US20120296395A1 - Method and apparatus for neurostimulation with prevention of neural accommodation - Google Patents

Abstract

A neurostimulation system delivers neurostimulation to a patient using one or more primary parameters and one or more secondary parameters. The one or more primary parameters are controlled for maintaining efficacy of the neurostimulation. The one or more secondary parameters are adjusted for preventing the patient from developing neural accommodation. In various embodiments, values for the one or more secondary parameters are varied during the delivery of the neurostimulation for prevention of neural accommodation that may result from a constant or periodic pattern of stimulation pulses.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY
• This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Hamann et al., U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/486,573, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NEUROSTIMULATION WITH PREVENTION OF NEURAL ACCOMMODATION”, filed on May 16, 2011, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• This document relates generally to neurostimulation and more particularly to a neurostimulation system that varies stimulation parameters to prevent neural accommodation while maintaining effectiveness of neurostimulation.
BACKGROUND
• Neurostimulation has been applied to modulate various physiologic functions and treat various diseases. For example, cardiovascular functions are modulated by neural signals in portions of the autonomic nervous system. The heart is innervated with sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. Neural activities in these nerves are known to regulate, among other things, heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial contractility. Modulation of such neural activities by neurostimulation therefore provides for modulation of such cardiovascular functions. One example is the modulation of cardiac functions in a patient suffering heart failure or myocardial infarction. Electrical stimulation applied to the vagus nerve is known to decrease the heart rate and the contractility, lengthening the systolic phase of a cardiac cycle, and shortening the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle. Such effects of vagus nerve stimulation allow for control of myocardial remodeling. In addition to treating cardiac disorders such as myocardial remodeling, vagus nerve stimulation is also known to be effective in treating disorders including, but not limited to, depression, anorexia nervosa/eating disorders, pancreatic function, epilepsy, hypertension, inflammatory disease, and diabetes.
• However, neurostimulation may decrease its effectiveness in a patient after it has been applied to the patient for a period of time. Such neural accommodation or tolerance may be due to neural reorganization (plasticity) or attenuation of end organ responsiveness. Neural plasticity is the change of structure, function, and organization of neurons in response to new experience. An end organ may decrease its responsiveness to stimulation due to receptor down regulation, reduced sensitivity of receptors, change in second messenger systems, cell signaling cascades, etc. Thus, there is a need for maintaining efficacy of neurostimulation over time, especially when the neurostimulation is applied as a long-term therapy.
SUMMARY
• A neurostimulation system delivers neurostimulation to a patient using one or more primary parameters and one or more secondary parameters. The one or more primary parameters are controlled for maintaining efficacy of the neurostimulation. The one or more secondary parameters are adjusted for preventing the patient from developing neural accommodation. In various embodiments, values for the one or more secondary parameters are varied during the delivery of the neurostimulation for prevention of neural accommodation that may result from a constant or periodic pattern of stimulation pulses.
• In one embodiment, an implantable medical device includes a stimulation output circuit, a storage device, a control circuit, and an implantable housing encapsulating the stimulation output circuit, the storage device, and the control circuit. The stimulation output circuit delivers neurostimulation during therapy sessions. The storage device stores values of a plurality of stimulation parameters including one or more primary parameters and one or more secondary parameters. The one or more primary parameters each have a value selected for efficacy of the neurostimulation. The one or more secondary parameters each have a value adjustable for preventing neural accommodation while maintaining the efficacy of the neurostimulation. The values include a plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters. The value sets are each a set of one or more values each given to one of the one or more secondary parameters. The control circuit controls the delivery of the neurostimulation using the plurality of stimulation parameters. The control circuit includes a parameter adjuster that adjusts one or more parameters of the plurality of parameters. The parameter adjuster includes a secondary parameter adjuster that selects a subset of one or more value sets from the stored plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters for each session of the therapy sessions such that the one or more secondary parameters are adjusted randomly through the therapy sessions.
• In one embodiment, a method for operating an implantable medical device is provided. Values of a plurality of stimulation parameters are received and stored. The plurality of stimulation parameters includes one or more primary parameters and one or more secondary parameters. The one or more primary parameters each have a value selected for efficacy of neurostimulation. The one or more secondary parameters each have a value adjustable for preventing neural accommodation while maintaining the efficacy of the neurostimulation. The values include a plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters. The value sets are each a set of one or more values each given to one of the one or more secondary parameters. Neurostimulation is delivered during therapy sessions, and the delivery is controlled using the plurality of stimulation parameters. This includes selecting a subset of one or more value sets from the stored plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters for each session of the therapy sessions and adjusting the one or more secondary parameters during the therapy sessions. The subset is selected to allow for adjusting the one or more secondary parameters randomly through the therapy sessions.
• This Summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details about the present subject matter are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects of the invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, various embodiments discussed in the present document. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and may not be to scale.
• FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of a neurostimulation system and portions of an environment in which the system is used.
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a neurostimulation circuit.
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of the neurostimulation circuit.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the neurostimulation system.
• FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for neurostimulation.
• FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for controlling neurostimulation for a specified duty cycle while preventing neural accommodation.
• FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating another embodiment of a method for controlling neurostimulation for a specified duty cycle while preventing neural accommodation.
• FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for controlling neurostimulation for a specified total dose while preventing neural accommodation.
• FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for adjusting parameters in response to detection of neural accommodation.
• FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for adjusting parameters in response to detection of an adverse effect.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural, logical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description provides examples, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
• References to “an”, “one”, or “various” embodiments in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references contemplate more than one embodiment.
• This document discusses a system and method for delivering neurostimulation to a patient and controlling stimulation parameters to prevent the effectiveness of the neurostimulation from being substantially attenuated by neural accommodation. Neural accommodation tends to develop in response to neurostimulation with a constant or periodic stimulus pattern, such as substantially identical electrical stimulation pulses delivered continuously or periodically at a substantially constant pulse frequency and substantially constant duty cycle. The present system avoids such a constant or periodic pattern by varying values of one or more stimulation parameters during the delivery of the neurostimulation while maintaining the effectiveness of the neurostimulation by controlling one or more other parameters.
• For the purpose of the present subject matter as discussed in this document, “prevention” of neural accommodation includes attempts to avoid or attenuate neural accommodation before it is detected by avoiding a constant or periodic pattern of stimulation pulses and, if neural accommodation occurs, abating neural accommodation after it is detected. In various embodiments, such prevention may be applied at any time during a neurostimulation therapy, when there is a concern of therapy efficacy being compromised by neural accommodation.
• FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of aneurostimulation system100 and portions of an environment in whichsystem100 is used.FIG. 1 shows a portion of anerve102 and astimulation electrode136 placed onnerve102 to allow for delivery of neurostimulation tonerve102. In various embodiments,stimulation electrode136 may be placed onnerve102 or in a location suitable for delivering the neurostimulation tonerve102. In one embodiment,nerve102 represents a portion of the autonomic nervous system, such as the vagus nerve and the carotid sinus nerve. In another embodiment,nerve102 represents a portion of the spinal cord or the spinal nerves. A neurostimulation therapy is applied by delivering controlled stimulation tonerve102 to modulate one or more physiological functions controlled bynerve102. In various embodiments,system100 is used to treat abnormal conditions such as heart failure with low ejection fraction, heart failure with moderate ejection fraction, post-myocardial infarction, refractory hypertension, angina, arrhythmia, apnea, diabetes, and inflammation. In various embodiments,system100 is used to deliver neurostimulation to any nerve in a patient to modulate a physiological function of the patient while preventing the patient from developing neural accommodation.
• In the illustrated embodiment,system100 includes an implantablemedical device110 electrically coupled toelectrode136 through animplantable lead130. Implantablemedical device110 includes aneurostimulation circuit120 encapsulated in animplantable housing112, and aheader114 attached toimplantable housing112 and providing for connection betweenneurostimulation circuit120 and lead130. In one embodiment, implantablemedical device110 is a neurostimulator. In other embodiments, in addition to a neurostimulator includingneurostimulation circuit120, implantablemedical device110 includes one or more of a cardiac pacemaker, a cardioverter/defibrillator, a drug delivery device, a biologic therapy device, and any other monitoring or therapeutic devices. These devices may interact with each other. For example, neural activities may be sensed byneurostimulation circuit120 to indicate a need for cardiac stimulation and/or to control the timing of pacing pulse deliveries from the cardiac pacemaker. Likewise, cardiac activities are sensed by the cardiac pacemaker to control the timing of neural stimulation pulse deliveries fromneurostimulation circuit120, such as to synchronize neural stimulation to cardiac cycles or respiratory cycles.Lead130 includes aproximal end132, adistal end133, and anelongate body131 coupled betweenproximal end132 anddistal end133.Proximal end132 is configured to be connected to implantablemedical device110.Distal end133 includes, or is otherwise coupled to,stimulation electrode136. In various other embodiments,stimulation electrodes136 includes any form of electrode that allows for activation ofnerve102 by electrical stimulation delivered fromneurostimulation circuit120.
• Neurostimulation circuit120 delivers neurostimulation tonerve102 throughlead130 and controls the delivery of the neurostimulation using a plurality of stimulation parameters. The plurality of stimulation parameters includes one or more parameters each having a value adjustable for preventing neural accommodation while maintaining efficacy of the neurostimulation. Examples of such one or more parameters when the neurostimulation is delivered as electrical pulses include length of the on-portion of the duty cycle, length of the off-portion of the duty cycle, pulse amplitude, pulse width, frequency, pulse waveform, and envelop of the on-portion of the duty cycle (amplitude, width, etc.). Various embodiments ofneurostimulation circuit120 are discussed below with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3.
• System100 also includes anexternal system116, which communicates with implantablemedical device110 via atelemetry link118.External system116 allows a user such as a physician or other caregiver or the patient to control operation of implantablemedical device110 and monitor the status of the patient and/or implantablemedical device110.
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of aneurostimulation circuit220.Neurostimulation circuit220 represents an embodiment ofneurostimulation circuit120 and includes astimulation output circuit240, acontrol circuit242, and astorage device244.Stimulation output circuit240 delivers neurostimulation to the patient during therapy sessions. In one embodiment, the delivery of the neurostimulation includes delivery of electrical pulses.Storage device244 stores values of a plurality of stimulation parameters including one or more primary parameters and one or more secondary parameters. The one or more primary parameters each have a value selected for maintaining efficacy of the neurostimulation. The one or more secondary parameters each have a value adjustable for preventing neural accommodation without substantially compromising the efficacy of the neurostimulation. The stored values of the plurality of stimulation parameters include a plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters. The value sets are each a set of one or more values each given to one of the one or more secondary parameters.Control circuit242 controls the delivery of the neurostimulation using the plurality of stimulation parameters and includes aparameter adjuster246.Parameter adjuster246 adjusts one or more parameters of the plurality of parameters. In various embodiments,parameter adjuster246 selects a different subset of one or more value sets from the stored plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters for each session of the therapy sessions. The selection is performed according to various rules determined to prevent the patient from developing neural accommodation in response to the delivery of the neurostimulation.
• In one embodiment,parameter adjuster246 selects a subset of one or more value sets from the stored plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters for each session of the therapy sessions such that the one or more secondary parameters are adjusted randomly or pseudo-randomly through the therapy sessions. This may be achieved by storing the value sets for the one or more secondary parameters in a randomized or pseudo-randomized order instorage device244, or by configuringparameter adjuster246 to randomly or pseudo-randomly select value sets from the plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters stored instorage device244. For various embodiments, pseudo-randomness refers to, for example, an order of values that is not truly randomized but arranged in a way approximating randomness by its potential effect in prevention of neural accommodation. In various embodiments as discussed in this document, randomness may include true randomness or pseudo-randomness.
• In various embodiments, the one or more primary parameters are each a parameter whose value is determined and/or adjusted for efficacy. In one embodiment, each parameter of the one or more primary parameters is given a predetermined value. In one embodiment,parameter adjuster246 adjusts each parameter of the one or more primary parameters as needed to maintain efficacy of the neurostimulation. One example of the one or more primary parameters includes one or more parameters being a measure of a total dose of the neurostimulation applied over a therapy session.
• In various embodiments, the one or more secondary parameters are each a parameter whose value can be substantially adjusted without substantially affecting the efficacy of the neurostimulation. The value sets of the one or more secondary parameters are each determined to maintain efficacy of the neurostimulation and are substantially different from each other. One example of the one or more secondary parameters includes pulse amplitude and pulse width. The value sets each include a pulse amplitude value and a pulse width value selected based on a predetermined strength-duration curve.
• In various embodiments, the circuit ofsystem100, including its various elements discussed in this document, is implemented using a combination of hardware and software (including firmware). In various embodiments,control circuit242, including their various elements discussed in this document, may be implemented using an application-specific circuit constructed to perform one or more particular functions or a general-purpose circuit programmed to perform such function(s). Such a general-purpose circuit includes, but is not limited to, a microprocessor or a portion thereof, a microcontroller or portions thereof, and a programmable logic circuit or a portion thereof.
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of aneurostimulation circuit320.Neurostimulation circuit320 represents another embodiment ofneurostimulation circuit120 and includesstimulation output circuit240, asensing circuit350, anaccommodation detector352, anadverse effect detector354, acontrol circuit342, and astorage device344.
• Sensing circuit350 senses one or more physiological signals indicative of one or more effects of the delivery of the neurostimulation fromstimulation output circuit240. In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more physiological signals is indicative of a degree of modulation of one or more physiological functions by the neurostimulation. Such modulation results from responses of one or more nerves to which the neurostimulation is applied, and the one or more nerves innervate or otherwise control the one or more organs.
• Accommodation detector352 detects an indication of neural accommodation using the one or more physiological signals. In one embodiment, the indication of neural accommodation includes a substantial decrease in the degree of modulation of the one or more physiological functions by the neurostimulation. In another embodiment, the indication of neural accommodation includes a substantial increase in stimulation threshold as a percentage or absolute value, where the stimulation threshold is the minimum intensity of the neurostimuation that results in a detectable modulation of the one or more physiological functions in response to the neurostimulation.
• Adverse effect detector354 detects an indication of an adverse effect of the neurostimulation using the one or more physiological signals. In various embodiments, the adverse effect is an unintended effect of the neurostimulation. In one embodiment, the adverse effect is an unintended effect of the neurostimulation that is considered to be harmful to the patient.
• Storage device344 represents an embodiment ofstorage device244 and stores values of the plurality of stimulation parameters including the one or more primary parameters and the one or more secondary parameters. In one embodiment, the plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters are stored instorage device344 as one or more sequences of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters. The one or more sequences are each generated for a therapy session. In one embodiment, a plurality of such sequences is stored to be used for multiple therapy sessions. A therapy session includes a programmed period of time during which the patient is treated by continuous or intermittent delivery of the neurostimulation. An intermittent delivery of the neustimulation is programmed to include periods during which the neurostimulation is delivered and periods during which the neurostimulation is not delivered. In one embodiment, the therapy sessions are timed according to a programmed schedule, such as being started on a substantially periodic basis.
• Control circuit342 represents an embodiment ofcontrol circuit242 and controls the delivery of the neurostimulation using the plurality of stimulation parameters.Control circuit342 includes aparameter adjuster346, which represents an embodiment ofparameter adjuster246 and adjusts one or more parameters of the plurality of stimulation parameters.Parameter adjuster346 includes aprimary parameter adjuster356 and asecondary parameter adjuster358.
• Primary parameter adjuster356 adjusts the one or more primary parameters. In one embodiment,primary parameter adjuster356 sets the value of each of the one or more primary parameters to a predetermined value, such as a value received from the user throughexternal system116 andtelemetry link118. In one embodiment,primary parameter adjuster356 adjusts the value of each of the one or more primary parameters using the one or more physiological signals, such as to maintain a specified degree of modulation of one or more physiological functions by the neurostimulation as indicated by the one or more physiological signals.
• Secondary parameter adjuster358 adjusts the one or more secondary parameters. In various embodiments,secondary parameter adjuster358 selects for each therapy session a subset of one or more value sets from the plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters stored instorage device344. In one embodiment,secondary parameter adjuster358 randomly selects each value set of the one or more value sets from the stored plurality of value sets for each therapy session. In another embodiment,secondary parameter adjuster358 selects each value set of the one or more value sets by cycling through the plurality of value sets in a predetermined order, such as cycling through the plurality of value sets stored instorage device344 as a circular list.Secondary parameter adjuster358 adjusts the one or more secondary parameters using the selected one or more value sets for the therapy session. In one embodiment,secondary parameter adjuster358 adjusts the one or more secondary parameters in response to a detection of the indication of the neural accommodation byaccommodation detector352. In one embodiment,secondary parameter adjuster358 adjusts the one or more secondary parameters in response to a detection of the indication of the adverse effect of the neurostimulation byadverse effect detector354. In one embodiment,secondary parameter adjuster358 adjusts the one or more secondary parameters in response to an adjustment to the one or more primary parameters byprimary parameter adjuster356.
• In various embodiments,secondary parameter adjuster358 selects prior to each therapy session a value set from the plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters stored instorage device344, and sets the one or more secondary parameters to the selected value set for the entire therapy session. In one embodiment,secondary parameter adjuster358 randomly selects prior to the therapy session the value set from the plurality of value sets stored instorage device344. In another embodiment,secondary parameter adjuster358 selects prior to the therapy session the value set by cycling through the plurality of value sets in a predetermined order, such as cycling through the plurality of value sets stored instorage device344 as a circular list.
• In various embodiments,secondary parameter adjuster358 selects value sets from the plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters stored instorage device344, and generates a sequence of value sets for each therapy session. The sequence of value sets includes the selected value sets with timing specified for using each of the selected value sets during the therapy session. In one embodiment,secondary parameter adjuster358 randomly selects the value sets from the plurality of value sets stored instorage device344. In another embodiment,secondary parameter adjuster358 selects the value set by cycling through the plurality of value sets in a predetermined order, such as cycling through the plurality of value sets stored instorage device344 as a circular list. In another embodiment,secondary parameter adjuster358 randomizes an order of the selected value sets in the sequence of value sets.Secondary parameter adjuster358 dynamically adjusts the one or more secondary parameters according to the sequence of value sets during the therapy session.
• In various embodiments, one or more predetermined sequences of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters are stored instorage device344, andsecondary parameter adjuster358 selects a sequence from the stored one or more predetermined sequences. In one embodiment,secondary parameter adjuster358 randomly selects the sequence from the stored plurality of sequences. In another embodiment,secondary parameter adjuster358 selects the sequence by cycling through the plurality of sequences in a predetermined order, such as cycling through the plurality of sequences stored instorage device344 as a circular list.Secondary parameter adjuster358 dynamically adjusts the one or more secondary parameters using the selected sequence during the therapy session.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of aneurostimulation system400.System400 represents an embodiment ofsystem100 and includes one or more leads430, an implantablemedical device410, and anexternal system416 communicating with implantablemedical device410 viatelemetry link118.
• Lead(s)430 provides therapy interface betweensystem400 and the patient receiving the neurostimulation therapy. In various embodiments, lead(s)430 include any one or more leads suitable for delivering the neurostimulation to the patient, withlead130 illustrating one example.
• Implantablemedical device410 represents an embodiment of implantablemedical device110 and includesneurostimulation circuit120 and animplant telemetry circuit460.Implant telemetry circuit460 allows implantablemedical device410 to communicate withexternal system416 viatelemetry link118.
• External system416 represents an embodiment ofexternal system116 and includes anexternal telemetry circuit462, auser interface464, and aparameter generator466.External telemetry circuit462 allowsexternal system416 to communicate with implantablemedical device410 viatelemetry link118.User interface464 allows the user to control operation of, and obtain information from,system400.Parameter generator466 generates values for the plurality of stimulation parameters, which are transmitted to implantablemedical device410 to be stored instorage device244 or344. In the illustrated embodiment,parameter generator466 includes avalue generator468 and asequence generator470.
• Value generator468 generates the plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters. In one embodiment,value generator468 receives predetermined value sets from the user throughuser interface464 or through a data interface. In another embodiment,value generator468 generates the value sets according to predetermined criteria. For example,value generator468 receives one or more values of the one or more primary parameters and generates the value sets using the received one or more values of the one or more primary parameters and the predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria requires that the value sets each approximately maintain the one or more primary parameters at the received one or more values and including one or more values each within a specified value range for the one or more secondary parameters. In one embodiment, the values for each parameter of the one or more secondary parameters are given or generated in specified increments, and tested for the efficacy of the neurostimulation. In one embodiment, the efficacy of the neurostimulation is tested by sensing electromyogram (EMG) or accelerometer signals indicative of laryngeal response to the neurostimulation using different value sets for the one or more secondary parameters. In other embodiments, the efficacy of the neurostimulation is tested by monitoring one or more intended effects of the neurostimulation when the neurostimulation is delivered using different value sets for the one or more secondary parameters.
• Sequence generator470 generates the one or more sequences of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters to be stored in implantablemedical device410 when needed. In one embodiment,sequence generator470 selects value sets from the value sets for the one or more secondary parameters generated fromvalue generator468, and determines an order for the selected value sets. In various embodiments, each of the one or more sequences of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters includes the selected value sets in a random order, a pseudo-random order, or other substantially aperiodic order (with no identical value sets repeating on a substantially periodic basis).
• FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of amethod500 for neurostimulation.Method500 provides for delivery of neurostimulation using a system such assystem100, including its various embodiments as discussed in this document, for prevention of neural accommodation while maintaining efficacy of the neurostimulation.
• At510, one or more primary parameters are identified for maintaining efficacy of the neurostimulation. At520, a value or value range is determined for each parameter of the one or more primary parameters. The value or value range may be experimentally determined by monitoring the response of a patient to the delivery of the neurostimulation, and may be adjusted to maintain the efficacy of neurostimulation if necessary during or between therapy sessions.
• At530, one or more secondary parameters are identified for preventing neural accommodation without substantially affecting the efficacy of the neurostimulation. At540, a value range is determined for each parameter of the one or more secondary parameters. The value range may be experimentally tested to verify that when the parameter varies within it, the efficacy of the neurostimulation is not substantially affected.
• At550, a plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters is generated. The value sets each include a value for each parameter of the one or more secondary parameters, and are substantially different from each other. In one embodiment, one or more sequences of value sets are generated by selecting value sets from the plurality of value sets generated. At560, the values of the one or more primary parameters and the one or more secondary parameters are stored in a neurostimulation circuit, such asneurostimulation circuit120, including its various embodiments discussed in this document.
• At570, values for the one or more primary parameters and the one or more secondary parameters are selected by the neurostimulation circuit for a therapy session. In one embodiment, this includes selecting one or more value sets from the plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters. In another embodiment, this includes selecting a sequence of value sets from the one or more sequences of value sets.
• At580, delivery of the neurostimulation is controlled using the selected values for the one or more primary parameters and the one or more secondary parameters during the therapy session. At590, the neurostimulation is delivered from the neurostimulation circuit during the therapy session.
• FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of amethod600 for controlling neurostimulation for a specified duty cycle while preventing neural accommodation. In one embodiment,method600 is performed usingsystem100, including its various embodiments discussed in this document. Inmethod600, the neurostimulation is delivered at a specified duty cycle during therapy sessions. Each therapy session includes a plurality of total periods each being a sum of an on-period and an off-period. The on-period is a time period during which the neurostimulation is delivered. The off-period is a time period during which the neurostimulation is not delivered. The duty cycle is the ratio of the on-period to the total period and can be expressed in percentage. The duty cycle can also be expressed as a duty cycle ratio, which is a ratio of the on-period to the off-period. When the neurostimulation is delivered as electrical pulses with a specified duration of the therapy session and a specified pulse frequency, the duty cycle is a dosing parameter representative of the dose of the neurostimulation for the therapy session measured by the number of the electrical pulses delivered during the therapy session.
• It is observed that when a ramp is introduced for the transition from the off-period to the on-period, and/or from the on-period to the off-period, within a limited range, the ramp duration does not substantially affect the efficacy of the neurostimulation. The ramp duration is a time interval during which the intensity of the neurostimulation gradually increases from zero to its value specified for the on-period, or a time interval during which the intensity of the neurostimulation gradually decreases to zero from its value specified for the on-period. In one embodiment, the ramp ends at the beginning of the on-period, or begins at the end of the on-period. Therefore, inmethod600, the one or more primary parameters include the duty cycle (or equivalently, duty cycle ratio). The one or more secondary parameters include the ramp duration. In various embodiments, the intensity of the neurostimulation steps up or down in specified increments during the ramp duration.
• At610, a value for the duty cycle of the neurostimulation is determined for maintaining efficacy of the neurostimulation. At620, a sequence of values for the ramp duration is determined for a therapy session. The values are within a limited range within which the ramp duration does not substantially affect the efficacy of the neurostimulation. In various embodiments, the sequence of values for the ramp duration includes the values arranged in a random order, a pseudo-random order, or other substantially aperiodic order. At630, the therapy session is started. At640, the neurostimulation is delivered using the first value of the sequence of values for the ramp duration. If the specified total dose of the neurostimulation has not been delivered at650, the neurostimulation continues to be delivered using the next value in the sequence of values for the ramp duration at660. If the specified total dose of the neurostimulation has been delivered at650, the therapy session ends at670.
• FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of amethod700 for controlling neurostimulation for a specified duty cycle while preventing neural accommodation. In one embodiment,method700 is performed usingsystem100, including its various embodiments discussed in this document. Inmethod700, the neurostimulation is also delivered at a specified duty cycle during therapy sessions, with parameters including the total period, the on-period, the off-period, the duty cycle (or equivalently the duty cycle ratio), as discussed above formethod600.
• It is observed that within a limited range, the value of the total period does not substantially affect the efficacy of the neurostimulation as long as the specified duty cycle is maintained. In other words, the values of the on-period and the off-period do not substantially affect the efficacy of the neurostimulation as long as the ratio of the on-period to the total period (the duty cycle) or the ratio of the on-period to the off-period (the duty cycle ratio) is maintained. Therefore, inmethod700, the one or more primary parameters include the duty cycle (or equivalently, duty cycle ratio). The one or more secondary parameters include the on-period and the off-period (or equivalently, any two of the on-period, the off-period, and the total period).
• At710, a value for the duty cycle of the neurostimulation is determined for maintaining efficacy of the neurostimulation. At720, a sequence of values sets for the on-period and the off-period is determined for a therapy session. The values are within a limited range within which the on-period and the off-period do not substantially affect the efficacy of the neurostimulation as long as the duty cycle is maintained. In various embodiments, the sequence of value sets for the on-period and the off-period includes the value sets arranged in a random order, a pseudo-random order, or other substantially aperiodic order. At730, the therapy session is started. At740, the neurostimulation is delivered using the first value of the sequence of value sets for the on-period and the off-period. If the specified total dose of the neurostimulation has not been delivered at750, the neurostimulation continues to be delivered using the next value of the sequence of value sets for the on-period and the off-period at760. If the specified total dose of the neurostimulation has been delivered at750, the therapy session ends at770.
• FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of amethod800 for controlling neurostimulation for a specified total dose while preventing neural accommodation. In one embodiment,method800 is performed usingsystem100, including its various embodiments discussed in this document. Inmethod800, the neurostimulation is delivered for a specified dose for each therapy session. The therapy session has a session duration that is sufficiently long to allow the specified dose to be administrated intermittently. In one embodiment, the specified does is expressed as duration. When the neurostimulation is delivered as electrical pulses with a specified duration of the therapy session and a specified pulse frequency, the specified dose (as a duration) is a dosing parameter representative of the dose of the neurostimulation for the therapy session measured by the number of the electrical pulses delivered during the therapy session.
• When the neurostimulation is to be delivered intermittently, the session duration may be divided into a plurality of on-segments and off-segments. The on-segment is a segment of time during which the neurostimulation is delivered. The off-segment is a segment of time during which the neurostimulation is not delivered. It is observed that within a limited range, the distribution of the on-segments and the off-segments does not substantially affect the efficacy of the neurostimulation as long as the specified dose is delivered during the on-segments. Therefore, inmethod800, the one or more primary parameters include the specified dose, which is a measure of total dosing of the neurostimulation for a therapy session. The session duration is divided into a plurality of segments. In one embodiment in which the neurostimulation includes electrical pulses, the specified dose is a specified total stimulation duration over which the neurostimulation is delivered. The one or more secondary parameters include a segment duration parameter and an on-off parameter. The segment duration parameter specifies a segment duration being the duration of each segment of the plurality of segments. The on-off parameter specifies whether each segment of the plurality of segments is an on-segment or an off-segment.
• At810, a total dose of the neurostimulation for a therapy session is determined to be used as the specified dose. At820, the therapy session is divided into a plurality of time segments. At830, a total number of the on-segments required to deliver the total dose is determined. At840, each segment of the plurality of time segments is assigned as one of the on-segment and the off-segment. In various embodiments, the segments are assigned on a random, pseudo-random, or other substantially aperiodic basis. In other words, the on-segments are distributed over the session duration in a random, pseudo-random, or other substantially aperiodic manner. At850, the therapy session is started. At860, the neurostimulation is delivered during the assigned on-segments. At870, the therapy session ends, after the total dose has been delivered.
• Various stimulation parameters used as the primary and secondary parameters are discussed inmethods600,700, and800, with reference toFIGS. 6-8, by way of example, but not by way of limitation. Inmethods600,700, and800, the one or more parameters specify a measure of total dose of the neurostimulation for a therapy session. When the neurostimulation is delivered as electrical pulses with a specified duration of the therapy session and a specified pulse frequency, this measure of total dose of the neurostimulation is expressed as a duty cycle or a total stimulation duration and represents the total number of the electrical pulses delivered during the therapy session. In various embodiments, the one or more primary parameters include any parameter or combination of parameters identified to be useable for maintaining efficacy of neurostimulation, and the one or more secondary parameters include any parameter or combination of parameters identified to be useable for preventing neural accommodation without substantially affecting the efficacy of neurostimulation. In various embodiments, the one or more secondary parameters can be set to varying values without substantially changing the one or more values of the one or more primary parameters.
• FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of amethod900 for adjusting parameters in response to detection of neural accommodation. In one embodiment,method900 is performed usingsystem100, including its various embodiments discussed in this document. Inmethod900, the one or more secondary parameters are adjusted only in response to detection of neural accommodation. That is, in response to the detection of neural accommodation,methods600,700, and/or800 are performed. For example,secondary parameter adjuster358 is enabled by the detection of neural accommodation.
• At910, the neurostimulation is delivered according to a programmed schedule of therapy sessions. At920, neural accommodation is being detected. In response to a detection of neural accommodation at930, the one or more values of the one or more secondary parameters are adjusted at940. If neural accommodation is not detected at930, the neural accommodation continues to be delivered, without adjusting the one or more secondary parameters.
• FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of amethod1000 for adjusting parameters in response to detection of an adverse effect. In one embodiment,method1000 is performed usingsystem100, including its various embodiments discussed in this document. Inmethod1000, the one or more secondary parameters are adjusted only in response to detection of an adverse effect. That is, in response to the detection of the adverse effect,methods600,700, and/or800 are performed. For example,secondary parameter adjuster358 is enabled by the detection of the adverse effect, This providessystem100 with a safety measure in case the one or more secondary parameters are set to one or more values that causes an unintended effect that may be harmful to the patient.
• At1010, the neuro stimulation is delivered according to a programmed schedule of therapy sessions. At1020, an adverse effect is being detected. In response to a detection of the adverse effect at1030, the one or more values of the one or more secondary parameters are adjusted at1040. If no adverse effect is detected at1030, the neural accommodation continues to be delivered, without adjusting the one or more secondary parameters.
• It is to be understood that the above detailed description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims (20)

1. An implantable medical device, comprising:

a stimulation output circuit configured to deliver neurostimulation during therapy sessions;

a storage device configured to store values of a plurality of stimulation parameters including one or more primary parameters each having a value selected for efficacy of the neurostimulation and one or more secondary parameters each having a value adjustable for preventing neural accommodation while maintaining the efficacy of the neurostimulation, the values including a plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters, the value sets each being a set of one or more values each given to one of the one or more secondary parameters;

a control circuit configured to control the delivery of the neurostimulation using the plurality of stimulation parameters, the control circuit including a parameter adjuster configured to adjust one or more parameters of the plurality of parameters, the parameter adjuster including a secondary parameter adjuster configured to select a subset of one or more value sets from the stored plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters for each session of the therapy sessions such that the one or more secondary parameters are adjusted randomly through the therapy sessions; and

an implantable housing encapsulating the stimulation output circuit, the storage device, and the control circuit.

2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the secondary parameter adjuster is configured to randomly select each value set of the subset of one or more value sets from the stored plurality of value sets for each session of the therapy sessions.

3. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a sensing circuit configured to sense one or more physiological signals indicative of a degree of modulation of one or more physiological functions by the neurostimulation; and

a neural accommodation detector configured to detect neural accommodation indicated by a substantial decrease in the degree of modulation of the one or more physiological functions by the neurostimulation;

and wherein the secondary parameter adjuster is configured to adjust the one or more secondary parameters in response to a detection of the indication of neural accommodation.

4. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the secondary parameter adjuster is configured to select value sets from the stored plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters, generate a sequence of value sets for the each therapy session including the selected value sets, and dynamically adjust the one or more secondary parameters according to the sequence of value sets during the each therapy session.

5. The device ofclaim 4, wherein the secondary parameter adjuster is configured to randomize an order of the selected value sets in the sequence of value sets.

6. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the delivery of the neural stimulation using a dosing parameter of the one or more primary parameters, the dosing parameter specifying a measure of total dose of the neurostimulation for a therapy session and representing a number of electrical pulses delivered during the therapy session.

7. The device ofclaim 6, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the delivery of the neurostimulation using a duty cycle including an on-period during which the neurostimulation is delivered and an off-period during which the neurostimulation is not delivered, the duty cycle being a parameter of the one or more primary parameters.

8. The device ofclaim 7, wherein the secondary parameter adjuster is configured to adjust a duration of a ramp during which a stimulation intensity gradually increases from zero to its value specified for the on-period when the ramp ends at a beginning of the on-period, or gradually decreases from its value specified for the on-period to zero the ramp starting at an end of the on-period, the duration of the ramp being a parameter of the one or more secondary parameters.

9. The device ofclaim 7, wherein the secondary parameter adjuster is configured to adjust the on-period and the off-period without varying the duty cycle, the on-period and the off-period each being a parameter of the one or more secondary parameters.

10. The device ofclaim 6, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the delivery of the neurostimulation using a measure of total dosing for a therapy session of the therapy sessions, the therapy session having a session duration that is divided into a plurality of segments, the measure of total dosing being a parameter of the one or more primary parameters, and wherein the secondary parameter adjuster is configured to adjust an on-off parameter specifying whether each segment of the plurality of segments is an on-segment or an off-segment, the on-segment being a segment of the plurality of segment during which the neurostimulation is delivered, the off-segment being a segment of the plurality of segment during which the neurostimulation is not delivered, the on-off parameter being a parameter of the one or more secondary parameters.

11. A method for operating an implantable medical device, comprising:

receiving values of a plurality of stimulation parameters including one or more primary parameters each having a value selected for efficacy of neurostimulation and one or more secondary parameters each having a value adjustable for preventing neural accommodation while maintaining the efficacy of the neurostimulation, the values including a plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters, the value sets each being a set of one or more values each given to one of the one or more secondary parameters;

storing the received values of the plurality of stimulation parameters;

delivering neurostimulation during therapy sessions; and

controlling the delivery of the neurostimulation using the plurality of stimulation parameters, the controlling including selecting a subset of one or more value sets from the stored plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters for each session of the therapy sessions and adjusting the one or more secondary parameters during the therapy sessions, wherein the subset is selected to allow for adjusting the one or more secondary parameters randomly through the therapy sessions.

12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the selecting comprises randomly selecting each value set of the subset of one or more value sets from the stored plurality of value sets for each session of the therapy sessions.

13. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising:

sensing one or more physiological signals indicative of a degree of modulation of one or more physiological functions by the neurostimulation;

detecting neural accommodation indicated by a substantial decrease in the degree of modulation of the one or more physiological functions by the neurostimulation; and

adjusting the one or more secondary parameters in response to a detection of the neural accommodation.

14. The method ofclaim 11, comprising:

selecting value sets from the stored plurality of value sets for the one or more secondary parameters;

generating a sequence of value sets for the each therapy session including the selected value sets; and

dynamically adjusting the one or more secondary parameters according to the sequence of value sets during the each therapy session.

15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein generating the sequence of value sets comprises randomizing an order of the selected value sets in the sequence of value sets.

16. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the one or more primary parameters comprises a dosing parameter specifying a measure of total dose of the neurostimulation for a therapy session and representing a number of electrical pulses delivered during the therapy session.

17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the one or more primary parameters comprises a duty cycle including an on-period during which the neurostimulation is delivered and an off-period during which the neurostimulation is not delivered.

18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the one or more secondary parameters comprise a duration of a ramp during which a stimulation intensity gradually increases from zero to its value specified for the on-period when the ramp ends at a beginning of the on-period, or gradually decreases from its value specified for the on-period to zero the ramp starting at an end of the on-period.

19. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the one or more secondary parameters comprise the on-period and the off-period.

20. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the one or more primary parameters comprise a measure of total dosing for a therapy session of the therapy sessions, the therapy session having a session duration that is divided into a plurality of segments, and the one or more secondary parameters comprise an on-off parameter specifying whether each segment of the plurality of segment is an on-segment or an off segment, the on-segment being a segment of the plurality of segment during which the neurostimulation is delivered, the off-segment being a segment of the plurality of segment during which the neurostimulation is not delivered.

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