Electrical Stimulation Therapy Pulse Train Delivery System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical stimulation therapies face challenges in efficiently delivering targeted therapy due to variations in electrode position relative to the target tissue, leading to inconsistent treatment efficacy and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pulse train delivery system that alternates between active and passive phases in electrical stimulation pulses, allowing for dynamic adjustment of stimulation parameters based on evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) to maintain therapeutic efficacy while reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical stimulation pulses are delivered continuously to maintain therapeutic effect, then treatment efficacy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by delivering electrical stimulation pulses in intermittent trains rather than continuously. The system delivers pulses at specific frequencies and durations based on ECAP feedback, creating periodic stimulation cycles that maintain therapeutic effect while allowing rest periods for the battery, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control by measuring evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) in response to stimulation pulses and using this information to adjust subsequent pulse parameters. This closed-loop feedback system optimizes the timing, frequency, and amplitude of pulses to maintain minimum therapeutic efficacy while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary stimulation.
2Reliability
If stimulation parameters are adjusted frequently to maintain efficacy, then treatment consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism measures ECAP amplitude and uses this information to automatically adjust stimulation parameters such as pulse frequency and amplitude. This automated feedback control maintains treatment consistency by continuously adapting to tissue responses without requiring complex manual intervention or sophisticated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes stimulation parameters (frequency, amplitude, pulse width) based on ECAP characteristics to maintain optimal therapeutic effect. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to measured responses, the system ensures treatment consistency while using relatively simple control logic rather than complex systems.
3Reliability
If pulse frequency is increased to improve therapeutic effect, then treatment efficacy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ECAP-based feedback system monitors the effectiveness of stimulation at different frequencies and adjusts the frequency accordingly. If higher frequencies provide better therapeutic effect, the system increases frequency; if lower frequencies suffice, it reduces frequency, thereby optimizing the balance between therapeutic effect and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the pulse frequency parameter based on ECAP measurements and therapeutic needs. By allowing frequency to vary rather than maintaining a fixed high frequency, the system achieves adequate therapeutic effect when needed while reducing power consumption during lower-activity periods.
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
This approach ensures consistent therapeutic effects by adjusting pulse parameters in real-time and minimizing power usage, thereby improving treatment efficacy and extending device battery life.
Implementation Method 1
A medical device may deliver electrical stimulation therapy via one or more leads that include electrodes located proximate to target locations associated with the brain, the spinal cord, pelvic nerves, peripheral nerves, or the gastrointestinal tract of a patient
Implementation Method 2
The control pulses may be stimulation pulses that are configured to elicit an electrical signal, e.g., as a detectable evoked compound action potential (ECAP) signal
Data Source
AI summary
Examples for controlling electrical stimulation therapy are described. One example includes delivering a pulse train at a frequency to a patient, the pulse train comprising a plurality of first pulses at least partially interleaved with a plurality of second pulses, wherein the plurality of first pulses are configured to facilitate sensing elicited electrical signals, each pulse of the plurality of first pulses having an active first phase and active second phase. Each pulse of the plurality of second pulses may include an active first phase and a passive second phase. Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality of second pulses may alternate between a cathodic active first phase and an anodic active first phase according to a ratio. At least one pulse of the plurality' of second pulses may have an interphase interval that is longer than an interphase interval of at least one pulse of the plurality of first pulses.