Variable Frequency Stimulation Therapy for Neural Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable medical devices using constant frequency electrical stimulation have limited efficacy for treating disorders like Parkinson's disease, as patients often adapt to the stimulation, reducing treatment effectiveness for non-motor symptoms.
Innovation Solution
The development of an implantable medical device capable of generating variable frequency electrical stimulation pulses, which alternately stimulate target nerve tissue with multiple pulse trains at different frequencies to prevent adaptation and improve symptom management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If constant frequency stimulation mode is used, then the device structure is simple, but treatment efficacy decreases and patients develop adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable frequency stimulation mode where the stimulation frequency dynamically changes over time according to a predetermined pattern. The pulse generator adjusts the frequency of electrical pulses delivered to the target nerve tissue, transitioning from constant frequency to variable frequency stimulation. This dynamic adjustment prevents patients from adapting to the stimulation, thereby maintaining treatment efficacy for both motor and non-motor symptoms while managing the added complexity through programmable control.
2Ease of operation
If constant frequency stimulation mode is used, then the device is easy to operate, but treatment effectiveness for non-motor symptoms is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the frequency parameter of electrical stimulation over time. The pulse generator implements multiple frequency patterns including frequency scanning, frequency modulation, and variable frequency sequences. These parameter variations target different neural pathways and receptors, enhancing treatment effectiveness for non-motor symptoms such as dysarthria, dyskinesia, and freezing of gait, while maintaining ease of operation through automated programmable control.
3Reliability
If variable frequency stimulation mode is implemented, then treatment efficacy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the stimulation program into distinct phases and frequency patterns. The pulse generator implements separate modules for different frequency scanning modes, pulse train configurations, and parameter adjustment sequences. This segmentation allows the complex variable frequency stimulation to be managed through organized, modular components, reducing perceived device complexity while maintaining enhanced treatment efficacy through systematic frequency variation.
4Reliability
If variable frequency stimulation mode is implemented, then adaptability to stimulation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through repeated frequency scanning cycles and oscillating pulse train patterns. The pulse generator delivers stimulation in periodic sequences where frequency parameters are systematically varied over time, creating a rhythm of stimulation that prevents neural adaptation. This periodic variation in frequency and pulse characteristics maintains treatment effectiveness by continuously challenging the neural pathways, while the automated nature of the periodic action manages device complexity through predictable, programmed sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an electrical stimulation therapy method. The method includes applying a variable frequency stimulation pulse to target nerve tissue of the patient suffering from dysfunction of a nerve circuit in the brain selected from the group consisting of motor circuit, associative circuit and limbic circuit, wherein the variable frequency stimulation pulse comprises at least two kinds of electrical stimulation pulse trains at different frequencies; and each of the at least two kinds of alternate electrical stimulation pulse trains in each of the plurality of pulse train periods has a duration in a range from about 0.1 seconds to about 60 minutes. The target nerve tissue is a part of the nerve circuit. The different frequencies of the electrical stimulation pulse trains are in a range from about 10 Hz to about 250 Hz.