Implantable Pulse Generator Multi-Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable pulse generators for neurostimulation systems face challenges in long-term operation due to limited battery power and invasive procedures required for implantation and maintenance, necessitating efficient energy management and reduced invasiveness.
Innovation Solution
The development of battery charge control circuitry, fractional voltage conversion, efficient pulse generation techniques, and adaptive clocking methods to optimize energy use, along with active and passive discharge strategies, enables reliable and long-lasting operation of implantable pulse generators while minimizing invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If implantable pulse generators use traditional single voltage level operation, then circuit design is simple, but energy efficiency is poor and operational life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generator dynamically switches between multiple voltage levels (first voltage level and second voltage level) based on operational requirements. The circuit transitions from a static single-voltage design to a dynamic multi-voltage system, allowing the device to adapt its power consumption and performance characteristics to extend operational life while managing circuit complexity through controlled switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter from a fixed single level to multiple selectable levels. By implementing voltage switching between at least two different voltage levels, the pulse generator can optimize energy efficiency and extend battery operation duration, transforming the voltage characteristic from static to variable without excessively complicating the overall circuit architecture.
2Power
If implantable pulse generators consume more energy, then therapy delivery capability is improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generator implements dynamic power management by switching between multiple voltage levels based on therapy requirements. When high-power therapy delivery is needed, the system transitions to the higher voltage level; during lower-demand periods, it switches to the lower voltage level to conserve energy. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to balance therapy capability with battery life extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic voltage level switching, alternating between first and second voltage levels according to therapy delivery patterns. This periodic action allows the pulse generator to deliver high-power therapy pulses when necessary while returning to lower power consumption states during intervals, thereby extending overall battery operation duration while maintaining adequate therapy delivery capability.
3Reliability
If implantable pulse generators require frequent battery replacements, then continuous operation is ensured, but patient trauma from surgery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generator implements self-service energy management through multi-voltage level operation and active discharge techniques. The system automatically monitors and manages its own power consumption, switching between voltage levels and implementing discharge strategies to extend battery life without requiring external intervention or patient surgery for battery replacement, thereby maintaining continuous operation while reducing patient trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary battery management actions by implementing active discharge techniques and multi-voltage switching before the battery is fully depleted. By proactively managing power consumption and extending battery operational life through these preliminary actions, the system reduces the frequency of battery replacements and associated surgical interventions, ensuring continuous operation while minimizing patient trauma.
4Use of energy by moving object
If implantable pulse generators use active discharge techniques, then energy efficiency is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generator implements dynamic discharge management by switching between active discharge modes and passive operation based on operational needs. The system dynamically controls the discharge process, transitioning between different discharge strategies to optimize energy efficiency while managing circuit complexity through controlled activation of discharge circuitry rather than continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by implementing active discharge techniques that continuously manage residual energy in the circuit. The discharge circuitry operates continuously or near-continuously to recover and dissipate energy that would otherwise be wasted, improving overall energy efficiency while keeping the circuit design manageable through integrated discharge pathways that work in conjunction with the existing pulse generation circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method of operating an implantable pulse generator comprises: providing power to a voltage converter at a first voltage level; outputting a second voltage level by the voltage converter, the second voltage level being a variable voltage level that is controlled by a control signal provided to the voltage converter, the second voltage level being provided to pulse generating circuitry of the implantable pulse generator, the second voltage level being selectable from a plurality of voltages including non-integer multiples of the first voltage level; generating pulses by the pulse generating circuitry, the pulse generating circuitry including current control circuitry for controlling the pulses to cause the pulses to provide substantially constant current to tissue of the patient; and applying at least two different control signals to the voltage converter during individual pulses to provide successively increasing voltages to the pulse generating circuitry during a respective pulse.