VR/AR Neurostimulation Programming via Gesture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neural stimulation therapies face challenges in maintaining optimal stimulus intensity due to electrode migration and postural changes, leading to ineffective or uncomfortable treatment outcomes, and require time-consuming and costly clinical engineering intervention for programming.
Innovation Solution
A VR/AR-assisted programming system that allows patients to control and adjust neural stimulation parameters in real-time using a headset and sensors, detecting posture changes to optimize stimulus delivery and reduce clinical dependency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stimulus intensity is increased to maintain therapeutic effect, then neural recruitment is sufficient, but discomfort and painful percepts arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors neural response characteristics and uses this feedback to automatically adjust stimulus intensity, maintaining optimal therapeutic effect while preventing discomfort. The feedback loop compares current neural recruitment levels against target parameters and modifies stimulus delivery in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes stimulus parameters including intensity, pulse width, and frequency based on detected neural responses and patient posture. By adapting multiple parameters simultaneously, the system maintains therapeutic efficacy while avoiding uncomfortable sensations.
2Reliability
If stimulus intensity is increased to compensate for electrode migration, then neural recruitment is maintained, but discomfort threshold is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects changes in neural response characteristics that indicate electrode migration or posture changes, and automatically adjusts stimulus intensity to compensate for these changes. This feedback mechanism prevents both insufficient recruitment and excessive discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static stimulus parameters to dynamic, real-time adjusted parameters that adapt to changing physiological conditions. Stimulus delivery continuously evolves to match current neural and postural states.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional programming methods are used, then clinical engineering expertise is applied, but time and cost are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables patients to perform self-programming by intuitively interacting with virtual objects through gestures. Patients can independently adjust therapy parameters without requiring constant clinical engineering intervention, reducing both time and cost while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The VR/AR interface acts as an intermediary between the patient and the complex programming system. This visual and interactive mediator translates simple patient gestures into precise stimulus parameter adjustments, eliminating the need for complex manual programming interfaces.
4Manufacturing precision
If electrode array is positioned precisely, then initial therapeutic effect is optimal, but electrode migration occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of electrode position changes through monitoring neural response characteristics and posture. By detecting migration early and automatically adjusting stimulus parameters, the system compensates for position changes before they significantly impact therapeutic efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
Continuous monitoring of neural response and posture provides real-time feedback on electrode-tissue interface changes. This feedback enables automatic compensation for electrode migration through dynamic stimulus adjustment, maintaining therapeutic effect despite position changes.
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
Enhances the precision and comfort of neural stimulation by allowing patients to intuitively adjust therapy parameters, reducing discomfort and the need for extensive clinical input, while improving the accuracy of stimulus intensity management across varying postures.
Implementation Method 1
A VR/AR-assisted programming system that allows patients to control and adjust neural stimulation parameters in real-time using a headset and sensors
Implementation Method 2
detecting posture changes to optimize stimulus delivery
Implementation Method 3
A neuromodulation device applies an electrical pulse (stimulus) to neural tissue (fibres, or neurons) in order to generate a therapeutic effect
Implementation Method 4
An electrical pulse of sufficient intensity applied to the target neural fibres by a stimulus electrode causes the depolarisation of neurons in the fibres, which in turn generates an action potential in the fibres
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a neurostimulation system comprising: a neuromodulation device for controllably delivering neural stimuli; a headset configured to be worn by the patient and to display images of a virtual object to the patient; one or more sensors configured to perceive a gesture of the patient; and an external computing device. The neuromodulation device comprises: a plurality of implantable electrodes; a stimulus source configured to deliver neural stimuli via selected ones of the implantable electrodes to a neural pathway of a patient; and a control unit configured to control the stimulus source to deliver each neural stimulus according to one or more stimulus parameters. The external computing device comprises a processor in communication with the neuromodulation device, the headset, and the one or more sensors. The processor is configured to: instruct the control unit to control the stimulus source to deliver neural stimuli according to the one or more stimulus parameters; render a virtual object to images for display to the patient via the headset; receive information indicative of a gesture of the patient from the sensors; and convert the gesture to a manipulation of the virtual object. A posture of the patient may be detected and posture-dependent patient characteristics may be associated with the currently detected posture. The VR/AR environment may prompt the patient to assume a posture, so that currently estimated patient characteristics that are posture-dependent may be associated with the currently prompted posture.