Implantable vestibular prosthesis system with power saving mode including soft start and soft power-down
A novel vestibular implant system is described. An implantable vestibular stimulator provides vestibular stimulation signals to stimulate target neural tissue for vestibular sensation by a patient. One or more motion sensors are controllably powered by the vestibular implant system and develop a motion signal reflecting head motion of an implant patient. The vestibular stimulator includes at least two different operating modes: i. a sensor controlled mode wherein the motion sensor is powered and the vestibular stimulation signal is developed as a dependent function of the motion signal, and ii. a sensor independent mode wherein the motion sensor is unpowered and the vestibular stimulation signals, if any, are developed independently of the motion signal.
1. A vestibular implant system comprising:
an implantable vestibular stimulator providing vestibular stimulation signals to stimulate target neural tissue for vestibular sensation by a patient; and
at least one motion sensor controllably powered by the vestibular implant system and developing a motion signal reflecting head motion of an implant patient;
wherein the vestibular stimulator includes at least two different operating modes:
i. a sensor controlled mode wherein the at least one motion sensor is powered and the vestibular stimulation signals are developed as a dependent function of the motion signal, and
ii. a sensor independent mode wherein the at least one motion sensor is unpowered and the vestibular stimulation signals, if any, are developed independently of the motion signal; and
wherein the vestibular stimulation signals include soft-start switch-on and soft-off power down characteristics in which the vestibular stimulation signals gradually transition over a given period of time.
2. A vestibular implant system according to claim 1 , further comprising:
at least one mode control sensor separate and independent from the at least one motion sensor and developing a mode control signal reflecting head motion of the implant patient, wherein the vestibular stimulator system shifts to sensor independent mode when then mode control signal falls below a threshold value.
3. A vestibular implant system according to claim 2 , wherein the system shifts to sensor controlled mode when the mode control signal exceeds the threshold value.
4. A vestibular implant system according to claim 1 , wherein the vestibular stimulator system shifts to sensor independent mode when the motion signal falls below a threshold value.
5. A vestibular implant system according to claim 4 , wherein the system shifts to sensor controlled mode when the motion signal exceeds the threshold value.
6. A vestibular implant system according to claim 1 , wherein the vestibular stimulation signal is a constant pacing signal in sensor independent mode.
7. A vestibular implant system according to claim 1 , wherein no vestibular stimulation signal is developed in sensor independent mode.
8. A vestibular implant system according to claim 1 , wherein the system shifts operating modes as a function of time of day.
9. A vestibular implant system according to claim 1 , wherein the system shifts to sensor independent mode in response to a system malfunction.
10. A vestibular implant system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor independent mode includes a patient sleep mode and wherein the vestibular stimulation signals are adapted to promote sleep of the patient.
11. A vestibular implant system according to claim 1 , wherein the system shifts operating modes as a function of system power status.
12. A vestibular implant system comprising:
an implantable vestibular stimulator providing vestibular stimulation signals to stimulate target neural tissue for vestibular sensation by a patient; and
at least one motion sensor developing a motion signal reflecting head motion of an implant patient;
wherein the vestibular stimulator includes at least two different operating modes:
i. a sensor controlled mode wherein the vestibular stimulation signals are developed as a dependent function of the motion signal, and
ii. a power shifting mode wherein the vestibular stimulation signal is adapted to change over time to reduce patient discomfort while changing power operation of the system; and
wherein the vestibular stimulation signals include soft-start switch-on and soft-off power down characteristics in which the vestibular stimulation signals gradually transition over a given period of time.
13. A vestibular implant system according to claim 12 , wherein the system is operated in power shifting mode when starting up.
14. A vestibular implant system according to claim 12 , wherein the system is operated in power shifting mode when shutting down.
15. A vestibular implant system according to claim 12 , wherein adaptation of the vestibular stimulation signal includes changing pulse duration over time.
16. A vestibular implant system according to claim 12 , wherein adaptation of the vestibular stimulation signal includes changing pulse repetition rate over time.
17. A vestibular implant system according to claim 12 , wherein adaptation of the vestibular stimulation signal includes changing pulse train length over time.
18. A vestibular implant system according to claim 12 , wherein adaptation of the vestibular stimulation signal includes changing signal amplitude over time.
19. A vestibular implant system according to claim 12 , further comprising:
at least one physiologic sensor developing a physiologic signal reflecting a physiological condition of an implant patient; and
wherein adaptation of the vestibular stimulation signals further is responsive to the physiological signal.