Spinal Cord Stimulator Stabilization for Motion-Adaptive Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal cord stimulation (SCS) devices fail to account for spine movement, leading to inadequate or improper stimulation due to relative movement between the device and spinal cord, and lack securement to prevent such movement, affecting therapeutic efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A sensor and stimulator system with sensing elements to detect spine movement, modulating electrical stimulus accordingly, and a stabilizing structure to prevent device movement, ensuring precise spinal cord stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spinal cord stimulation devices are implanted to provide therapeutic stimulation, then pain relief and neurological treatment are achieved, but device movement relative to the spinal cord occurs due to lack of securement, leading to inadequate stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a stabilizing structure that is pre-configured to prevent device movement before therapeutic failure occurs. The stabilizing structure includes features such as radiopaque markers for precise positioning and physical anchoring mechanisms that secure the device to the spinal cord prior to implantation, ensuring stable positioning from the outset rather than requiring corrective action after movement occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a stabilizing structure as a mediator between the stimulation device and the spinal cord. This stabilizing structure acts as an intermediate layer that absorbs and compensates for relative movement, ensuring consistent therapeutic delivery even when minor movements occur between the device and spinal cord
2Measurement precision
If spinal cord stimulation devices are secured to prevent movement, then stimulation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional stabilizing components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the stimulation device into distinct functional modules: a stimulation component with electrodes, a stabilizing structure with anchoring features, and radiopaque markers for imaging. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated stabilizing structure that combines mechanical anchoring features, radiopaque markers for imaging guidance, and positioning elements. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining stimulation precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are added to detect spine movement, then stimulation accuracy is enhanced through real-time adjustment, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the sensor detect spine movement at regular intervals rather than continuously, and the controller adjust stimulation parameters in periodic cycles based on detected movement. This periodic monitoring and adjustment maintains stimulation adaptability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by having the controller dynamically adjust stimulation parameters such as amplitude, frequency, or pulse width based on sensor-detected spine movement. This allows the device to adapt to physiological changes in real-time, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness while using energy only when parameter adjustments are needed rather than operating at maximum capacity continuously
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
The system provides accurate and stable spinal cord stimulation by detecting and adjusting to spine movements, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor and stimulator system with sensing elements to detect spine movement
Implementation Method 2
modulating electrical stimulus accordingly
Implementation Method 3
a stabilizing structure to prevent device movement
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes methods, sensors, and systems for detecting movement of a spine and stimulating specific regions of the spinal cord in response to the movement. The disclosure includes sensors having one or more sensing elements to sense movement of the spine and one or more stimulating elements configured to electrically stimulate an area proximate the spine. When a movement of the spine is detected via the sensor, the one or more stimulating elements modulate an electrical stimulus.