Remote DBS Tuning via Objective Sensor Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapies for movement disorders like Parkinson's disease face challenges in accurately selecting candidates, optimizing electrode placement, and adjusting stimulation parameters due to subjective evaluation methods, limited access to specialized clinicians, and high costs associated with invasive procedures and follow-up care.
Innovation Solution
A system for semi-automated or automated adjustment of DBS treatment parameters using objective, quantitative data from movement disorder diagnostic devices, incorporating sensors like gyroscopes and accelerometers to objectively measure symptoms, and algorithms for real-time data processing to guide clinician decision-making, enabling remote tuning and reducing the need for extensive travel and expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If subjective evaluation methods are used for candidate selection and parameter adjustment, then clinician expertise and judgment are utilized, but measurement precision and objectivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective clinician evaluation with objective sensor-based measurement systems. Gyroscopes and accelerometers detect motor symptoms quantitatively, substituting manual assessment with automated physical measurement. This resolves the contradiction by providing precise, objective data without requiring complex subjective judgment processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system performs self-assessment through automated sensor data collection and analysis. The system independently measures symptoms, processes data through algorithms, and generates evaluation results without continuous clinician intervention. This maintains measurement precision while reducing the complexity of manual evaluation processes.
2Ease of operation
If specialized clinicians are required for DBS programming and adjustment, then treatment quality is maintained, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated diagnostic system as an intermediary between patients and clinicians. The system collects sensor data, processes it through algorithms, and provides objective recommendations, serving as a mediator that bridges remote patient monitoring with clinician decision-making. This improves accessibility while maintaining treatment reliability through data-driven guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data is constantly monitored, analyzed, and used to adjust stimulation parameters. This automated feedback mechanism ensures reliable treatment optimization without requiring constant clinician involvement, enabling remote adjustment while maintaining treatment quality.
3Productivity
If multiple in-person programming sessions are required, then thorough parameter optimization is achieved, but loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-monitoring and automated data collection between clinical visits. Sensors continuously track symptoms and provide objective feedback without requiring patient presence. This allows thorough parameter optimization to occur through automated analysis of collected data, eliminating the need for multiple in-person sessions and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data collection and analysis before clinical decisions are made. Sensors gather symptom data in advance, and algorithms pre-process this information to generate actionable insights. This preliminary action reduces the need for repeated in-person sessions, as clinicians receive ready-analyzed data that accelerates the optimization process.
4Reliability
If invasive DBS procedures are performed, then therapeutic benefit is achieved, but object-generated harmful factors and risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements extensive preoperative assessment using objective sensor-based diagnostics. The system measures motor symptoms, quantifies disease severity, and identifies optimal candidates before surgery. This preliminary action ensures that only appropriate candidates undergo invasive procedures, reducing unnecessary surgical risks while maintaining treatment effectiveness for suitable patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback on treatment effectiveness through ongoing symptom monitoring. Sensors detect changes in motor symptoms after DBS implantation, allowing real-time assessment of therapeutic benefit. This feedback mechanism ensures that the invasive procedure produces reliable results by enabling timely adjustments and confirming treatment efficacy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods for remotely tuning treatment parameters in movement disorder therapy systems where the subject and clinician are located remotely from each other. The present invention still further provides methods of quantifying movement disorders for the treatment of patients who exhibit symptoms of such movement disorders including, but not limited to, Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism, Dystonia, Chorea, and Huntington's disease, Ataxia, Tremor and Essential Tremor, Tourette syndrome, stroke, and the like. The present invention yet further relates to methods of remotely tuning a therapy device using objective quantified movement disorder symptom data to determine the therapy setting or parameters to be transmitted and provided to the subject via his or her therapy device. The present invention also provides treatment and tuning remotely, allowing for home monitoring of subjects.