Graphical Display for Spinal Cord Stimulation Parameter Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal cord stimulation systems face challenges in efficiently programming and visualizing stimulation parameters during the fitting process, requiring clinicians and patients to navigate a vast array of electrode configurations and parameter combinations without effective graphical representation.
Innovation Solution
A graphical display system that illustrates pulse waveforms, electrode polarity, and current distribution using icons, numerical values, and color coding to simplify the visualization of stimulation parameters, including pulse amplitude, width, rate, and electrode configuration, allowing for easier selection and adjustment of therapeutic settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vast array of electrode configurations and stimulation parameters are provided for programming, then the versatility and adaptability of the stimulation system is improved, but the complexity of the programming interface and the difficulty of selecting appropriate settings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The programming interface is segmented into multiple visual displays, each showing different aspects of the electrode configurations and stimulation parameters. This breaks down the complex information into manageable segments that can be processed and understood more easily, while still providing access to the full range of configurable options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional text-based or simple numerical parameter displays to graphical visual representations that add spatial and visual dimensions to the interface. This allows clinicians to perceive electrode configurations and parameter relationships in a more intuitive visual format, reducing the cognitive load of navigating complex programming options.
2Loss of information
If detailed stimulation parameters and electrode configurations are displayed in traditional formats, then complete information is provided, but the ease of operation and speed of programming is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The visual display employs color coding to represent different electrode configurations, polarities, and stimulation parameter states. This allows clinicians to quickly distinguish between various settings and understand the current configuration at a glance, maintaining complete information while dramatically improving scanning speed and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional one-dimensional numerical parameters are transformed into two-dimensional graphical representations with spatial relationships. This visual dimensioning allows clinicians to perceive multiple parameters simultaneously in a single view, reducing the time needed to comprehend and adjust stimulation settings while preserving all necessary information.
3Reliability
If multiple electrode configurations are tested during fitting sessions, then the reliability of pain relief is improved, but the time required for programming and fitting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual display system pre-organizes and presents multiple electrode configurations and parameter combinations in an intuitive graphical format before the clinician begins testing. This allows for rapid comparison and selection of promising configurations, reducing the number of iterative adjustments needed during actual fitting sessions while still ensuring thorough evaluation of effective options.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system dynamically adapts to the clinician's programming workflow, allowing real-time visualization and adjustment of multiple configurations. This dynamic interface enables efficient navigation through various electrode settings and parameter combinations, facilitating comprehensive testing of configurations that lead to reliable pain relief while minimizing the time spent on each adjustment cycle.
Data Source
AI summary
Tissue stimulation systems, such as spinal cord stimulation systems, include a pulse generator to generate pulses at various amplitude, duration, and frequency through one or more electrodes. A visual depiction of both a pulse and an electrode configuration is thus provided herein. These depictions may be used in a stimulation display interface to readily convey stimulation parameter information to a user, wherein the interface is used in a stimulation session.