Uniform Neural Stimulation Displacement via Non-Uniform Current Shifting
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal cord stimulation systems face inefficiencies in shifting electrical current between electrodes, leading to non-uniform displacement of the stimulation region, resulting in increased navigation time and potentially skipping useful electrode configurations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves shifting electrical current between cathodes in incremental steps, using a sigmoid-like function or navigation table with varying current values, to achieve uniform displacement of the stimulation region, minimizing incremental steps and maximizing the testing of useful positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical current is shifted between electrodes using conventional uniform incremental steps, then the control method is simple, but the stimulation region displacement becomes non-uniform resulting in increased navigation time and skipping useful electrode configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of current distribution from uniform incremental steps to non-uniform incremental steps. The controller is programmed to deliver current in varying amounts to different electrodes based on a predetermined non-uniform pattern, which directly addresses the contradiction by making the stimulation region displacement uniform while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the optimal non-uniform current distribution pattern in the controller before the fitting procedure. This predetermined pattern eliminates the need for real-time calculations during patient programming, reducing navigation time while keeping the control method simple for the operator.
2Ease of operation
If electrical current is shifted between electrodes using conventional uniform incremental steps, then the control method is simple, but useful electrode configurations are skipped resulting in reduced precision of stimulation positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the uniform current distribution parameter into a non-uniform distribution pattern where adjacent electrodes receive different current amounts. This parameter change ensures that the stimulation region moves uniformly across all possible positions, eliminating skipped configurations and improving positioning precision while maintaining simple automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by delivering different current amounts to different local electrodes within the same electrode array. Each electrode receives a specific current value tailored to its position in the non-uniform pattern, which enables precise control over the stimulation region location and ensures uniform displacement across the entire array.
3Manufacturing precision
If electrical current is shifted between electrodes using non-uniform incremental steps, then the stimulation region displacement becomes uniform, but the control algorithm complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the complexity issue by performing the complex non-uniform current distribution calculation in advance during device manufacturing or initialization. The predetermined pattern is stored in the controller's memory, transforming a complex real-time algorithm into a simple retrieval and execution operation, thus achieving uniform displacement without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically executes the non-uniform current distribution pattern without requiring complex real-time calculations or operator intervention. The system serves itself by having the predetermined pattern guide the current delivery, eliminating the need for complex control algorithms during the actual fitting procedure.
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
This approach expedites the testing process while ensuring all relevant positions of the stimulation region are evaluated, improving the precision and efficiency of spinal cord stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
an external transmitter inductively coupled via an electromagnetic link to an implanted receiver-stimulator
Implementation Method 2
electrical pulses that are delivered, through the electrodes, to the dorsal column and dorsal root fibers within the spinal cord
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue stimulation system and computer software and method of operating the system is provided. An array of electrodes is placed contact with tissue of a patient (e.g., neural tissue), and electrical current is conveyed within the electrode array, thereby creating a stimulation region in the tissue. Electrical current is shifted between cathodes of the electrode array in incremental steps over a range, thereby causing displacement of the stimulation region at substantially uniform distances over the incremental steps. The electrical current may be shifted between the cathodes in accordance with a sigmoid-like function of a position of the stimulation region. A navigation table containing a series of states and corresponding gradually and non-uniformly changing electrical current values can be accessed, in which case, the electrical current may be shifted between the cathodes by incrementing through the states of the navigation table.