Automatic Spinal Cord Stimulation Program Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for programming spinal cord stimulation systems are time-consuming and require repeated testing to determine the optimal electrode configuration and neural response, limiting the number of programs that can be effectively developed for patients.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves receiving a set of parameters including a reference program, determining a reference central point of stimulation (CPS), and automatically constructing a plurality of test programs, including paresthesia-based and anatomical-based test programs, to optimize electrode utilization and patient therapy outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional manual programming methods are used to determine optimal electrode configuration and neural response, then therapy effectiveness can be optimized, but the process becomes time-consuming and limits the number of programs that can be developed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating multiple test programs with varied electrode configurations and stimulation parameters before clinical evaluation. This preliminary program generation includes creating programs with different central points of stimulation (CPS), current fractionalizations, and electrode combinations, allowing the clinician to evaluate multiple options without performing all the iterative testing manually, thus reducing time while maintaining therapy effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by systematically varying multiple program parameters including CPS location, current amplitude, pulse width, frequency, and electrode selection to generate diverse test programs. This automated parameter exploration enables comprehensive evaluation of different stimulation configurations without proportionally increasing the time required, resolving the contradiction between thorough optimization and time efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hardware storage capacity is fully utilized to store more programs, then program versatility is improved, but the complexity of managing and selecting appropriate programs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by enabling the patient to independently review, select, and switch between multiple stored therapy programs using a patient controller. The system provides user-friendly interfaces that allow patients to navigate through stored programs, view program characteristics, and select appropriate programs based on their current needs without requiring clinician intervention for each program selection, thus managing program versatility while reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves universality by creating a multi-functional program management architecture that serves multiple purposes: storing diverse therapy programs, automatically generating test programs, facilitating patient self-selection, and enabling clinician programming. This unified system handles both the complexity of program management and the versatility of program variety through integrated functions, resolving the contradiction between program variety and management complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for generating, testing, and evaluating therapy programs for use in neuromodulation. Test programs are generated using paresthesia and/or anatomical considerations. As test programs are applied to the patient, the test programs are evaluated using patient feedback and grading of locations in relation to active therapy delivery electrodes of the system.