Stimulation Parameter Selection via Anatomical Targeting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current implantable electrical stimulation systems face challenges in efficiently selecting appropriate stimulation parameters for specific anatomical or physiological targets, leading to suboptimal therapy outcomes due to reliance on manual programming and lack of precise targeting mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize a computer processor to select stimulation parameters based on anatomical or physiological targets, clinical goals, and system goals, incorporating user input and previous stimulation instances to determine optimal parameter sets, and allowing for modification and visualization of stimulation regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual programming is used for selecting stimulation parameters, then the system can be operated with simple hardware, but the programming time and expertise required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogramming easeVSAvoidprogramming time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic selection of stimulation parameters using a computer processor that receives anatomical target information and clinical goals, then autonomously determines optimal parameter sets without requiring manual programming by clinicians, thereby reducing programming time and expertise requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts multiple stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency, electrode configurations) based on input data about anatomical targets and clinical goals, dynamically optimizing the parameter set for each specific patient situation rather than using fixed manual settings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If manual programming is used for selecting stimulation parameters, then the system structure remains simple, but the precision of targeting anatomical structures decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetargeting precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The computer processor automatically processes anatomical target data and clinical goals to determine optimal stimulation parameters, eliminating the need for complex manual programming procedures while achieving precise targeting through algorithmic optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual clinician programming (mechanical/human operation) with automated computer-based processing that uses algorithms to select parameters, thereby improving targeting precision without proportionally increasing physical system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If generic stimulation parameters are used, then the programming process is simplified, but the therapy efficacy for specific patients and targets is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapy efficacyVSAvoidparameter selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system tailors stimulation parameters to specific anatomical targets and individual patient clinical goals, providing customized parameter sets for each patient situation rather than using generic settings, thereby improving therapy efficacy through localized optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The computer processor dynamically determines appropriate parameter values (amplitude, pulse width, frequency, electrode selections) based on specific patient data including anatomical target characteristics and clinical objectives, adapting parameters to each unique case for optimized therapeutic effect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3280491B1Systems for selecting stimulation parameters by targeting and steering
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP
  • EP3280491B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3280491B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3280491B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Methods and systems for selecting stimulation parameters using targeting and steering techniques are presented. For example, a method or system (via actions performed by a processor) can include receiving a name of an anatomical or physiological target or a name of a disease or disorder; receiving a clinical goal; and using at least 1) the anatomical or physiological target or disease or disorder and 2) the clinical goal, selecting a set of stimulation parameters. Another method or system (via actions performed by its processor) can include receiving a first set of stimulation parameters; receiving a command to alter the first set of stimulation parameters that does not include, or is not composed exclusively of, a numerical value for any of the stimulation parameters; and modifying the first set of stimulation parameters to create a second set of stimulation parameters based on the command.