Spinal Cord Neuromodulation Programming Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of selecting electrical stimulation parameters for spinal cord stimulation is time-consuming and often relies on intuition, lacking a systematic approach to effectively tailor therapy for individual patients.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based tool that assists in planning and performing spinal cord neuromodulation by using functional images of the spinal anatomy, determining electrode positions, and calculating neuromodulation settings to create a volume of activation that targets specific functional regions, incorporating radiologic imaging and electric field modeling to optimize electrode placement and settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical stimulation parameters are selected based on intuition or trial-and-error, then the programming process can be completed, but the process becomes time-consuming and lacks systematic precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the electric field model and volume of activation before actual parameter selection. By pre-computing the relationship between electrode positions, stimulation parameters, and resulting activation volumes, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming trial-and-error during clinical programming, directly providing optimized parameter recommendations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a computer-based planning tool as an intermediary between the clinician and the stimulation parameters. This tool acts as a mediator that translates anatomical images and desired therapeutic targets into optimized electrical stimulation settings, replacing direct intuitive parameter selection with a systematic computational approach.
2Reliability
If multiple electrode contacts and configurations are tested to find optimal coverage, then therapeutic efficacy improves, but the complexity of the programming process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying the calculated volume of activation overlaid on anatomical images. This allows clinicians to immediately see the effect of different parameter selections on the targeted neural tissue, enabling systematic optimization of therapeutic coverage without manually testing multiple configurations through trial-and-error.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the manual mechanical process of parameter adjustment and physical testing with automated computational modeling. The electric field model and volume of activation calculations substitute for the manual trial-and-error process, systematically determining optimal electrode configurations and parameters based on anatomical and electrical properties.
3Manufacturing precision
If electrode position is adjusted to improve target coverage, then therapeutic precision improves, but the time required for optimization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the volume of activation for different electrode positions and configurations before final placement decisions are made. By pre-computing the spatial distribution of electrical fields and their overlap with target functional regions, the system enables rapid optimization of electrode positioning without time-consuming iterative adjustments during the procedure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the trial-and-error process, allowing for more precise and efficient selection of spinal cord neuromodulation settings, improving therapeutic efficacy by accurately targeting neural tissue and adapting to electrode position changes.
Implementation Method 1
having an electric field model of an electrode positioned adjacent the patient's spinal cord
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for assisting in the planning or performing of electrical neuromodulation of a patient's spinal cord. The tool may have various functions and capabilities, including calculating a volume of activation, registering an electrode(s) shown in a radiologic image, constructing functional images of the patient's spinal anatomy, targeting of neuromodulation, finding a functional midline between multiple electrodes, determining the three-dimensional position of multiple electrodes, and/or accommodating for electrode migration. In certain embodiments, the tool can be embodied as computer software or a computer system.