Therapy Parameter Adjustment via Acceleration Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices that deliver therapy struggle to adjust parameters effectively in response to changes in patient acceleration, particularly when acceleration values exceed 1G, leading to less effective stimulation due to changes in the relative position of electrodes and target tissues.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses acceleration sensors to detect changes in acceleration values and adjusts therapy parameters based on algorithms created during calibration, allowing for real-time adjustments to ensure optimal therapy delivery regardless of patient position or movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If therapy parameters are adjusted based on detected acceleration using algorithms, then therapy efficacy is improved for acceleration values greater than 1G, but device complexity increases due to the need for acceleration sensors and processing algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes therapy parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) based on detected acceleration values. The system uses acceleration sensors to detect patient movement and automatically adjusts stimulation parameters to maintain therapeutic effectiveness during acceleration events greater than 1G, resolving the contradiction between maintaining therapy efficacy and managing device complexity through algorithm-based parameter adaptation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If acceleration sensors and algorithms are implemented to adjust therapy parameters in real-time, then adaptability to patient movement is improved, but loss of energy increases due to continuous sensing and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of therapy parameters based on real-time acceleration detection. The system continuously monitors patient movement through acceleration sensors and adapts stimulation parameters accordingly, enabling the device to respond dynamically to changing patient conditions while managing energy consumption through event-driven parameter changes rather than continuous full-power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from acceleration sensors to automatically adjust therapy parameters. The closed-loop control mechanism detects acceleration events and triggers appropriate parameter changes, providing adaptability to patient movement while optimizing energy usage by only adjusting parameters when movement is detected rather than operating at maximum capacity continuously.
3Measurement precision
If multiple acceleration therapy parameter value pairs are stored during programming, then measurement precision of acceleration-response relationship is improved, but quantity of substance increases due to additional stored data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hybrid approach where a minimal set of acceleration-therapy parameter value pairs is stored in memory during programming, and an algorithm generates additional parameter values as needed. This partial storage approach provides sufficient measurement precision for common acceleration events while avoiding the need to store exhaustive data for all possible acceleration scenarios, thus balancing data precision with memory conservation.
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
The system provides improved therapy efficacy by compensating for acceleration forces greater than 1G, maintaining effective stimulation by automatically adjusting therapy parameters, thus enhancing treatment outcomes for patients undergoing spinal cord stimulation and other therapies.
Implementation Method 1
an acceleration sensor configured to detect a first acceleration value while a patient is in a first position, a second acceleration value while the patient is in a second position
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device provides stimulation therapy to a patient based on a set of therapy parameters. One or more therapy parameters may be automatically adjusted based on acceleration forces detected by a sensor, the acceleration forces being applied to the patient. In some examples, adjustments to one or more therapy parameter may be made based on an algorithm. The algorithm may be defined by acceleration and therapy parameter value pairs associated with opposite patient positions.