Multi-Electrode Spinal Cord Stimulation With N+1 Phase Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neurostimulation devices using high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (SCS) face challenges with high energy consumption, frequent recharging needs, large device size, and inefficient neuronal response due to constrained anodic and cathodic pulse amplitude ratios, leading to sub-optimal therapeutic efficacy and increased patient burden.
Innovation Solution
A neurostimulation device employing a multi-phase therapy with independent variable amplitudes across electrodes, utilizing a cycle of N+1 electrical phases, including therapeutic and charge-balancing phases, to achieve efficient charge neutrality and optimal therapeutic amplitudes, supported by a pulse generator and closed-loop titration using evoked compound action potential (ECAP) measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional single-electrode or simple multi-electrode SCS systems are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to selectively inhibit pain signals while preserving motor function is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spinal cord stimulation into multiple independent electrode segments (rostral and caudal groups with individual electrodes) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows selective activation of different electrode pairs to target specific neural pathways, enabling differential inhibition of pain signals while preserving motor function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different stimulation parameters (pulsing patterns, amplitudes, frequencies) to different electrode groups based on their local anatomical positions. The rostral and caudal electrode groups can deliver customized waveforms tailored to their specific neural targets, optimizing pain relief while minimizing impact on motor pathways.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional SCS systems are used, then the treatment approach is simple, but the ability to provide customized therapy for different patients and conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic stimulation through multiple programmable pulsing patterns (burst, tonic, compound burst-tonic) that can be adjusted in real-time. The system allows dynamic modification of inter-pulse intervals, pulse widths, and amplitudes to adapt to different patient responses and therapeutic needs, providing flexible customization without requiring complex surgical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal stimulation system that can deliver multiple types of waveforms (burst, tonic, compound) through the same electrode array. This multi-functional capability allows a single device configuration to address various pain conditions and patient preferences, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
3Reliability
If conventional SCS systems are used, then the energy consumption is low, but the therapeutic effectiveness for chronic pain management is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic burst pulsing patterns where high-amplitude stimulation is delivered in concentrated bursts separated by intervals of reduced or zero stimulation. This periodic action maintains therapeutic effectiveness by providing sufficient neural modulation during active bursts while reducing average power consumption during inter-burst intervals, optimizing the balance between efficacy and energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements compound burst-tonic pulsing that combines brief high-intensity bursts with continuous low-intensity tonic stimulation. This approach maintains continuous neural modulation (continuous useful action) to ensure reliable pain relief, while the burst components provide enhanced therapeutic effect during critical periods, improving overall effectiveness without proportionally increasing energy consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to a device for neurostimulation (100) of a patient's body, wherein the device comprises a plurality of electrodes (102. a, 102.b, 102. c, 102. d, 200. a, 200.b). In order to improve therapeutic efficacy when using a plurality of electrodes in the sub-perception window, and assuming that the number of the plurality of electrodes is Z and that there is a group of N electrodes (102. a, 102. b, 102. c) of the plurality of electrodes (N less than or equal to Z) is equal to or larger than 3, the device is configured to deliver a number of N+1 electrical phases during one cycle via the plurality of electrodes • such that during N electrical phases of the cycle each electrode of the group delivers alternating a therapeutic electric phase and a number of N-1 charge balancing electric phases, wherein the therapeutic electric phase of one electrode has an amplitude I1, I2,... IN specific to this electrode, wherein during a time of one phase one electrode of the group delivers its specific therapeutic electric phase and the other electrodes of the group or of the plurality of electrodes deliver a charge balancing phase having a polarity being opposite the polarity of the specific therapeutic electric phase delivered at the same time, and • such that during an additional electrical phase each electrode of the plurality of electrodes delivers an electrical phase with an amplitude that establishes charge neutrality on each respective electrode based on phases of the N other electrical. Additionally, a respective method is disclosed.