Spinal Cord Stimulation Mapping for Selective Motor Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation systems for spinal cord injuries suffer from low controllability and imprecision due to non-selective network activation, leading to limited functionality and fluidity in movement, while Peripheral Nerve System Stimulation systems face issues with muscle fatigue and unstable electrode placement.
Innovation Solution
A system for planning and providing neuromodulation that generates a digital characteristic map to describe the multi-dimensional relationship between stimulation signals and patient responses, allowing for precise spatiotemporal neuromodulation therapies by correlating input signals with output movements, enabling efficient and adaptive neuromodulation protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Central Nerve System stimulation is used to restore motor control, then motor function restoration is achieved, but controllability and precision are reduced due to non-selective network activation
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the stimulation approach by dividing the spinal cord into multiple targetable regions and using separate electrode contacts for different functional domains. This allows selective activation of specific neural circuits while avoiding non-selective network activation, thereby improving controllability without sacrificing motor function restoration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by enabling differential stimulation parameters for different electrode contacts and spinal segments. Each contact can deliver customized waveforms, frequencies, and amplitudes tailored to specific functional requirements, achieving precise spatial and temporal control over neuromodulation effects.
2Productivity
If stimulation parameters are increased to improve movement functionality, then motor output is enhanced, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic control by allowing real-time adjustment of stimulation parameters including amplitude, frequency, pulse width, and electrode configuration. The controller can dynamically modify these parameters based on desired movement tasks, enabling flexible optimization of motor output without requiring complex fixed-parameter systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality through a single integrated controller that can deliver various stimulation waveforms (phasic, tonic, burst patterns) and target multiple spinal segments simultaneously. This universal approach allows one system to perform multiple motor functions without requiring separate specialized devices for each function.
3Measurement precision
If precise spatiotemporal neuromodulation is implemented, then motor control precision is improved, but data processing and mapping requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mapping during an initialization phase, establishing the relationship between electrode contacts and evoked muscle responses before actual therapy delivery. This pre-characterization data is stored and used to guide subsequent stimulation, reducing real-time processing requirements while maintaining precise spatiotemporal control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital model or map of the stimulation-response relationships that replicates the complex neural pathways. This copied representation allows the controller to predict outcomes and optimize parameters without requiring complex real-time analysis of actual neural responses, simplifying data processing while preserving precision.
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
Enables precise and efficient neuromodulation therapies that improve motor control in individuals with spinal cord injuries by optimizing stimulation timing and location, facilitating daily life activities and rehabilitation without complex feedback systems.
Implementation Method 1
epidural electrical stimulation (EES) is capable of (re-) activating these circuits
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems and methods for planning and/or providing neuromodulation One example system includesa stimulation related basic data storage module for storing stimulation related basic data,a stimulation related response data storage module for storing the stimulation related response data,a transfer module configured such that the stimulation related basic data are linked with and/or translated into the response data and/or artificial response data created by the transfer module, wherein the data generated by the transfer module are transfer data, the transfer data comprising link data and/or translation data and/or artificial response data,mapping module configured and arranged such that based on the stimulation related basic data and stimulation related response data and the transfer data a digital characteristic map is generated, andan analysis module configured and arranged such that the digital characteristic map is analyzed automatically.