein the number of connections (10) of the at least one port (9) is equal to or greater than the number of electrodes (4) of all electrode groups (5) and form connection groups (11) corresponding to the electrode groups (5). In order to check whether the electrodes (4) of the at least one lead body (2) are correctly electrically linked to the pulse generator (6), the method is used.