Stimulation Parameter Graph Interface for Personalized Therapy Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current therapeutic stimulation systems lack user-friendly methods for patients or non-clinician caregivers to modify stimulation parameters effectively, limiting personalized treatment adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow patients or caregivers to request modifications to stimulation settings, display adjustable parameters on a graph, indicate current and range settings, select new settings, and implement changes, using an implantable control module and a programmer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If patients or non-clinician caregivers are given the ability to modify stimulation parameters, then personalized treatment adjustments and symptom management improve, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalized treatment adjustmentsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A programmer device serves as an intermediary between the implantable stimulator and the patient/caregiver. The programmer includes a processor that receives modification requests, determines appropriate parameter changes based on predefined criteria, and communicates with the stimulator to implement changes. This intermediary handles the complexity of parameter adjustment logic, keeping the implantable device itself relatively simple while enabling sophisticated personalized treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the control functionality into separate modules: the implantable stimulator delivers therapy, the programmer handles parameter modification logic and user interface, and predefined criteria store guidelines for adjustments. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the implant remains simple and reliable, while the external programmer provides the necessary complexity for personalized treatment adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple adjustable stimulation parameters are provided with modification ranges, then the precision of symptom management improves, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter adjustment precisionVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements predefined minor and moderate change criteria that limit the range of parameter adjustments based on current settings. Instead of allowing unlimited precise adjustment, the system provides partial action through predefined increments, which simplifies user operation while maintaining sufficient precision for effective symptom management. The criteria prevent excessive adjustments that could cause harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the state of stimulation parameters by applying predefined modification criteria (minor and moderate changes) rather than allowing arbitrary adjustments. This approach transforms the continuous parameter adjustment problem into discrete, pre-evaluated steps, making the interface easier to use while maintaining measurement precision through systematic parameter evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If the system provides detailed graphs and ranges for parameter adjustments, then the information available to users improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation availabilityVSAvoidprogrammer complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically generates and displays relevant information (graphs showing current settings, acceptable ranges, and modification options) without requiring complex manual configuration by the user. The processor automatically determines and presents the appropriate parameter ranges based on predefined criteria, allowing users to benefit from detailed information while the system handles the complexity of information generation and management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250050107A1Methods and systems for control and modification of stimulation
Publication Date: 2025.02.13 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP
  • US20250050107A1 patent drawing
  • US20250050107A1 patent drawing
  • US20250050107A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Electrical stimulation systems and methods for operation and management of the electrical stimulation system are described. One method for operation of an electrical stimulation system includes receiving a request to modify stimulation; displaying a graph for at least one adjustable stimulation parameter; indicating on the graph a current setting of each of the at least one adjustable stimulation parameter and a range around the current setting of at least one of the at least one adjustable stimulation parameter which represents at least one of a minor change in the stimulation based on a predefined minor change criteria or a moderate change in the stimulation based on a predefined moderate change criteria; receiving a selection of a new setting for at least one of the at least one adjustable stimulation parameter; and modifying the stimulation according to the selection.