Sub-Perception Neuromodulation Sequencing for Faster Pain Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neuromodulation therapies, such as Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS), often cause paresthesia, an uncomfortable side-effect, and have slow wash-in transition times, complicating the evaluation of therapeutic effectiveness and requiring frequent programming adjustments due to lead movement.
Innovation Solution
A neuromodulation system that delivers both fast-acting and slow-acting sub-perception neuromodulation therapies, with wash-in transition periods of less than a first time duration and more than a second time duration, respectively, to provide effective pain relief without paresthesia and reduce lead movement sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional SCS therapy is used to maximize stimulation of DC fibers for pain relief, then pain relief is improved, but paresthesia sensation occurs which is uncomfortable for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stimulation parameters by delivering electrical pulses at frequencies between 1 Hz and 100 Hz with pulse widths between 100 microseconds and 1 second, and amplitudes below the paresthesia threshold. This parameter optimization allows activation of DC fibers for pain relief while avoiding the uncomfortable paresthesia sensation that occurs at higher amplitudes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sub-perception therapy is used to avoid paresthesia, then patient comfort is improved, but the wash-in transition time becomes excessively long complicating evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic parameter adjustment where stimulation amplitude, pulse width, and frequency are varied over time to achieve sub-perception therapy without excessive wash-in time. The system adapts parameters based on patient response and therapeutic goals, allowing faster onset of effect while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic electrical pulse delivery with specific frequency ranges (1-100 Hz) to achieve therapeutic effects. The periodic stimulation pattern allows for controlled activation of neural pathways while managing the wash-in transition time through rhythmic delivery cycles.
3Reliability
If high amplitude stimulation is used to ensure therapeutic effectiveness, then pain relief reliability is improved, but sensitivity to lead movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes stimulation parameters to use amplitudes that are effective for pain relief but remain below the paresthesia threshold. By carefully selecting amplitude, pulse width, and frequency combinations, the system achieves therapeutic effectiveness while reducing the intensity that would amplify sensitivity to lead position changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A neuromodulation system for use with electrodes to modulate a volume of neural tissue may include a waveform generator and a controller. The waveform generator may be configured to be electrically connected to the electrodes and provide an electrical waveform through at least some of the electrodes to provide a neuromodulation therapy. The controller may be configured to use a program to control the waveform generator to deliver a neuromodulation therapy by delivering both a fast-acting sub-perception neuromodulation and a slow-acting sub-perception neuromodulation. The fast-acting neuromodulation has a wash-in transition period less than a first time duration, and the slow-acting sub-perception neuromodulation has a wash-in transition period more than a second time duration, the second time duration being longer than the first time duration.