Variable Frequency Stimulation Therapy for Implantable Medical Devices
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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 they often lead to adaptability and resistance, particularly for non-motor symptoms such as dysarthria and freezing of gait.
Innovation Solution
The development of an implantable medical device capable of variable frequency electrical stimulation, which alternates between different frequencies and pulse trains to prevent adaptability, including a pulse generator that can generate variable frequency stimulation pulses with specific frequency ranges and time ratios to effectively treat motor and non-motor symptoms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If constant frequency stimulation mode is used, then the device structure is simple, but the treatment efficacy decreases and adaptability occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant frequency stimulation to variable frequency stimulation. The pulse generator dynamically adjusts the stimulation frequency according to a predetermined pattern, making the system adaptive to prevent treatment resistance while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. This resolves the contradiction by improving treatment reliability through dynamic frequency adjustment without requiring overly complex device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the use of predetermined frequency patterns that cycle through different frequencies in a structured manner. The stimulation system periodically varies the frequency according to a programmed sequence, which prevents neural adaptability and maintains treatment effectiveness. This periodic variation in frequency addresses the efficacy issue while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple.
2Ease of operation
If constant frequency stimulation mode is used, then the device is easy to operate, but adaptability to stimulation therapy occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains ease of operation by automating the frequency variation through the pulse generator's internal control. The predetermined frequency patterns are programmed in advance, allowing the device to automatically adjust frequencies without requiring manual intervention from the operator. This dynamic automation prevents adaptability while preserving user-friendly operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation system performs self-service by automatically varying frequencies according to predetermined patterns without external intervention. The pulse generator internally manages the frequency transitions and stimulation parameters, eliminating the need for operator involvement in frequency adjustment. This self-automated approach prevents treatment adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Reliability
If variable frequency stimulation mode is used, then treatment efficacy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by using a predetermined periodic frequency pattern that can be implemented with standard pulse generation capabilities. The frequency variations follow a structured, repeatable sequence that doesn't require complex real-time decision-making or adaptive algorithms. This periodic approach improves treatment efficacy while keeping the control system relatively simple and manageable.
4Adaptability or versatility
If variable frequency stimulation mode is used, then adaptability is prevented, but frequency control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prevents adaptability through a predetermined periodic frequency pattern that is programmed in advance. The frequency variations follow a fixed, repeatable sequence that doesn't require complex real-time adaptation or sophisticated control algorithms. This approach effectively prevents treatment adaptability while maintaining relatively simple frequency control mechanisms based on standard pulse generation techniques.
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, wherein the variable frequency stimulation pulse comprises at least two kinds of electrical stimulation pulse trains at different frequencies; the at least two kinds of electrical stimulation pulse trains alternately stimulate target nerve tissue and form a plurality of pulse train periods; 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. An implantable medical device for generating the variable frequency stimulation pulse is also related.