Unified Controller for Coordinating Multi-Target Neuromodulation Therapies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical systems lack the ability to effectively coordinate multiple therapies in response to detected events, limiting their efficacy in treating complex conditions such as epilepsy, dementia, and stroke.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising at least one therapy delivery system, an event detector, and a controller, which coordinates therapies based on detected predefined events using defined event-therapy relationships. This system can deliver combinations of deep brain stimulation (DBS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapies to various targets in response to specific events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple therapies are delivered to different targets, then treatment efficacy for complex conditions is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple therapy delivery systems (DBS, VNS, SCS) into a single integrated system with a unified controller that coordinates all therapies. This merging approach maintains treatment efficacy for complex conditions while reducing overall system complexity by sharing common components such as the controller, power source, and communication interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to manage different types of therapies (DBS, VNS, SCS) and perform multiple functions including event detection, therapy coordination, parameter adjustment, and data management. This universal controller reduces the need for separate dedicated controllers for each therapy type, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to deliver multiple therapies effectively.
2Measurement precision
If therapies are coordinated based on detected events, then treatment precision is improved, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary event detection module that acts as a mediator between the physiological signals and the therapy delivery system. This module processes raw sensor data, identifies relevant events (such as seizures or movement), and translates them into coordinated therapy responses. The intermediary simplifies the detection process by handling the complexity of signal interpretation while maintaining high treatment precision through accurate event recognition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and therapy delivery systems are integrated, then treatment versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated system into modular functional blocks: sensor modules for different physiological parameters, therapy delivery modules for different therapy types (DBS, VNS, SCS), and a central coordination module. This segmentation allows each module to be independently designed, tested, and optimized while maintaining overall system versatility. The modular architecture reduces device complexity by making the system more manageable and easier to configure for different treatment protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may be configured for treating a condition and may include at least one therapy delivery system, at least one event detector and a controller. The therapy delivery system(s) may be configured to deliver at least two therapies to at least two therapy targets including deliver a first therapy to a first therapy target and deliver a second therapy to a second therapy target. The event detector(s) may be configured to detect at least one predefined event. The controller may be configured to coordinate the therapies based on the detected predefined event(s) using at least one defined event-therapy relationship.