Implant system and method
Inventors
SUH, Junyeub • Kim, SangJoon • Fang, Hui • RYU, Jaehyeon
Assignees
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd • Northeastern University Boston
Publication Number
US-12201841-B2
Publication Date
2025-01-21
Expiration Date
2041-12-15
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Abstract
An implant system includes an electrode portion comprising plural electrodes to perform nerve stimulation and nerve sensing, an impedance controller configured to selectively connect the plural electrodes between a stimulator to perform nerve stimulation and a sensor to perform nerve sensing based on a control signal, and set an impedance of each of the plural electrodes, and a processor configured to control a contact impedance by the plural electrodes by generating the control signal to control at least one of plural switches connected respectively to the plural electrodes, or variable resistors connected respectively to the plural electrodes, based on at least one of a selectively set purpose of the plural electrodes or a position of an electrode to which nerve stimulation is to be provided.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an implant system that incorporates plural electrodes capable of both nerve stimulation and nerve sensing. The system includes an impedance controller which selectively connects the electrodes between a stimulator for stimulation and a sensor for sensing, based on a control signal. The impedance controller further allows the impedance of each electrode to be individually set, enabling precise operation tailored to specific functional needs.
A processor generates control signals to control contact impedance by managing plural switches and variable resistors connected to the electrodes. The control can be based on a selectively set purpose for each electrode or a position where nerve stimulation should be provided. The processor can also determine whether to group electrodes for stimulation or sensing, and control the switches accordingly to support both operational modes without requiring separate electrodes for each function.
The problem being addressed is that, in existing implant devices using multiple electrodes for stimulation, impedance mismatches among electrodes can occur, leading to non-uniform current distribution and unintended stimulation directions. The disclosed system addresses this by enabling active impedance matching and selective grouping of electrodes using variable resistors and switches, thus ensuring desired stimulation patterns, uniform current flow during sensing, and adaptable operation for multiple use cases within compact implants.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes claims that outline three principal inventive features: the multifunctional implant system using selective impedance control, the associated method for electrode resistance adjustment, and the grouping of electrodes for dual-mode operation.
Implant system with selective impedance control for plural electrodes
An implant system comprises plural electrodes, an impedance controller configured to selectively connect at least a portion of the electrodes between a stimulator for nerve stimulation and a sensor for nerve sensing in response to a control signal, and the capability to set the impedance of each electrode. A processor determines a variable resistance value for each electrode based on a predefined stimulation pattern for a selectively set purpose, and generates the control signal to provide the corresponding contact impedance. At least a portion of the electrodes are used for both nerve sensing and stimulation.
Implant method for determining and setting electrode resistance values
A method that involves obtaining impedance information for each electrode, determining a variable resistance value for each based on a predefined stimulation pattern and a selectively set purpose, generating control signals for switches and variable resistors based on these resistance values, and providing a stimulation pulse to a stimulation portion in accordance with the stimulation pattern by controlling contact impedance. At least some electrodes are used for both sensing and stimulation.
Grouping of electrodes for nerve stimulation using electrodes originally intended for sensing
Some electrodes that are used for nerve sensing can be grouped and the grouped electrodes used for nerve stimulation. The grouped electrodes are connected in parallel, and the system enables control of the current amount for each grouped electrode to deliver intended stimulation.
In summary, the inventive features cover a multifunctional implant system with dynamically controlled electrode impedance for both stimulation and sensing, a corresponding method for precise control of variable resistors and switches based on impedance information, and the ability to group sensing electrodes for stimulation while managing current distribution.
Stated Advantages
The system addresses impedance mismatches among electrodes, enabling uniform current distribution and preventing unintended stimulation directions.
It enables the use of the same set of electrodes for both nerve sensing and nerve stimulation without requiring separate electrodes for each function.
The system allows for adaptable grouping and individualized impedance control of electrodes, supporting varied stimulation patterns and precise targeting within compact implants.
Documented Applications
Use in implant systems for nerve stimulation and nerve sensing, including applications such as pacemakers that provide stimulation pulses when heart function fails or temporarily stops.
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