Spinal Cord Stimulator Using Field Potentials for Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapies for patients with spinal cord injuries rely on indirect electromyography (EMG) recordings, which may not provide accurate feedback for programming spinal cord stimulators, limiting the effectiveness of motor function restoration and rehabilitation.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a spinal cord stimulator with both stimulating and sensing electrical contacts, a processor, and machine learning algorithms to analyze spinal electrophysiological data, allowing for the determination of a patient's physiological state and the delivery of tailored neuromodulation signals to improve motor function and overall physiological recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electromyography (EMG) recordings are used to evaluate spinal cord stimulation effects, then motor function restoration can be assessed, but the feedback accuracy for programming the spinal cord stimulator deteriorates due to indirect and distant measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor function restorationVSAvoidfeedback accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces spinal field potentials (SFPs) as an intermediary measurement that directly reflects spinal cord activity. Instead of using EMG recordings from muscles at a large distance, the system records electrical potentials from the spinal cord itself through epidural electrodes, providing accurate feedback about spinal cord stimulation effects without the indirectness and spatial separation inherent in EMG measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electromechanical EMG recording system with an electrophysiological recording system. Instead of measuring mechanical muscle responses through EMG, the system directly measures electrical field potentials generated by spinal cord neurons, providing a more direct and accurate signal for stimulator programming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If EMG recordings are used to quantify SCS effects, then motor capacity can be evaluated, but the directness and accuracy of feedback for neuromodulation programming deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor capacity evaluationVSAvoiddirect feedback information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system that continuously monitors spinal field potentials during spinal cord stimulation and uses this information to adjust stimulation parameters in real-time. The SFP recordings provide direct feedback about the spinal cord's response to stimulation, enabling precise optimization of neuromodulation parameters to maximize motor function restoration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the evaluation process into multiple components: recording spinal field potentials at specific locations, analyzing the electrical signals to determine physiological state, and using this information to program specific stimulation parameters. This segmentation allows for targeted and accurate feedback control of the spinal cord stimulator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables more precise and effective spinal cord stimulation by directly analyzing spinal electrophysiological data to define and adjust neuromodulation parameters, potentially leading to improved motor function, bladder control, and cardiovascular function in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Implementation Method 1

receive sensor data comprising spinal electrophysiological data from the at least one sensing electrical contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

direct delivery of a neuromodulation signal via the at least one stimulating electrical contact to the spinal cord

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS20240374898A1Systems and method for modulating the spinal cord based on spinal field potentials

Publication Date: 2024.11.14 BROWN UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A system and method are provided to improve physiological function in a patient having a spinal cord lesion or quantify the state of the spinal cord and thus the state of progression of the spinal cord lesion. The system and method use spinal electrophysiological data, such as ECAPs, to determine a patient's physiological state and direct delivery of spinal cord stimulation in response to the determination of the patient's physiological state to achieve a therapeutic effect.