Independent Stimulation Waveform Modulation for Lower Power Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical stimulation therapies often require linked modulation of multiple waveforms, leading to unnecessary power consumption and inability to address each waveform independently for improved therapy efficacy.

Innovation Solution

Systems and devices that independently modulate each stimulation waveform based on predetermined triggering conditions, allowing for separate management of perceptible and imperceptible waveforms to maintain patient comfort and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple stimulation waveforms are delivered concurrently with linked modulation, then therapy coverage is comprehensive, but power consumption increases and independence of waveform management is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy efficacyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the stimulation system into independent waveform channels, each capable of autonomous modulation based on its own triggering conditions. The IMD generates multiple stimulation waveforms (first waveform, second waveform, etc.) that can be independently controlled through separate electrode combinations and modulation parameters, allowing selective activation without requiring all waveforms to modulate together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic, condition-based modulation where each waveform responds to its own triggering conditions independently. The processing circuitry continuously monitors triggering conditions for each waveform and applies modulation only when specific conditions are met, enabling adaptive power management that adjusts stimulation delivery based on real-time physiological or operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If linked modulation is used for multiple waveforms, then system control is simplified, but ability to address individual waveform needs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidwaveform independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control architecture is segmented into independent waveform management channels, where each waveform has its own control pathway from triggering condition detection to modulation execution. This allows the system to maintain simple control logic for each individual waveform while supporting complex multi-waveform therapy regimens overall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The processing circuitry is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple waveform types and modulation schemes through a common framework. The system can apply different modulation strategies (frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, pulse width modulation) to different waveforms based on their specific requirements, while using the same core control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If all waveforms are modulated together, then modulation coordination is easier, but patient comfort and resource optimization are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodulation coordinationVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The modulation process is segmented into independent decision-making units for each waveform, allowing the system to evaluate and apply modulation based on waveform-specific triggering conditions. This enables selective modulation of individual waveforms to maintain patient comfort while preserving therapeutic efficacy of other waveforms that do not require modulation at that moment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes stimulation parameters (frequency, amplitude, pulse width) of individual waveforms based on their specific triggering conditions and therapeutic needs. This allows precise control over each waveform's characteristics to optimize patient comfort while maintaining overall therapy effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12605552B2Independent modulation of stimulation therapy waveforms

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

Devices, systems, and techniques are configured for independently modulating two or more concurrent signals of electrical stimulation therapy. In one example, a system includes stimulation generation circuitry and processing circuitry configured to control the stimulation generation circuitry to deliver first electrical stimulation to a patient via a first electrode combination, wherein the first electrical stimulation is defined by at least a first set of stimulation parameters selected that the first electrical stimulation exceeds a first perception threshold, and control the stimulation generation circuitry to deliver second electrical stimulation, concurrent with the first electrical stimulation, to the patient via a second electrode combination. The second electrical stimulation may be defined by at least a second set of stimulation parameters selected that the second electrical stimulation is below a second perception threshold. The processing circuitry may also determine a triggering condition and independently modulate the first and/or second electrical stimulation.