Single-Channel Neuromodulation System for Multi-Pattern Delivery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional neuromodulation systems often require multiple timing channels to target different tissue regions, leading to potential pulse overlap and adverse side effects like paresthesia, which can be uncomfortable for patients, and there is a need for more efficient energy management to optimize therapeutic effects.

Innovation Solution

A neuromodulation system that transitions between high-energy and low-energy consumption modes using modulation energy delivery schedules, allowing for the same timing channel to deliver different electrical pulse trains with varying frequencies, amplitudes, or durations to optimize energy use and reduce side effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple timing channels are used to target different tissue regions, then the ability to treat multiple pain regions simultaneously is improved, but the risk of pulse overlap and adverse side effects like paresthesia increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to treat multiple pain regionsVSAvoidadverse side effects like paresthesia

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple modulation patterns (high-frequency and low-frequency) into a single timing channel, eliminating the need for multiple channels and their associated pulse overlap risks. The modulation output circuitry delivers different pulse trains through the same channel at different times, achieving multi-region treatment without the harmful effects of simultaneous multi-channel operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic switching between high-frequency and low-frequency modulation patterns within a single timing channel. The modulation output circuitry alternates between delivering high-frequency pulses (for paresthesia-free therapy) and low-frequency pulses (for additional therapeutic effect) in a time-multiplexed manner, achieving the benefits of multiple patterns without continuous overlap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If high-frequency pulsed electrical energy is delivered continuously, then paresthesia-free therapy is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparesthesia sensationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic action by alternating between high-frequency and low-frequency modulation patterns. High-frequency pulses (200-10,000 Hz) are delivered during periods when paresthesia-free therapy is needed, while low-frequency pulses (2-200 Hz) are delivered during other periods. This time-varying approach maintains therapeutic efficacy while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-frequency delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The modulation output circuitry dynamically changes the frequency parameter of the electrical pulses over time. The system switches between different frequency ranges (high-frequency for paresthesia-free therapy, low-frequency for additional therapeutic effect) based on a delivery schedule, optimizing both therapeutic outcome and energy efficiency by not maintaining maximum frequency continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple modulation patterns are delivered through separate timing channels, then therapeutic coverage is improved, but device complexity and pulse overlap risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic coverageVSAvoidtiming channel configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modulation output circuitry is designed with multi-functionality to deliver multiple modulation patterns through a single timing channel. It can generate both high-frequency and low-frequency pulse trains, as well as interpolate between them, using the same hardware resources. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuitry for each frequency pattern, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatile therapeutic coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2968932B1Neuromodulation system for providing multiple modulation patterns in a single channel

Publication Date: 2017.10.18 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

AI summary

A neuromodulation system and method includes delivering first electrical modulation energy to a patient through a timing channel at a relatively high energy level (e.g., at a frequency in the range of 2KHz-50KHz) during a first time period in accordance with a stored modulation energy delivery schedule, delivering second electrical modulation energy to the patient through the same timing channel at a relatively low energy level (e.g., at a frequency in the range of 2Hz to 1500Hz) during a second time period in accordance with the stored modulation energy delivery schedule.