18596377. Circuitry to Assist with Neural Sensing in an Implantable Stimulator Device simplified abstract (Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation)

Circuitry to Assist with Neural Sensing in an Implantable Stimulator Device

Organization Name

Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation

Inventor(s)

Goran N. Marnfeldt of Valencia CA (US)

Circuitry to Assist with Neural Sensing in an Implantable Stimulator Device - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18596377 titled 'Circuitry to Assist with Neural Sensing in an Implantable Stimulator Device

Simplified Explanation: The patent application describes a passive tissue biasing circuitry in an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) that helps in sensing neural responses by maintaining tissue voltage at a common mode voltage (Vcm).

• The IPG's conductive case electrode is passively biased to Vcm using a capacitor, simplifying neural response sensing.
• Voltages produced during stimulation pulses are referenced to Vcm, aiding in neural response detection.
• An amplifier can set a virtual reference voltage and limit current flow to the case during Vcm production.
• Circuitry can monitor the virtual reference voltage for sensing neural responses and setting compliance voltage for current generation.

Key Features and Innovation:

• Passive tissue biasing circuitry in an IPG for neural response sensing.
• Use of a common mode voltage (Vcm) for referencing stimulation pulse voltages.
• Capacitor-based passive biasing of the case electrode for simplified operation.
• Amplifier for setting virtual reference voltage and limiting current flow.
• Circuitry for monitoring virtual reference voltage and setting compliance voltage.

Potential Applications:

• Medical devices for neural response sensing and stimulation.
• Neurostimulation therapies for various conditions.
• Research in neurology and neural engineering fields.

Problems Solved:

• Simplifies neural response sensing in IPGs.
• Provides a common mode voltage reference for accurate measurements.
• Reduces the complexity of active biasing circuits.

Benefits:

• Improved accuracy in sensing neural responses.
• Simplified circuitry design in IPGs.
• Enhanced performance in neurostimulation therapies.

Commercial Applications: Neurostimulation devices for medical use, research equipment for neural response studies, and advancements in neuroengineering technologies.

Questions about Passive Tissue Biasing Circuitry in an IPG: 1. How does passive tissue biasing circuitry improve neural response sensing in IPGs? 2. What are the potential applications of using a common mode voltage for referencing stimulation pulse voltages in medical devices?

Original Abstract Submitted

Passive tissue biasing circuitry in an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) is disclosed to facilitate the sensing of neural responses by holding the voltage of the tissue to a common mode voltage (Vcm). The IPG's conductive case electrode, or any other electrode, is passively biased to Vcm using a capacitor, as opposed to actively driving the (case) electrode to a prescribed voltage using a voltage source. Once Vcm is established, voltages accompanying the production of stimulation pulses will be referenced to Vcm, which eases neural response sensing. An amplifier can be used to set a virtual reference voltage and to limit the amount of current that flows to the case during the production of Vcm. In other examples, circuitry can be used to monitor the virtual reference voltage as useful to enabling the sensing the neural responses, and as useful to setting a compliance voltage for the current generation circuitry.