Variable Ramping for Implantable Neurostimulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art ramping-up and ramping-down methods in neurostimulators can lead to neural conditioning, reducing the therapeutic efficacy of electrical signals used to treat disorders like epilepsy, as they employ fixed duration and step sizes for signal amplitude changes, which may not effectively prepare the neural structure for optimal treatment.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device generates a stimulation signal with a variable ramping portion, adjusting parameters such as amplitude, rate of change, pulse width, frequency, and duration to create a customizable ramping-up and ramping-down process, reducing neural conditioning and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed duration and step size ramping method is used, then the neural structure is prepared for signal delivery, but neural conditioning occurs which reduces therapeutic efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed, static ramping parameters to variable, dynamic ramping parameters. The ramping portion now varies in duration, step size, and rate of change across different stimulation cycles, preventing the neural structure from adapting to a predictable pattern and thereby maintaining therapeutic efficacy over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying multiple ramping parameters including duration, step size, and rate of change. These parameters are varied systematically or randomly across stimulation cycles, ensuring that the neural structure cannot condition to a single fixed pattern, thus preserving treatment effectiveness.
2Speed
If a sudden burst of electrical signal is applied, then the signal delivery is immediate, but undesired side effects such as pain occur and therapeutic effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a ramping portion that precedes the full therapeutic electrical signal. This ramping phase gradually increases the signal amplitude from zero to the therapeutic level, allowing the neural structure to prepare for the full signal and avoiding sudden stimulation that causes pain or unwanted side effects.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the target neural structure becomes conditioned to accept the electrical signal, then the signal delivery is tolerated, but the reaction to the signal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by delivering stimulation signals in intermittent cycles with ramping portions, rather than continuous fixed patterns. The variable ramping parameters change from cycle to cycle, preventing the neural structure from developing a conditioned response while maintaining therapeutic stimulation over the long term.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and apparatus for providing a stimulation signal comprising a variable ramping portion using an implantable medical device (IMD). The first electrical comprises a first ramping portion. The first ramping portion comprises a first parameter selected from the group consisting of an amplitude, a rate of change of the amplitude, a time period of a rate of change of the amplitude, a pulse width, a rate of change of the pulse width, a time period of a rate of change of the pulse width, a frequency, a rate of change of the frequency, a time period of a rate of change of the frequency, and a duration of a time period of the ramping portion, the first parameter having a first value. The first electrical signal is applied to a target location of the patient's body. A second electrical signal comprising a second ramping portion is generated. The second ramping portion comprises the first parameter having a second value that is different from the first value. The second electrical signal is applied to a target location of the patient's body.