Stimulation Parameter Selection via Anatomical Atlas Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current implantable electrical stimulation systems face challenges in accurately selecting stimulation parameters to achieve desired therapeutic effects while minimizing undesired side effects, as they often rely on user-inputted parameters without comprehensive anatomical or physiological data analysis.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a computer processor to identify a desired stimulation region by comparing anatomical or physiological images with predetermined stimulation regions, providing corresponding electrical stimulation parameters to achieve specific effects and avoid side effects, and adjusting parameters based on functional maps and synchronous neural activity analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If user-inputted parameters are used for stimulation, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and reliability of stimulation effects deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of parameter selectionVSAvoidprecision of stimulation region targeting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of functional maps and anatomical/physiological data analysis that mediates between user input and actual stimulation parameter selection. The system processes user inputs through multiple layers of pre-computed functional maps and anatomical data to automatically determine optimal stimulation parameters, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving measurement precision and reliability of therapeutic effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-computing functional maps and stimulation volume predictions for multiple possible stimulation scenarios before actual treatment. These pre-analyzed data structures are stored and readily available for rapid retrieval and comparison, allowing the system to quickly provide precise parameter recommendations without requiring complex real-time calculations during patient treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive anatomical and physiological data analysis is performed, then measurement precision and reliability of stimulation effects are improved, but device complexity and computation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of stimulation region targetingVSAvoidcomplexity of data processing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs comprehensive anatomical and physiological data analysis in advance, before actual treatment sessions. Functional maps and stimulation volume predictions are pre-computed for multiple scenarios and stored in optimized data structures. During treatment, the system simply retrieves and compares these pre-analyzed results, dramatically reducing computation time and apparent device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates simplified copies or representations of complex anatomical and physiological data in the form of functional maps and pre-computed stimulation volume predictions. These copied data structures retain the essential information needed for precise parameter selection but are much simpler to process and compare during actual treatment, effectively reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If stimulation parameters are optimized for desired effects, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but risk of side effects increases due to broader stimulation volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoidside effects from over-stimulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different stimulation parameter recommendations for different anatomical regions and functional targets. The system analyzes the specific location, size, and physiological characteristics of each target region, then tailors stimulation parameters to optimize therapeutic effects for that specific location while minimizing stimulation of surrounding sensitive structures, thereby reducing side effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting stimulation parameters based on the specific anatomical and physiological characteristics of the target region. The system modifies parameters such as pulse width, amplitude, and frequency according to the size, shape, and sensitivity of different brain regions, allowing optimization of therapeutic effectiveness for each target while avoiding over-stimulation and associated side effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3280490B1Systems for selecting stimulation parameters based on stimulation target region, effects, or side effects
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP
  • EP3280490B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3280490B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3280490B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A system or method for identifying sets of stimulation parameters can include receiving at least one image of a region of a patient; registering the at least one image with an anatomical or physiological atlas that identifies different anatomical or physiological structures; identifying a desired stimulation region using the at least one image; comparing the desired stimulation region with each of a plurality of predetermined estimated stimulation regions, where each of the estimated stimulation regions is a calculated estimate of a stimulation volume for a corresponding set of electrical stimulation parameters; selecting one of the predetermined estimated stimulation regions based on the comparing; and providing the corresponding set of electrical stimulation parameters for the selected one of the predetermined estimated stimulation regions to a user or an electrical stimulation device. Other systems or methods use functional maps or subregions of a region of synchronous neural activity to identify stimulation parameters.