Spinal Cord Stimulation Pulse Width and Rate Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spinal cord stimulation techniques for treating chronic pain often require high-frequency pulsed electrical energy, which consumes excessive power and can cause uncomfortable paresthesia in patients.

Innovation Solution

Conveying pulsed electrical current with a defined pulse width of 10 μs to 200 μs and a pulse rate less than 1500 Hz into spinal cord tissue, preferentially stimulating neural elements in the dorsal horn to modulate them without evoking action potentials, thereby treating chronic pain without causing paresthesia.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high-frequency pulsed electrical energy is used to treat chronic pain, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but energy consumption increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical stimulation parameters by using low-frequency pulsed electrical energy (less than 1500 Hz) with specific pulse widths (10-200 μs) instead of conventional high-frequency stimulation. This parameter modification achieves therapeutic efficacy while dramatically reducing energy consumption, allowing longer operation between charges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic pulsed electrical stimulation at low frequencies (less than 1500 Hz) to modulate neural elements in the dorsal horn. This periodic action pattern provides effective pain relief while consuming significantly less energy compared to continuous or high-frequency stimulation methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If high-frequency pulsed electrical energy is used to treat chronic pain, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but paresthesia discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidparesthesia discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the electrical stimulation parameters by using low-frequency pulsed energy (less than 1500 Hz) and controlled pulse widths (10-200 μs) to selectively modulate dorsal horn neural elements without activating the dorsal column fibers that cause paresthesia. This parameter change maintains therapeutic efficacy while eliminating or reducing paresthesia discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies electrical stimulation locally to specific neural structures (dorsal horn neural elements) rather than broadly to all spinal cord fibers. By targeting only the dorsal horn and avoiding the dorsal column, the treatment provides pain relief without inducing the uncomfortable paresthesia sensations associated with broader fiber stimulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If electrical stimulation amplitude is increased to provide pain relief, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but paresthesia perception increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain relief efficacyVSAvoidparesthesia perception

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the stimulation parameters by using low-frequency pulsed electrical energy with specific pulse widths (10-200 μs) that can provide effective pain relief at lower amplitudes. This parameter modification allows achieving therapeutic efficacy without reaching the amplitude threshold that triggers uncomfortable paresthesia perceptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic low-frequency pulsed stimulation to modulate neural elements in a way that provides pain relief without requiring high amplitudes. The rhythmic pulsing pattern at frequencies less than 1500 Hz creates effective neural modulation while maintaining lower stimulation amplitudes that avoid paresthesia.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 effectively treats chronic pain by modulating neural elements in the dorsal horn without inducing paresthesia, reducing energy consumption and minimizing side effects, while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

electrical stimulation energy conveyed to the electrodes creates an electrical field, which, when strong enough, depolarizes (or 'stimulates') the neural fibers within the spinal cord beyond a threshold level, thereby inducing the firing of action potentials (APs)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS10159837B2Preferential therapeutic modulation without patient-perceived paresthesia

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

AI summary

A method of providing therapy to a patient. The method comprises conveying pulsed electrical current at a defined pulse width and a defined pulse rate into spinal cord tissue. The defined pulse width is equal to or less than 200 μs, and the defined pulse rate is less than 1500 Hz, such that neural elements in the dorsal horn are modulated and/or the patient does not perceive paresthesia during the conveyance of the pulsed electrical current into the spinal cord tissue.