High-Frequency Spinal Cord Modulation Without Paresthesia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) technologies often result in undesirable side effects such as unwanted motor stimulation and interference with sensory functions, and require a cumbersome trial-and-error process for lead placement and signal delivery parameters.
Innovation Solution
The use of high frequency spinal cord modulation with frequencies between 1.5 kHz to 100 kHz, targeting specific neural populations like the dorsal column and dorsal root entry zone, reduces pain without inducing paresthesia, and is less sensitive to lead location and signal delivery parameters, simplifying the implant procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spinal cord stimulation is used, then pain relief is achieved, but unwanted motor stimulation and interference with sensory functions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies high frequency stimulation (1.5 kHz to 100 kHz) instead of conventional low frequency stimulation, fundamentally changing the frequency parameter to selectively modulate pain pathways while avoiding motor and other sensory fiber activation. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by achieving pain relief through a different operational regime that inherently avoids the harmful side effects of conventional SCS.
2Reliability
If conventional SCS lead placement is performed, then pain treatment is provided, but a cumbersome trial-and-error process is required
Solution Approach 1:
By changing to high frequency stimulation, the patent eliminates the need for complex trial-and-error lead placement procedures. The high frequency modality is inherently more robust to lead positioning variations, allowing clinicians to achieve effective pain relief without extensive procedural complexity or multiple adjustment sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of stimulation parameters including frequency, amplitude, and pulse width, allowing optimization of pain relief while maintaining simplicity in lead placement. The system can adapt parameters in real-time to achieve therapeutic effects without requiring precise initial lead positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
Selective high-frequency spinal chord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side affects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region from an epidural, cervical location to address at least one of high back pain, mid-back pain, low back pain, and leg pain without creating paresthesia in the patient.