Method and system for providing multi-channel and/or variable neurostimulation
Inventors
Paoles, Edoardo • SCHELTIENNE, Mathieu • Tol, Jeroen
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11406828-B2
Publication Date
2022-08-09
Expiration Date
Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for multi-channel and/or variable neurostimulation. In one example, overlapping of stimulation events between a plurality of pulse train provided by the neurostimulation system is determined, and one or more parameters of one or more of the plurality of pulse trains are adjusted so as to reduce or avoid overlapping of stimulation events of the plurality of pulse train. The one or more parameters may include a start time, a frequency, and a pulse shape.
Core Innovation
The invention provides neurostimulation by defining a finite period of time and generating at least a first pulse train on a first channel and at least a second pulse train on a second channel, each pulse train comprising a temporal arrangement of stimulation events. The first and second pulse trains are analyzed to detect at least one potential overlap of stimulation events occurring within the finite period of time.
Responsive to a detected overlap within the finite period of time, the invention adjusts one or more of the first pulse train and the second pulse train to reduce at least partially the detected overlap of stimulation events occurring within the finite period of time. The adjustments include shifting the first pulse train and the second pulse train relatively to each other, adapting one or more of the first temporal arrangement and the second temporal arrangement within a predetermined tolerance band, and modifying at least partially one or more of a shape and a phase duration of the stimulation events of one or more of the first pulse train and the second pulse train.
In the system aspect, at least one pulse train setter provides the first and second pulse trains, and a controller defines a finite period of time and analyzes the pulse trains for potential overlap within that period. The plurality of electrodes delivers neurostimulation to a patient using the adjusted pulse trains, so that overlap is reduced at least partially within the finite period of time, with embodiments enabling complete avoidance between stimulation events.
Claims Coverage
Independent claims are clm-00001, clm-00010, and clm-00012. Each independent claim centers on detecting potential temporal overlap of stimulation events within a defined finite period of time and adjusting one or more pulse trains to reduce overlap, with the system claims further specifying system components and electrical delivery via electrodes.
Finite-period overlap detection for multiple pulse trains
Defining a finite period of time; providing at least a first pulse train on a first channel and at least a second pulse train on a second channel, each pulse train comprising a temporal arrangement of stimulation events; analyzing the first pulse train and the second pulse train for detecting at least one potential overlap of the stimulation events occurring within the finite period of time.
Overlap-responsive pulse train adjustment to reduce detected overlap
Responsive to a detected overlap within the finite period of time, adjusting one or more of the first pulse train and the second pulse train by shifting relatively to each other, adapting within a predetermined tolerance band, and modifying at least partially one or more of a shape and a phase duration of the stimulation events to reduce at least partially the detected overlap of stimulation events occurring within the finite period of time.
Pulse train setter and controller for finite-window overlap analysis and adjustment
A system for neurostimulation comprising at least one pulse train setter configured to provide a first pulse train and a second pulse train; a plurality of electrodes for delivering neurostimulation to a patient; and a controller configured with instructions in non-transitory memory that define a finite period of time and analyze the pulse trains for at least one potential overlap within the finite period of time, where the pulse train setter adjusts one or more of the first pulse train and the second pulse train by shifting relatively, adapting within a predetermined tolerance band, and modifying one or more of a shape and a phase duration to at least partially reduce the detected overlap occurring within the finite period of time.
Complete overlap avoidance between stimulation events
The system of the earlier independent claim wherein one or more of the first pulse train and the second pulse train are adjusted to completely avoid overlap between first stimulation events of the first pulse train and second stimulation events of the second pulse train.
Across the independent claims, the core inventive coverage is the finite-time definition for analyzing potential overlap of stimulation events between pulse trains, followed by overlap-responsive adjustment via relative shifting, temporal adaptation within a predetermined tolerance band, and modification of stimulation-event shape and phase duration, with at least one independent system claim further specifying complete avoidance.
Stated Advantages
Reduced adverse side effects from overlap (stated technical advantage in provided content).
Improved stimulation control efficiency (stated technical advantage in provided content).
Reduced complexity by limiting overlap evaluation to the finite time window (stated technical advantage in provided content).
Documented Applications
Multi-channel and/or variable neurostimulation involving temporal overlap of stimulation events between multiple pulse trains on separate channels analyzed within a defined finite time window (as described in provided content).
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