Devices, systems, and methods for stimulation therapy
Inventors
Fayram, Timothy A. • Yeh, Alexander • SHAW, Gary • Armstrong, Randolph Kerry • Morris, Milton M. • Junco, Elia • Holinski, Brad
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10994139-B2
Publication Date
2021-05-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
Generally discussed herein are systems, devices, and methods for providing a therapy or data signal using an implantable device. A method of providing intermittent stimulation by a stimulation system can include providing, by an external device of the stimulation system, radio frequency first signals to an implantable device of the stimulation system, the implantable device including an electrode and the first signals causing the implantable device to provide electrical stimulation through the electrode for a first time duration, determining, at the external device, that the implantable device is out of range of a transmission from the external device, determining, at the external device, that the implantable device is within range of the transmission from the external device, and providing, by an external device of the stimulation system, radio frequency second signals to the implantable device of the stimulation system, the second signals causing the implantable device to provide electrical stimulation through the electrode for a third time duration.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to providing intermittent stimulation therapy to a therapy target using a stimulation system that includes an external device and an implantable device. The external device provides radio frequency first signals to the implantable device, and the implantable device is responsive to the first signals to provide first electrical stimulation through electrodes for a first time duration.
The implantable device determines whether a charge imbalance is present around the implantable device. In response to determining that a charge imbalance is present, the implantable device inhibits stimulation.
The disclosed therapy system also supports additional control of stimulation, including determining stimulation delivery based on timer or schedule data and determining whether energy is being received from the external device. When energy is not being received, the implantable device provides stimulation to the target using energy stored in one or more capacitors of the implantable device.
Claims Coverage
The document includes one independent claim. Across the input items, the inventive features primarily cover intermittent radio-frequency signaling to an implantable device, charge-imbalance detection with inhibition, and additional control paths including timer or schedule data, capacitor-energy backup, and user-request stimulation based on quantified delivered stimulation.
Radio-frequency signaling for intermittent stimulation therapy
Providing, by an external device of the stimulation system, radio frequency first signals to an implantable device of the stimulation system.
Electrode-based stimulation responsive to RF signals for a first time duration
Providing, by the implantable device and responsive to the first signals, first electrical stimulation through electrodes of the implantable device for a first time duration.
Charge imbalance determination around the implantable device
Determining, by the implantable device, whether a charge imbalance is present around the implantable device.
Inhibition of stimulation when charge imbalance is present
In response to determining that a charge imbalance is present, inhibiting stimulation.
Threshold-based inhibition using quantified stimulation amount
Quantifying an amount of stimulation provided over a specified duration of time and inhibiting further stimulation in response to the quantified amount exceeding a specified threshold amount.
User request stimulation control with quantified comparison
Receiving, at the external device and responsive to a user selection of a request stimulation control of a user interface, one or more signals indicating a user request for stimulation; comparing an amount of stimulation provided in a specified duration of time to a specified stimulation threshold; and, if less than the threshold, producing radio frequency third signals to provide electrical energy to the implantable device.
Capacitor-energy backup when external energy is not received
Determining, based on a timer or schedule data, that stimulation is to be provided to a target; determining whether energy is being received from the external device; and, if energy is not being received, providing stimulation to the target using energy stored in one or more capacitors of the implantable device.
Stimulation data transmission to a mobile device
Providing, by the external device, stimulation data to a mobile device, the stimulation data including one or more of date, time, duration, and power of stimulation provided by the implantable device.
The claim coverage centers on intermittent stimulation therapy using radio frequency first signals from an external device to an implantable device, with implant-side charge imbalance determination that inhibits stimulation when a charge imbalance is present, plus timer or schedule data, quantified threshold-based control, capacitor-stored energy backup, and stimulation data transmission to a mobile device.
Stated Advantages
Inhibiting stimulation when a charge imbalance is present.
Providing backup stimulation using energy stored in implantable capacitors when energy is not being received from the external device.
Providing request stimulation only when delivered stimulation over a specified duration is below a specified stimulation threshold amount.
Deeper implantation.
Higher efficiency.
Documented Applications
Intermittent stimulation therapy delivery to a therapy target using an external device and an implantable device with schedule/timer control and user-interface interactions.
Providing stimulation backup when external energy is not received by using energy stored in implantable capacitors.
A user-request stimulation mode where the external device issues radio frequency signals based on comparing quantified delivered stimulation to a specified threshold.
Delivering stimulation data including date, time, duration, and power from the external device to a mobile device.
Therapeutic target applications including incontinence, sleep apnea, pain, and neurological disorders.
System configurations including implantable electrodes/antennas and external electrodes/pockets/garments.
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