Stimulation and Sensing Electrode Geometry for Artifact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices face challenges in detecting evoked potentials due to stimulation artifacts, which overwhelm the limited range and resolution of bio-amplifiers, particularly in implantable devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining optimal stimulation and sensing electrode configurations to minimize stimulation artifacts and maximize the evoked signal, involving the evaluation of relative geometries and electrical configurations to improve the signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If stimulation is delivered immediately before sensing to capture evoked potentials, then the timing accuracy is improved, but the stimulation artifact overwhelms the sensed signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode configurations by evaluating multiple discrete stimulation-sensing combinations with different electrode arrangements. Each combination is assessed independently to determine which configuration minimizes artifact while capturing evoked potentials, allowing the system to select the optimal segmented configuration rather than using a single fixed arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of electrode configuration by evaluating different relative geometries and electrical arrangements between stimulation and sensing electrodes. The system assesses various electrode configurations with different spatial relationships and electrical properties to identify the combination that optimizes the signal-to-artifact ratio for evoked potential detection.
2Measurement precision
If bio-amplifier range and resolution are increased to detect evoked potentials, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of multiple stimulation-sensing combinations before actual evoked potential recording. By pre-assessing different electrode configurations and predicting which will minimize artifact, the system prepares the optimal configuration in advance, eliminating the need for complex real-time artifact rejection algorithms during the actual measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful stimulation artifact into a useful selection criterion. Instead of trying to eliminate or filter the artifact, the system uses the artifact's presence and characteristics to evaluate and compare different electrode configurations, selecting the configuration where the artifact naturally minimizes the evoked potential detection. This transforms the artifact from a problem into a diagnostic tool for configuration optimization.
3Measurement precision
If multiple stimulation-sensing combinations are evaluated to reduce artifact, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the programming complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service evaluation system where the programmer automatically assesses multiple stimulation-sensing combinations using predefined criteria for artifact reduction. The system performs self-evaluation of different configurations based on relative geometry and electrical properties, automatically selecting the optimal combination without requiring manual trial-and-error programming by the clinician.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses computational models and simulations to create virtual copies of different electrode configurations and their expected artifact characteristics. By evaluating these simulated configurations before actual implantation or programming, the system can predict performance and select the optimal configuration, reducing the need for extensive in-clinic programming trials.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a programmer for a neurostimulator. The neurostimulator may have a plurality of electrodes, and the programmer may include a processor and a memory including instructions which when executed by the processor perform a method that includes: determining a relative geometry between a stimulation electrode configuration and a sensing electrode configuration to reduce a stimulation artifact; using the determined relative geometry to determine the stimulation electrode configuration and the sensing electrode configuration, wherein the stimulation electrode configuration is determined to both stimulate a neural target and cause an evoked potential and the sensing electrode configuration is determined to sense the evoked potential; and programming the neurostimulator with the stimulation electrode configuration and the sensing electrode configuration that have the relative geometry to reduce the stimulation artifact.