Electrical Stimulation Parameter Selection Using ECAP Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical stimulation therapies face challenges in efficiently selecting stimulation parameter values due to the vast number of possible combinations, leading to time-consuming manual adjustments and potential energy inefficiencies, with sensed physiological characteristics like ECAPs being undetectable at certain parameter ranges.
Innovation Solution
Systems and techniques that utilize pre-defined relationships between stimulation parameters to automatically adjust parameter values, enabling efficient delivery of electrical stimulation therapy by switching between zones of intensity and estimating parameter values based on ECAPs, even when direct measurement is not possible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment of stimulation parameters is used, then therapeutic efficacy can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and energy-inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment of stimulation parameters by automatically selecting optimal values from the parameter relationship model based on sensed physiological characteristics, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments by clinicians while maintaining therapeutic efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensed physiological characteristics (such as ECAPs) to automatically adjust stimulation parameters in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes therapy delivery without manual intervention
2Use of energy by moving object
If ECAP sensing is used to optimize stimulation, then energy efficiency improves, but ECAPs become undetectable at certain parameter ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary model (parameter relationship model) that maps ECAP-based optimal parameters to alternative parameter sets that achieve similar therapeutic effects without requiring direct ECAP measurement, enabling energy-efficient stimulation even when ECAPs are undetectable
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes stimulation parameters based on the relationship model to transition between parameter spaces where ECAP detection is feasible and where therapeutic delivery is optimal, maintaining energy efficiency while overcoming detection limitations
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of stimulation parameter combinations is increased to cover all therapeutic scenarios, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the vast parameter space into manageable regions defined by the parameter relationship model, where each region contains parameter combinations suitable for specific therapeutic scenarios, allowing comprehensive coverage without overwhelming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The parameter relationship model serves as a universal framework that can guide parameter selection across multiple therapeutic scenarios and physiological conditions, eliminating the need for separate parameter sets for each scenario and reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and techniques for controlling electrical stimulation therapy are described. In one example, a system may include processing circuitry configured to control a medical device to deliver a first electrical stimulation according to a first value of a first stimulation parameter of the plurality of stimulation parameters and a first value of a second parameter of the plurality of stimulation parameters, receive an input representative of an efficacy of the first electrical stimulation delivered to the patient according to the first value of the first stimulation parameter and the first value of the second parameter, select, based on the input and the relationship between the plurality of stimulation parameters, a second value of at least one of the first stimulation parameter or the second stimulation parameter, and control the medical device to deliver a second electrical stimulation according to the second value.