Patent Description:
In recent years, dozens of therapeutic nerve electrical-stimulation devices have been developed, and at least tens of thousands of people undergo electrical-stimulation device implantation every year. Due to the development of precision manufacturing technology, the size of medical device has been miniaturized and may be implanted inside the human body, for example, an implantable electrical-stimulation device.

However, in the current implantable electrical-stimulation device, due to miniaturization or component matching, the number of channels of the circuit of the electrical-stimulation device for providing electrical-stimulation signals is limited, so that the number of contact points of the connection unit of the electrical-stimulation device may not correspond to the number of channels of the electrical-stimulation device. Therefore, how to effectively make the number of contact points of the connection unit of the electrical-stimulation device corresponds to the number of channel of the electrical-stimulation device to increase the flexibility of component use has become an important issue.

<CIT> describes methods and apparatus for optimizing an atrioventricular (AV) pacing delay interval based upon ECG-based optimization is calculated as a linear function of P-wave duration, sensed PR (intrinsic) interval, sensed or paced QRS duration and heart rate. Since the relationship among these parameters is linear, once the coefficients are solved (which can be any value, including null) with reference to a known optimized AV interval (AVopt) such as from an echocardiographic study, an AVopt value can be dynamically adjusted in an ambulatory subject. The various combinations of values can be loaded into a look up table or calculated automatically. And, since some of the parameters do not typically change much over time they can be determined acutely and fed into the equation while the other values can be measured frequently. The parameter values can be measured by an implantable medical device such as a dual- or triple-chamber pacemaker.

<CIT> describes a device which includes radio frequency (RF) communication components installed within a case of the device and an antenna with an inverted E shape mounted within a header of the device. The antenna has three branches extending from a main arm: a capacitive branch connecting one end of the main arm to the case; an RF signal feed branch connecting a middle portion of the main arm to the internal RF components of the device via a feedthrough; and an inductive branch connecting the opposing (far) end of the main arm to the case to provide a shunt to ground.

The disclosure provides an electrical-stimulation device and an operation method thereof and an electrical-stimulation system, so that the number of contact points of the connection unit may corresponds to the number of channels of the electrical-stimulation device for providing an electrical-stimulation signal, thereby increasing the flexibility of the connection unit for use.

The disclosure provides an electrical-stimulation device, which includes an electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit and a first connection unit. The electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit has a first channel for providing a first electrical-stimulation signal and a second channel for providing a second electrical-stimulation signal. The first connection unit has at least one first contact point, at least one second contact point, at least one third contact point and at least one fourth contact point, wherein the first electrical-stimulation signal is transmitted through the first contact point and the second contact point corresponding to the first channel, and the second electrical-stimulation signal is transmitted through the third contact point and the fourth contact point corresponding to the second channel, and a time difference exists between the first electrical-stimulation signal provided by the first channel and the second electrical-stimulation signal provided by the second channel.

The disclosure provides an electrical-stimulation system, which includes at least one lead and an electrical-stimulation device. The electrical-stimulation device is electrically connected to the aforementioned lead. The electrical-stimulation device includes an electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit and a first connection unit. The electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit has a first channel for providing a first electrical-stimulation signal and a second channel for providing a second electrical-stimulation signal. The first connection unit has at least one first contact point, at least one second contact point, at least one third contact point and at least one fourth contact point, wherein the first electrical-stimulation signal is transmitted through the first contact point and the second contact point corresponding to the first channel, and the second electrical-stimulation signal is transmitted through the third contact point and the fourth contact point corresponding to the second channel, and wherein a time difference exists between the first electrical-stimulation signal provided by the first channel and the second electrical-stimulation signal provided by the second channel.

The disclosure provides an operation method of an electrical-stimulation device, which includes the following steps. A first electrical-stimulation signal is provided via the first channel of an electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit. A second electrical-stimulation signal is provided via a second channel of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit A first connection unit is provided, wherein the first connection unit has at least one first contact point, at least one second contact point, at least one third contact point and at least one fourth contact point. The first electrical-stimulation signal is transmitted through the first contact points and the second contact points corresponding to the first channel. The second electrical-stimulation signal is transmitted through the third contact point and the fourth contact point corresponding to the second channel. A time difference exists between the first electrical-stimulation signal provided by the first channel and the second electrical-stimulation signal provided by the second channel.

According to the electrical-stimulation device and the operation method thereof and the electrical-stimulation system disclosed by the disclosure, at least two of the contact points of the connection unit are connected through the conductive member resulted in the same electrical polarity to reduce the corresponding needed number of channels of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit for providing the electrical-stimulation signal and reduce the needed number of feedthroughs for connection between the channel and the contact points. The electrical-stimulation signal provided by the channel of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit may be transmitted through the corresponding contact points. Moreover, the size of the electrical-stimulation device can be reduced owing to the reduced number of channel of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit or the reduced number of feedthroughs for connection between the channel and the contact points. Therefore, even if the number of contact points of the connection unit and the number of channel are different, the connection unit and the channel may still corresponded to each other by the conductive member, thereby effectively increasing the flexibility of the connection unit for use. On the other side, it's much easier for clinician to use or setup the device/system. When the system is on, the polarities of the contact points are determined, thus the polarities of electrodes of the lead are determined to be interleaved, which can reduce the device/system setup time.

The disclosure can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

Technical terms of the disclosure are based on general definition in the technical field of the disclosure. If the disclosure describes or explains one or some terms, definition of the terms is based on the description or explanation of the disclosure. Each of the disclosed embodiments has one or more technical features. In possible implementation, a person skilled in the art would selectively implement all or some technical features of any embodiment of the disclosure or selectively combine all or some technical features of the embodiments of the disclosure.

In each of the following embodiments, the same reference number represents the same or a similar element or component.

<FIG> is a schematic view of an electrical-stimulation system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Please refer to <FIG>. The electrical-stimulation system <NUM> includes a lead <NUM> and an electrical-stimulation device <NUM>. The lead <NUM> includes a plurality of first electrodes <NUM> and a plurality of second electrodes <NUM>, wherein the first electrodes <NUM> and the second electrodes <NUM> are alternately arranged. In the embodiment, the distance between the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> which are adjacent to each other is, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The electrical-stimulation device can be an implanted device (with or without battery), an external stimulator (with lead implanted inside the body) or a transcutaneous electrical-stimulation device (TENS). The electrical-stimulation device <NUM> is electrically connected to the lead <NUM>. The electrical-stimulation device <NUM> includes an electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit <NUM>, a first connection unit <NUM>, a first conductive member <NUM> and a second conductive member <NUM>. The electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit <NUM> has a first channel <NUM> for providing a first electrical-stimulation signal S1. Here, a "channel" is defined as at least two electrodes that receive a specified pattern (such as pulse width, amplitude, pulse frequency, intra-pulse frequency, duration, duty cycle) or sequence of stimulus pulses. Thus, where more than one "channel' is available, each channel may be programmed to provide its own specified pattern or sequence of stimulus pulses to its corresponding electrodes. In operation, all of the stimulus patterns applied through all of the channels of such multi-channel system thus combine to provide an overall stimulation pattern.

The first connection unit <NUM> has a plurality of first contact points <NUM> and a plurality of second contact points <NUM>, wherein the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> are alternately arranged. In this case, there are two first contact points <NUM> and two second contact points <NUM> in the first connection unit <NUM>. In addition, the first contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly electrically connected to the first electrodes <NUM> of the lead, respectively. The second contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly electrically connected to the second electrodes <NUM> of the lead, respectively. Therefore, the electrical polarities of first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> are corresponding to the electrical polarities of the first electrodes <NUM> and the second electrodes <NUM>, respectively. Furthermore, the total number of first contact points <NUM> corresponds to (equals to) a total number of first electrodes <NUM>, and a total number of second contact points <NUM> corresponds to a total number of second contact points <NUM>.

In the embodiment, the electrical polarities of the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> may be the same (i.e. when the electrical-stimulation signal is powered by a direct current source), or they may be opposite (i.e. when the electrical-stimulation signal is an biphasic alternating current (AC) signal or biphasic square signal). When the electrical polarities of the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> are opposite, such as the electrical polarities of the first contacts <NUM> are "positive" and the electrical polarities of the second contact points <NUM> are "negative", or the electrical polarities of the first contact points <NUM> are "negative" and the electrical polarities of the second contact points <NUM> are "positive". The electrical polarities of first contact points <NUM> (the same as the first electrodes <NUM>) and the second contact points <NUM> (the same as the second electrodes <NUM>) will be alternated or bipolar arranged, when the electrical stimulation signal is AC signal or biphasic signal.

The first conductive member <NUM> and the second conductive member <NUM> are metal or alloy conductors covered with an insulating material (such as Teflon), wherein the insulating material at two terminals of each first conductor <NUM> and each second conductor <NUM> is removed to be used to an electrical connection. The first conductive member <NUM> is connected to at least two first contact points <NUM>. That is, the first conductive member <NUM> crosses over at least one second contact point <NUM> to connect together the first contact points <NUM> that are spaced apart. The second conductive member <NUM> is connected to at least two second contact points <NUM>. That is, the second conductive member <NUM> crosses over at least one first contact point <NUM> to connect together the second contact points <NUM> that are spaced apart, together. The first conductive member <NUM> and the second conductive member <NUM> are electrically connected to the first channel <NUM> so that the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 is transmitted through the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> corresponding to the first channel <NUM>.

The first electrical-stimulation signal S1 generated from the electrical stimulation signal generating circuit <NUM> transmitted by the first channel <NUM> will be conducted by different feedthroughs (f, will be described in <FIG>) of the electrical stimulation signal generating circuit <NUM>, corresponding conductive elements to connect with the corresponding conductive members (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the corresponding contact points (<NUM>, <NUM>). Then the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 will be transmitted through the electrical polarity alternated first electrodes <NUM> and the second electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>. Two of the first contact points <NUM> are connected through the first conductive members <NUM> and two of the second contact points <NUM> are connected through the second conductive members <NUM>, which resulted in the same electrical polarity of the two first electrodes <NUM> and the same electrical polarity of the two second electrodes <NUM>. Thus, four electrodes (<NUM>, <NUM>) only need one output channel <NUM> of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit <NUM> to electrically connect to the first and second conductive members <NUM>, <NUM>. There is no need to use two channels to the control the parameters (such as pulse rate, pulse frequency and signal intensity) of the electrical-stimulation signal S1, which can reduce the needed number of feedthroughs for connection between the channel <NUM> and the contact points (<NUM>, <NUM>) and reduce the needed number of channels. Therefore, four contact points on the connection unit may be adjusted to two electrical polarities, and corresponded to one first channel <NUM> of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit <NUM>, thereby increasing the flexibility of the connection unit for use. One feature of this embodiment is that the clinician need not select which electrodes of the lead are activated. Instead, the electrodes are all activated, and the clinician need not select which of the active electrode is negative polarity or positive polarity, either.

In the embodiment, a total number (two) of first conductive member <NUM> and the second conductive member is less than a total number (four) of first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM>. In addition, the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 is, for example, a pulse alternating current signal having biphasic sine or square waveform and the pulse frequency range thereof is, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>. Furthermore, the intra-pulse frequency range of the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 is <NUM> to <NUM>.

Furthermore, the electrical-stimulation system <NUM> of the embodiment may be a transcutaneous external stimulator or may be implanted inside the human body. When the electrical-stimulation system <NUM> is implanted inside the human body, the electrical-stimulation system <NUM> may be placed under the skin of the human body, and one terminal of the lead <NUM> is connected to the first connection unit <NUM>, and the other terminal of the lead <NUM> is placed close to a target area to be stimulated. The electrical-stimulation system <NUM> as a spinal cord electrical-stimulation system is taken as an example, the other terminal of at least part of the lead is disposed in the epidural space to electrically stimulate the spinal cord, the spinal nerve or the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit <NUM> of the electrical-stimulation system <NUM> transmits the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 to the electrode of the other terminal of the lead <NUM> through the lead <NUM>, so as to electrically stimulate the target area. The current transmitted by the electrical-stimulation system <NUM> may flow out from the first contact points <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, and then conduct through the human tissue, and then flow back to the lead <NUM> from the second contact points <NUM>. In addition, the target nerve area of electrical stimulation may also be in the brain for electrical stimulation of brain cortex or deep brain stimulation (DBS) or abdominal and peripheral nerves.

<FIG> is a waveform diagram of a first electrical-stimulation signal provided by an electrical-stimulation device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Please refer to <FIG>. The first electrical-stimulation signal S1 provided by the electrical-stimulation device <NUM> is, for example, a continuous sinusoidal wave, a continuous triangular wave, or a high-frequency pulsed electrical-stimulation signal, etc., but the embodiment of the disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, when the first electrical-stimulation signal S <NUM> is a pulse alternating signal, one pulse cycle time Tp includes a plurality of pulse signals and at least one rest period of time, and the pulse cycle time Tp is the reciprocal of the pulse repetition frequency time.

The pulse repetition frequency range (also referred to as the pulse frequency range) is, for example, between <NUM> (larger than <NUM>) and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>. In the embodiment, the pulse repetition frequency of the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 is, for example, <NUM>. In addition, the duration time Td of the plurality of pulses in one pulse cycle time is, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM> milliseconds (ms), preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>. In the embodiment, the duration time Td is, for example, <NUM>. In the embodiment, the frequency of the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 is <NUM>, in other words, the cycle time Ts of the electrical-stimulation signal is about <NUM> microseconds (µs).

<FIG> is a schematic view of an electrical-stimulation system according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The electrical-stimulation system <NUM> of <FIG> is substantially the same as the electrical-stimulation system <NUM> of <FIG>. The difference between <FIG> and <FIG> is that a total number (eight) of first electrodes <NUM> and the second electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM> of <FIG> is greater than a total number (four) of first electrodes <NUM> and the second electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM> of <FIG>, a total number (eight) of first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> of <FIG> is greater than a total number (four) of first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> of <FIG>, and a total number (four) of first conductive members <NUM> and the second conductive members <NUM> of <FIG> is greater than a total number (two) of first conductive member <NUM> and the second conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>.

Similarly, the first conductive members <NUM> are respectively connected to the first contact points <NUM>, and the second conductive members <NUM> are respectively connected to the second contact points <NUM>, so as to reduce the required number of external contact points. In addition, the number of first conductive members <NUM> may increase as the number of first contact points <NUM> increases, and the number of second conductive members <NUM> may also increase as the number of second contact points <NUM> increases. Furthermore, the connection of the first conductive members <NUM> and the first contact points <NUM> and the connection of the second conductive members <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> may refer to the embodiment of <FIG>, and the description thereof is not repeated herein. The two first conductive members <NUM> and the two second conductive members <NUM> are respectively connected to the first channel <NUM>, so that the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 is transmitted through the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> corresponding to the first channel. Then, the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 is transmitted through the lead <NUM>. Therefore, the number of external contact points of the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> with the same electrical polarities may be reduced, and the number of contact points on the connection unit may be adjusted to correspond to the number of first channel <NUM> provided by the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit <NUM>, thereby increasing the flexibility of the connection unit for use.

<FIG> is a schematic view of an electrical-stimulation system according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Please refer to <FIG>. The electrical-stimulation system <NUM> includes a lead <NUM> and an electrical-stimulation device <NUM>. The lead <NUM> includes a plurality of first electrodes <NUM>, a plurality of second electrodes <NUM>, a plurality of third electrodes <NUM> and a plurality of fourth electrodes <NUM>, wherein the first electrodes <NUM> and the second electrodes <NUM> are alternately arranged, and the third electrodes <NUM> and the fourth electrodes <NUM> are alternately arranged. In the embodiment, the distance between the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> which are adjacent to each other is, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>, and the distance between the third electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> which are adjacent to each other is between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The electrical-stimulation device <NUM> is configured to be connected to the lead <NUM>. The electrical-stimulation device <NUM> includes an electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit <NUM>, a first connection unit <NUM>, a first conductive member <NUM>, a second conductive member <NUM>, a third conductive member <NUM> and a fourth conductive member <NUM>. The electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit <NUM> has a first channel <NUM> and a second channel <NUM> for providing a first electrical-stimulation signal S1 and a second electrical-stimulation signal S2. In the embodiment, the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 and the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 are, for example, a pulse alternating current signal, and the pulse frequency range thereof is, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>. In addition, the intra-pulse frequency ranges of the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 and the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 are, for example, <NUM> to <NUM> and the pulse frequency and the intra-pulse frequency of the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 may be the same or different.

The first connection unit <NUM> has a plurality of first contact points <NUM>, a plurality of second contact points <NUM>, a plurality of third contact points <NUM> and a plurality of fourth contact points <NUM>, wherein the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> are alternately arranged, and the third contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> are alternately arranged. In this embodiment, first connection unit <NUM> has two first contact points <NUM>, two second contact points <NUM>, two third contact points <NUM> and two fourth contact points <NUM>. The number of the contact points can be equal or not equal to each other.

In addition, the first contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly connected to the first electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, respectively. The second contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly connected to the second electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, respectively. The third contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly connected to the third electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, respectively. The fourth contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly connected to the fourth electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, respectively.

Furthermore, a total number of first contact points <NUM> corresponds to (equals to) a total number of first electrodes <NUM>, a total number of second contact points <NUM> corresponds to (equals to) a total number of second electrodes <NUM>, a total number of third contact points <NUM> corresponds to (equals to) a total number of third electrodes <NUM>, and a total number of fourth contact points <NUM> corresponds to (equals to) a total number of fourth electrodes <NUM>. In the embodiment, electrical polarities of the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> and electrical polarities of the third contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> may be the same (i.e. when the electrical-stimulation signal is powered by a direct current source), or they may be the opposite (i.e. when the electrical-stimulation signal is an biphasic alternating current (AC) signal). When the electrical polarities of the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> and the electrical polarities of the third contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> are opposite, the electrical polarities of the first contact points <NUM> and the third contact points <NUM> are "positive" and the electrical polarities of the second contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> are "negative", or the electrical polarities of the first contact points <NUM> and the third contact points <NUM> are "negative" and the electrical polarities of the second contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> are "positive". The electrical polarities of first contact points <NUM> (the same to the first electrodes <NUM>) and the second contact points <NUM> (the same to the second electrodes <NUM>) will be alternated and the electrical polarities of third contact points <NUM> (the same to the third electrodes <NUM>) and the fourth contact points <NUM> (the same to the fourth electrodes <NUM>) will be alternated when the electrical stimulation signals S1, S2 are AC signals.

The first conductive member <NUM> is connected to at least two first contact points <NUM>. That is, the first conductive member <NUM> crosses over at least one second contact point <NUM> to connect together the first contact points <NUM> that are spaced apart. The second conductive member <NUM> is connected to at least two second contact points <NUM>. That is, the second conductive member <NUM> crosses over at least one first contact point <NUM> to connect together the second contact points <NUM> that are spaced apart. The third conductive member <NUM> is connected to at least two third contact points <NUM>. That is, the third conductive member <NUM> crosses over at least one fourth contact point <NUM> to connect together the third contact points <NUM> that are spaced apart. The fourth conductive member <NUM> is connected to at least two fourth contact points <NUM>. That is, the fourth conductive member <NUM> crosses over at least one third contact point <NUM> to connect together the fourth contact points <NUM> that are spaced apart.

The first conductive member <NUM> and the second conductive member <NUM> are electrically connected to the first channel <NUM>, so that the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 is transmitted through the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> corresponding to the first channel <NUM>. In addition, the third conductive member <NUM> and the fourth conductive member <NUM> are electrically connected to the second channel <NUM>, so that the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 is transmitted through the third contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> corresponding to the second channel <NUM>. Then, the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 and the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 are transmitted through the lead <NUM> in sequence. Therefore, the number of external contact points of the first contact points <NUM>, the second contact points <NUM>, the third contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> with the same electrical polarities may be reduced, and the number of contact points on the connection unit may be adjusted to correspond to the number of first channel <NUM> and second channel <NUM> provided by the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit <NUM>, thereby increasing the flexibility of the connection unit for use.

As shown in <FIG>, in the embodiment, the waveform of the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 provided by the first channel <NUM> is the same waveform and parameters (such as pulse rate, pulse frequency and signal intensity) of the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 provided by the second channel <NUM>, but a time difference T exits between the pulses. In the embodiment, the time difference T is no larger than the reciprocal of the pulse frequency, for example, between <NUM>-<NUM> seconds (larger than <NUM>) and <NUM> seconds, preferred between <NUM> seconds (larger than <NUM>) and <NUM> seconds. Therefore, because of the time difference T, for the electrical-stimulation system, the power or energy that the system needs to output per unit time may be small, so that the difficulty of system design may be reduced. The target area of the electrical stimulation may also receive less energy per unit time to ensure the subthreshold stimulation, so that the patient implanted with the electrical-stimulation system may reduce the chance of feeling paresthesia to perform the paresthesia-free treatment. Furthermore, the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 and the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 of <FIG> can be the same as or similar to the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 of <FIG>. The first electrical-stimulation signal S1 and the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 of <FIG> may refer to the description of the embodiment of <FIG>, and the description thereof is not repeated herein.

However, the connection unit which transmits the electrical-stimulation signals may not have the conductive members to make different contact points with the same electrical polarity. Referring to <FIG>, it shows the electrical-stimulation system 400a according to another embodiment of the disclosure. In the electrical-stimulation device 420a of the electrical-stimulation system 400a, the first connection unit 440a has at least one first contact point <NUM>, at least one second contact point <NUM>, at least one third contact point <NUM> and at least one fourth contact point <NUM>. For example, the first connection unit 440a has two first contact point <NUM>, two second contact point <NUM>, two third contact point <NUM> and two fourth contact points <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first contact point <NUM> and the second contact point <NUM> are alternately arranged and the third contact point <NUM> and the fourth contact point <NUM> are alternately arranged. Due to not having conductive members, the two first contact point <NUM> may have same or different electrical polarities, the two second contact point <NUM> may have same or different electrical polarities, the two third contact point <NUM> may have same or different electrical polarities and the two fourth contact point <NUM> may have same or different electrical polarities. The electrical polarities of contact points <NUM>-<NUM> can be listed as : +-+-; +--+, -+-+; -++- and the electrical polarities of contact points <NUM>-<NUM> can be listed as : +-+-; +--+, -+-+; -++-. In this case, the first contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit 440a is correspondingly electrically connected to the first electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>; the second contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit 440a is correspondingly electrically connected to the second electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>; the third contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit 440a is correspondingly electrically connected to the third electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>; and the fourth contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit 440a is correspondingly electrically connected to the fourth electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>. Therefore, the electrical polarities of first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> are corresponding to (the same as) the electrical polarities of the first electrodes <NUM> and the second electrodes <NUM>, respectively; and the electrical polarities of third contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> are corresponding to (the same as) the electrical polarities of the third electrodes <NUM> and the fourth electrodes <NUM>, respectively. In this embodiment, the number of the leads can be one lead (with eight electrodes) or two leads (each having four electrodes).

The first channel <NUM> of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit 430a may only control two contact points (one first contact point <NUM> and one second contact point <NUM>) of the first connection unit 440a; the second channel <NUM> may only control two contact points (one first contact point <NUM> and one second contact point <NUM>); the third channel <NUM> may only control two contact points (one third contact point <NUM> and one fourth contact point <NUM>) and the fourth channel <NUM> may only control two contact points (one third contact point <NUM> and one fourth contact point <NUM>). The first channel <NUM>, the second channel <NUM>, the third channel <NUM> and the fourth channel <NUM> are sequentially initiated/triggered with a time difference T between the pulse as described above. In the embodiment, the time difference T is no larger than the reciprocal of the pulse frequency, for example, between <NUM>-<NUM> seconds (larger than <NUM>) and <NUM> seconds, preferred between <NUM> seconds (larger than <NUM>) and <NUM> seconds. Therefore, because of the time difference T, for the electrical-stimulation system, the power or energy that the system needs to output per unit time may become smaller, so that the difficulty of circuit design may be reduced. The target area of the electrical stimulation may also receive less energy per unit time to ensure the subthreshold stimulation, which does not trigger the action potential of neurons. Hence, the patient having the electrical-stimulation system may reduce the chance of feeling paresthesia to perform the paresthesia-free treatment. The illustrative diagram of channels <NUM>-<NUM> transmit electrical-stimulation signals S1~S4 with time difference T is like <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of an electrical-stimulation system according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The main difference between the electrical-stimulation system 400b disclosed in <FIG> and the electrical-stimulation system 400a disclosed in <FIG> is, the first connection unit 440b has one first contact point <NUM>, one second contact point <NUM>, one third contact point <NUM> and one fourth contact point <NUM>. Each of the contact point <NUM>-<NUM> may have same or different electrical polarities. The examples of the electrical polarities of these contact points <NUM>-<NUM> can be listed as : +-+-; +--+, -+-+; -++-. In this case, the first contact point <NUM> of the first connection unit 440b is correspondingly electrically connected to the first electrode <NUM> of the lead 410b; the second contact point <NUM> of the first connection unit 440b is correspondingly electrically connected to the second electrode <NUM> of the lead 410b; the third contact point <NUM> of the first connection unit 440b is correspondingly electrically connected to the third electrode <NUM> of the lead 410b; and the fourth contact point <NUM> of the first connection unit 440b is correspondingly electrically connected to the fourth electrode <NUM> of the lead 410b.

The first channel <NUM> of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit 430b only controls two contact points (one first contact point <NUM> and one second contact point <NUM>) of the first connection unit 440b and the second channel <NUM> only controls two contact points (one third contact point <NUM> and one fourth contact point <NUM>). The first channel <NUM>, the second channel <NUM> are sequentially initiated/triggered with a time difference T between the pulse as described above. In the embodiment, the time difference T is no larger than the reciprocal of the pulse frequency, for example, between <NUM>-<NUM> seconds (larger than <NUM>) and <NUM> seconds, preferred between <NUM> seconds (larger than <NUM>) and <NUM> seconds. Therefore, because of the time difference T of the electrical-stimulation system 400b, the power or energy that the system needs to output per unit time may become smaller, so that the difficulty of circuit design may be reduced. The target area of the electrical stimulation may also receive less energy per unit time to ensure the subthreshold stimulation, which does not trigger the action potential of neurons. Hence, that the patient having the electrical-stimulation system may reduce the chance of feeling paresthesia to perform the paresthesia-free treatment. The illustrative diagram of channels <NUM>-<NUM> transmit electrical-stimulation signals S1~S2 with time difference T is the same as <FIG>. Moreover, the number of the connection units in the electrical-stimulation device 420b may be plural, like disclosed in the <FIG> and <FIG> but without having the conductive members. The numbers of leads in the electrical-stimulation system 400b may be plural corresponding to the numbers of the connection units and the numbers of the electrodes in the lead are corresponding to the numbers of the contact points in the connection units.

<FIG> is a schematic view of an electrical-stimulation system according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Please refer to <FIG>. The electrical-stimulation system <NUM> includes a lead <NUM>, a lead <NUM> and an electrical-stimulation device <NUM>. The lead <NUM> includes a plurality of first electrodes <NUM> and a plurality of second electrodes <NUM>, wherein the first electrodes <NUM> and the second electrodes <NUM> are alternately arranged (interleaved). The lead <NUM> includes a plurality of third electrodes <NUM> and a plurality of fourth electrodes <NUM>, wherein the third electrodes <NUM> and the fourth electrodes <NUM> are alternately arranged (interleaved). In the embodiment, the distance between the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> which are adjacent to each other is, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>, and the distance between the third electrode <NUM> and the fourth electrode <NUM> which are adjacent to each other is between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The electrical-stimulation device <NUM> is connected to the lead <NUM> and the lead <NUM>. The electrical-stimulation device <NUM> includes an electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit <NUM>, a first connection unit <NUM>, a second connection unit <NUM>, a first conductive member <NUM>, a second conductive member <NUM>, a third conductive member <NUM> and a fourth conductive member <NUM>.

The electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit <NUM> has a first channel <NUM> and a second channel <NUM> for providing a first electrical-stimulation signal S1 and a second electrical-stimulation signal S2. In the embodiment, the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 and the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 are, for example, pulse alternating current signals, and the pulse frequency range thereof is, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>. In addition, the frequency ranges of the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 and the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 are, for example, <NUM> to <NUM>.

The first connection unit <NUM> has a plurality of first contact points <NUM> and a plurality of second contact points <NUM>, wherein the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> are alternately arranged. The second connection unit <NUM> has a plurality of third contact points <NUM> and a plurality of fourth contact points <NUM>, wherein the third contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> are alternately arranged.

In addition, the first contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly connected to the first electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, respectively. The second contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly connected to the second electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, respectively. The third contact points <NUM> of the second connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly connected to the third electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, respectively. The fourth contact points <NUM> of the second connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly connected to the fourth electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, respectively.

Furthermore, a total number of first contact points <NUM> corresponds to a total number of first electrodes <NUM>, a total number of second contact points <NUM> corresponds to a total number of second electrodes <NUM>, a total number of third contact points <NUM> corresponds to a total number of third electrodes <NUM>, and a total number of fourth contact points <NUM> corresponds to a total number of fourth electrodes <NUM>. In the embodiment, electrical polarities of the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> and electrical polarities of the third contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> may be the same (i.e. when the electrical-stimulation signal is powered by a direct current source), or they may be the opposite (i.e. when the electrical-stimulation signal is an biphasic alternating current (AC) signal). When the electrical polarities of the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> and the electrical polarities of the third contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> are opposite, the electrical polarities of the first contact points <NUM> and the third contact points <NUM> are "positive" and the electrical polarities of the second contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> are "negative", or the electrical polarities of the first contact points <NUM> and the third contact points <NUM> are "negative" and the electrical polarities of the second contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> are "positive". The electrical polarities of the first contact points <NUM> (the same as the first electrodes <NUM>) and the second contact points <NUM> (the same as the second electrodes <NUM>) and electrical polarities of the third contact points <NUM> (the same as the third electrodes <NUM>) and the fourth contact points <NUM> (the same as the fourth electrodes <NUM>) will be alternated, when the electrical stimulation signals S1, S2 are AC signals.

The first conductive member <NUM> and the second conductive member <NUM> are electrically connected to the first channel <NUM>, so that the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 is transmitted through the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> corresponding to the first channel <NUM>. In addition, the third conductive member <NUM> and the fourth conductive member <NUM> are electrically connected to the second channel <NUM>, so that the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 is transmitted through the third contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> corresponding to the second channel <NUM>. Then, the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 and the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 are respectively transmitted through the lead <NUM> and the lead <NUM> in sequence. Therefore, the number of external contact points of the first contact points <NUM>, the second contact points <NUM>, the third contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> with the same electrical polarities may be reduced, and the number of contact points on the connection unit may be adjusted to correspond to the number of first channel <NUM> and the second channel <NUM> provided by the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit <NUM>, thereby increasing the flexibility of the connection unit for use.

In the embodiment, the waveform of the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 provided by the first channel <NUM> is the same as the waveform of the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 provided by the second channel <NUM>, but a time difference exits between the pulses, as shown in <FIG>. In the embodiment, each pulse of the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 is a little delay from each pulse of the first electrical-stimulation signal S1, and the time difference T is not larger than the reciprocal of the pulse frequency, for example, between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds. Due to the time difference between the first channel <NUM> and the second channel <NUM>, the first channel <NUM> and the second channel <NUM> are sequentially initiated/triggered.

<FIG> and <FIG> are schematic views of an electrical-stimulation system according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Please refer to <FIG>. The electrical-stimulation system <NUM> includes a lead <NUM>, a lead <NUM> and an electrical-stimulation device <NUM>. The lead <NUM> includes a plurality of first electrodes <NUM>, a plurality of second electrodes <NUM>, a plurality of fifth electrodes <NUM> and a plurality of sixth electrodes <NUM> wherein the first electrodes <NUM> and the second electrodes <NUM> are alternately arranged, and the fifth electrodes <NUM> and the sixth electrodes <NUM> are alternately arranged. The lead <NUM> includes a plurality of third electrodes <NUM>, a plurality of fourth electrodes <NUM>, a plurality of seventh electrodes <NUM> and a plurality of eighth electrodes <NUM>, wherein the third electrodes <NUM> and the fourth electrodes <NUM> are alternately arranged (or interleaved), and the seventh electrodes <NUM> and the eighth electrodes <NUM> are alternately arranged (or interleaved).

In the embodiment, the distance between the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> which are adjacent to each other is, for example, between <NUM> and <NUM>. The distance between the third electrode <NUM> the fourth electrode <NUM> which are adjacent to each other is between <NUM> and <NUM>. The distance between the fifth electrode <NUM> and the sixth electrode <NUM> which are adjacent to each other is between <NUM> and <NUM>. The distance between the seventh electrode <NUM> and the eighth electrodes <NUM> which are adjacent to each other is between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The electrical-stimulation device <NUM> is connected to the lead <NUM> and the lead <NUM>. The electrical-stimulation device <NUM> includes an electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit <NUM>, a first connection unit <NUM>, a second connection unit <NUM>, a first conductive member <NUM>, a second conductive member <NUM>, a third conductive member <NUM>, a fourth conductive member <NUM>, a fifth conductive member <NUM>, a sixth conductive member <NUM>, a seventh conductive member <NUM> and an eighth conductive member <NUM>.

The electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit <NUM> has a first channel <NUM>, a second channel <NUM>, a third channel <NUM> and a fourth channel <NUM> for providing a first electrical-stimulation signal S1, a second electrical-stimulation signal S2, a third electrical-stimulation signal S3 and a fourth electrical-stimulation signal S4. In the embodiment, the first electrical-stimulation signal S1, the second electrical-stimulation signal S2, the third electrical-stimulation signal S3 and the fourth electrical-stimulation signal S4 are, for example, pulse alternating current signals having biphasic sine or square waveform and the pulse frequency range thereof is, for example, between <NUM> (larger than <NUM>) and <NUM>. In addition, the intra-pulse frequency ranges of the first electrical-stimulation signal S1, the second electrical-stimulation signal S2, the third electrical-stimulation signal S3 and the fourth electrical-stimulation signal S4 are, for example, <NUM> to <NUM>.

The first connection unit <NUM> has a plurality of first contact points <NUM>, a plurality of second contact points <NUM>, a plurality of fifth contact points <NUM> and a plurality of sixth contact points <NUM>, wherein the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> are alternately arranged, and the fifth contact points <NUM> and the sixth contact points <NUM> are alternately arranged. The second connection unit <NUM> has a plurality of third contact points <NUM>, a plurality of fourth contact points <NUM>, a plurality of seventh contact points <NUM> and a plurality of eighth contact points <NUM>, wherein the third contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> are alternately arranged, and the seventh contact points <NUM> and the eighth contact points <NUM> are alternately arranged.

In addition, the first contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly connected to the first electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, respectively. The second contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly connected to the second electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, respectively. The fifth contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly connected to the fifth electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, respectively. The sixth contact points <NUM> of the first connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly connected to the sixth electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, respectively.

The third contact points <NUM> of the second connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly connected to the third electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, respectively. The fourth contact points <NUM> of the second connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly connected to the fourth electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, respectively. The seventh contact points <NUM> of the second connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly connected to the seventh electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, respectively. The eighth contact points <NUM> of the second connection unit <NUM> may be correspondingly connected to the eighth electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>, respectively.

Furthermore, a total number of first contact points <NUM> corresponds to a total number of first electrodes <NUM>, a total number of second contact points <NUM> corresponds to a total number of second electrodes <NUM>, a total number of third contact points <NUM> corresponds to a total number of third electrodes <NUM>, a total number of fourth contact points <NUM> corresponds to a total number of fourth electrodes <NUM>, a total number of fifth contact points <NUM> corresponds to a total number of fifth electrodes <NUM>, a total number of sixth contact points <NUM> corresponds to a total number of sixth electrodes <NUM>, a total number of seventh contact points <NUM> corresponds to a total number of seventh electrodes <NUM>, and a total number of eighth contact points <NUM> corresponds to a total number of eighth electrodes <NUM>.

In the embodiment, electrical polarities of the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM>, electrical polarities of the third contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM>, electrical polarities of the fifth contact points <NUM> and the sixth contact points <NUM> and electrical polarities of the seventh contact points <NUM> and the eighth contact points <NUM> may be the same, or they may be the opposite. When the electrical polarities of the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM>, the electrical polarities of the third contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM>, the electrical polarities of the fifth contact points <NUM> and the sixth contact points <NUM> and the electrical polarities of the seventh contact points <NUM> and the eighth contact points <NUM> are opposite, the electrical polarities of the first contact points <NUM>, the third contact points <NUM>, the fifth contact points <NUM> and the seventh contact points <NUM> are "positive" and the electrical polarities of the second contact points <NUM>, the fourth contact points <NUM>, the sixth contact points <NUM> and the eighth contact points <NUM> are "negative", or the electrical polarities of the first contact points <NUM>, the third contact points <NUM>, the fifth contact points <NUM> and the seventh contact points <NUM> are "negative" and the electrical polarities of the second contact points <NUM>, the fourth contact points <NUM>, the sixth contact points <NUM> and the eighth contact points <NUM> are "positive". The electrical polarities of first contact points <NUM> (the same to the first electrodes <NUM>) and the second contact points <NUM> (the same to the second electrodes <NUM>) will be alternated and the electrical polarities of third contact points <NUM> (the same to the third electrodes <NUM>) and the fourth contact points <NUM> (the same to the fourth electrodes <NUM>) will be alternated when the electrical stimulation signals S1, S2 are AC signals.

The fifth conductive member <NUM> is connected to at least two fifth contact points <NUM>. That is, the fifth conductive member <NUM> crosses over at least one sixth contact point <NUM> to connect together the fifth contact points <NUM> that are spaced apart. The sixth conductive member <NUM> is connected to at least two sixth contact points <NUM>. That is, the sixth conductive member <NUM> crosses over at least one fifth contact point <NUM> to connect together the sixth contact points <NUM> that are spaced apart. The seventh conductive member <NUM> is connected to at least two seventh contact points <NUM>. That is, the seventh conductive member <NUM> crosses over at least one eighth contact point <NUM> to connect together the seventh contact points <NUM> that are spaced apart. The eighth conductive member <NUM> is connected to at least two eighth contact points <NUM>. That is, the eighth conductive member <NUM> crosses over at least one seventh contact point <NUM> to connect together the eighth contact points <NUM> that are spaced apart.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electrical-stimulation signals S1~S4 generated from the electrical stimulation signal generating circuit <NUM> are transmitted by the first channel <NUM>, the second channel <NUM>, the third channel <NUM> and the fourth channel <NUM>. Then, the electrical-stimulation signal S1, S2 are conducted by different feedthroughs (f) of the electrical stimulation signal generating circuit <NUM>, and corresponding conductive elements to the corresponding conductive members (<NUM>-<NUM>) and are transmitted to the corresponding contact points (<NUM>-<NUM>; <NUM>-<NUM>). Afterward, the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 will be transmitted through the electrical polarity alternated first electrodes <NUM> and the second electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>; the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 will be transmitted through the electrical polarity alternated third electrodes <NUM> and the fourth electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM>; the third electrical-stimulation signal S3 will be transmitted through the electrical polarity alternated fifth electrodes <NUM> and the sixth electrodes <NUM> of the lead <NUM> and the fourth electrical-stimulation signal S4 will be transmitted through the electrical polarity alternated seventh electrodes <NUM> and the eighth electrodes <NUM>. Two of the first contact points <NUM> are connected through the first conductive members <NUM>, two of the second contact points <NUM> are connected through the second conductive members <NUM>, which resulted in the same electrical polarity of the two first electrodes <NUM> and the same electrical polarity of the two second electrodes <NUM>, respectively. Likewise, the same electrical polarity of the two of third electrodes <NUM>, the same electrical polarity of the two of fourth electrodes <NUM>, the same electrical polarity of the two of fifth electrodes <NUM>, the same electrical polarity of the two sixth electrodes <NUM>, the same electrical polarity of the two of seventh electrodes <NUM>, and the same electrical polarity of the two eighth electrodes <NUM>, respectively. The first conductive member <NUM> and the second conductive member <NUM> are electrically connected to the first channel <NUM>, so that the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 is transmitted through the first contact points <NUM> and the second contact points <NUM> corresponding to the first channel <NUM>. In addition, the third conductive member <NUM> and the fourth conductive member <NUM> are electrically connected to the second channel <NUM>, so that the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 is transmitted through the third contact points <NUM> and the fourth contact points <NUM> corresponding to the second channel <NUM>. The fifth conductive member <NUM> and the sixth conductive member <NUM> are electrically connected to the third channel <NUM>, so that the third electrical-stimulation signal S3 is transmitted through the fifth contact points <NUM> and the sixth contact points <NUM> corresponding to the third channel <NUM>. The seventh conductive member <NUM> and the eighth conductive member <NUM> are electrically connected to the fourth channel <NUM> so that the fourth electrical-stimulation signal S4 is transmitted through the seventh contact points <NUM> and the eighth contact points <NUM> corresponding to the fourth channel <NUM>. Then, the first electrical-stimulation signal S1, the second electrical-stimulation signal S2, the third electrical-stimulation signal S3 and the fourth electrical-stimulation signal S4 are respectively transmitted through the lead <NUM> and the lead <NUM>.

Thus, eight electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> of the lead <NUM> only need two output channel <NUM>, <NUM> of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit <NUM> to electrically connect to the first, second, fifth, sixth conductive members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; and eight electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> of the lead <NUM> only need two output channel <NUM>, <NUM> of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit <NUM> to electrically connect to the third, fourth, seventh, eighth conductive members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. There is no need to use eight channels to the control the parameters (such as pulse rate, pulse frequency and signal intensity) of the electrical-stimulation signals S1~S4, which can reduce the needed number of feedthroughs f for connection between the channels <NUM>~<NUM> and the contact points <NUM>~<NUM>, <NUM>~<NUM> and reduce the needed number of channels. Therefore, the eight contact points of the connection unit of one lead may be adjusted to two electrical polarities, which means at least the lead only needs one channel to control them. In this embodiment, the lead <NUM> is controlled by two channels <NUM>, <NUM> and the lead <NUM> is controlled by another two channels <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby increasing the flexibility of the connection unit for use. Moreover, the size of the electrical-stimulation device can be reduced owing to the reduced number of channels of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit or the reduced number of feedthroughs for connection between the channel and the contact points. On the other side, it's much easier for clinician/user to use or setup the device/system. When the system is on, the polarities of the contact points are determined, thus the polarities of electrodes of the lead are determined to be interleaved, which can reduce the device/system setup time.

As shown in <FIG>, in the embodiment, the waveform of the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 provided by the first channel <NUM> is substantially the same as the waveform of the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 provided by the second channel <NUM>, but a time difference T between the pulses. the waveform of the second electrical-stimulation signal S2 provided by the second channel <NUM> is substantially the same as the waveform of the third electrical-stimulation signal S3 provided by the third channel <NUM>, but a time difference T exists between the pulses. The waveform of the third electrical-stimulation signal S3 provided by the third channel <NUM> is substantially the same as the waveform of the fourth electrical-stimulation signal S4 provided by the fourth channel <NUM>, but a time difference T exists between the pulses. In the embodiment, the time difference T is not larger than the reciprocal of the pulse frequency, for example, between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds. Due to the time difference between the first channel <NUM>, the second channel <NUM>, third channel <NUM> and the fourth channel <NUM>, the first channel <NUM>, the second channel <NUM>, third channel <NUM> and the fourth channel <NUM> are sequentially initiated/triggered.

In addition, the first electrical-stimulation signal S <NUM>, the second electrical-stimulation signal S2, the third electrical-stimulation signal S3 and the fourth electrical-stimulation signal S4 of <FIG> are the same as or similar to the first electrical-stimulation signal S1 of <FIG>. The first electrical-stimulation signal S <NUM>, the second electrical-stimulation signal S2, the third electrical-stimulation signal S3 and the fourth electrical-stimulation signal S4 of <FIG> may refer to the description of the embodiment of <FIG>, and the description thereof is not repeated herein.

According to the above-mentioned description, the above embodiments may introduce an operation method of an electrical-stimulation device. <FIG> is a flowchart of an operation method of an electrical-stimulation device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In step S902, the method involves providing a first electrical-stimulation signal via a first channel of an electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit. In step S904, the method involves providing a first connection unit, wherein the first connection unit has a plurality of first contact points and a plurality of second contact points, and the first contact points and the second contact points are alternately arranged.

In step S906, the method involves using a first conductive member to connect to the first contact points. In step S908, the method involves using a second conductive member to connect to the second contact points. In step S910, the method involves electrically connecting the first conductive member and the second conductive member to the first channel. In step S912, the method involves transmitting the first electrical-stimulation signal through the first contact points and the second contact points corresponding to the first channel.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an operation method of an electrical-stimulation device according to another embodiment of the disclosure. In the embodiment, steps S902 and S906~S912 in <FIG> are identical to or similar to steps S902 and S906~S912 in <FIG>. Accordingly, steps S902 and S906~S912 in <FIG> may refer to the description of th embodiment of <FIG>, and the description thereof is not repeated herein.

In step S1002, the method involves providing a first connection unit, wherein the first connection unit has a plurality of first contact points, a plurality of second contact points, a plurality of third contact points and a plurality of fourth contact points, the first contact points and the second contact points are alternately arranged, and the third contact points and the fourth contact points are alternately arranged.

In step S1004, the method involves providing a second electrical-stimulation signal via a second channel of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit. In step S1006, the method involves using a third conductive member to connect to the third contact points. In step S1008, the method involves using a fourth conductive member to connect to the fourth contact points. In step S <NUM>, the method involves electrically connecting the third conductive member and the fourth conductive member to the second channel. In step S1012, the method involves transmitting the second electrical-stimulation signal through the third contact points and the fourth contact points corresponding to the second channel. In the embodiment, a time difference exists between the first electrical-stimulation signal provided by the first channel and the second electrical-stimulation signal provided by the second channel. In addition, the time difference is between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds.

<FIG> and <FIG> are a flowchart of an operation method of an electrical-stimulation device according to another embodiment of the disclosure. In the embodiment, steps S902~S912 in <FIG> are identical to or similar to steps S902~S912 in <FIG>. Accordingly, S902~S912 in <FIG> may refer to the description of the embodiment of <FIG>, and the description thereof is not repeated herein.

In step S1 <NUM>, the method involves providing a second electrical-stimulation signal via a second channel of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit. In step S1 <NUM>, the method involves providing a second connection unit, wherein the second connection unit has a plurality of third contact points and a plurality of fourth contact points, wherein the third contact points and the fourth contact points are alternately arranged.

In step S1 <NUM>, the method involves using a third conductive member to connect to the third contact points. In step S1 <NUM>, the method involves using a fourth conductive member to connect to the fourth contact points. In step S1110, the method involves electrically connecting the third conductive member and the fourth conductive member to the second channel. In step S1112, the method involves transmitting the second electrical-stimulation signal through the third contact points and the fourth contact points corresponding to the second channel. In the embodiment, the first electrical-stimulation signal is an alternating current signal, and the pulse frequency range thereof is between <NUM> (larger than <NUM>) and <NUM>. In addition, the intra-pulse frequency range of the first electrical-stimulation signal is <NUM> to <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an operation method of an electrical-stimulation system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the embodiment, the operation method of an electrical-stimulation system may include step S902~S912 in <FIG> (not shown) and step S1202. In step S1202, the method involves providing a lead for electrically connecting the first connection unit.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an operation method of an electrical-stimulation system according to another embodiment of the disclosure. In the embodiment, the operation method of an electrical-stimulation system may include steps S902, S906~S912, and S1002~S1012 in <FIG> (not shown) and steps S1302. In step S1302, the method involves providing a lead for electrically connecting the first connection unit.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an operation method of an electrical-stimulation system according to another embodiment of the disclosure. In the embodiment, the operation method of an electrical-stimulation system may include step S902~S912 in <FIG> (not shown), step S1102~S1112 in <FIG> (not shown) and steps S1402 and S1404. In step S1402, the method involves providing a first lead for electrically connecting the first connection unit. In step S1404, the method involves providing a second lead for electrically connecting the second connection unit.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an operation method of an electrical-stimulation device according to another embodiment of the disclosure. In step S1502, the method involves providing a first electrical-stimulation signal via a first channel of an electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit. In step S1504, the method involves providing a second electrical-stimulation signal via a second channel of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit. In step S1506, the method involves providing a first connection unit, wherein the first connection unit has at least one first contact point, at least one second contact point, at least one third contact point and at least one fourth contact point. In step S1508, the method involves transmitting the first electrical-stimulation signal through the first contact point and the second contact point corresponding to the first channel, and transmitting the second electrical-stimulation signal through the third contact point and the fourth contact point corresponding to the second channel. In the embodiment, a time difference exists between the first electrical-stimulation signal provided by the first channel and the second electrical-stimulation signal provided by the second channel. In addition, the first electrical-stimulation signal has a pulse frequency and the time difference is no larger than the reciprocal of the pulse frequency.

<FIG> and <FIG> are a flowchart of an operation method of an electrical-stimulation device according to another embodiment of the disclosure. In the embodiment, steps S1502~S1504 and S1508 in <FIG> are identical to or similar to steps S1502~S1504 and S1508 in <FIG>. Accordingly, steps S1502~S1504 and S1508 in <FIG> may refer to the description of the embodiment of <FIG>, and the description thereof is not repeated herein.

In step S1602, the method involves providing a first connection unit, wherein the first connection unit has two first contact points, two second contact points, two third contact points and two fourth contact points, wherein the first contact points and the second contact points are alternately arranged and the third contact points and the fourth contact points are alternately arranged. In step S1604, the method involves providing a third electrical-stimulation signal via a third channel of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit. In step S1606, the method involves providing a fourth electrical-stimulation signal via a fourth channel of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit. In step S1608, the method involves transmitting the third electrical-stimulation signal through another first contact point and another second contact point corresponding to the third channel, and the fourth electrical-stimulation signal is transmitted through another third contact point and another fourth contact point corresponding to the fourth channel. In the embodiment, a time difference exists between the first electrical-stimulation signal provided by the first channel and the second electrical-stimulation signal provided by the second channel, and a time difference exists between the third electrical-stimulation signal provided by the third channel and the fourth electrical-stimulation signal provided by the fourth channel. In addition, the first electrical-stimulation signal has a pulse frequency and the time difference is no larger than the reciprocal of the pulse frequency.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an operation method of an electrical-stimulation system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the embodiment, the operation method of an electrical-stimulation system may include step S1502~S1508 in <FIG> (not shown) and step S1702. In step S1702, the method involves providing a lead for electrically connecting the first connection unit.

<FIG> is a flowchart of an operation method of an electrical-stimulation system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the embodiment, the operation method of an electrical-stimulation system may include step S1502~S1504, S1508, S1602~S1608 in <FIG> (not shown) and step S1802. In step S1802, the method involves providing a lead for electrically connecting the first connection unit.

It should be noted that the order of the steps of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> is only for illustrative purpose, but not intended to limit the order of the steps of the present disclosure. The user may change the order of the steps above according the requirements thereof. The flowcharts described above may add additional steps or use fewer steps without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

In summary, according to the electrical-stimulation device and the operation method thereof and the electrical-stimulation system disclosed by the disclosure, at least two of the contact points of the connection unit are connected through the conductive member resulted in the same electrical polarity to reduce the corresponding needed number of channels of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit for providing the electrical-stimulation signal and reduce the needed number of feedthroughs for connection between the channel and the contact points. The electrical-stimulation signal provided by the channel of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit may be transmitted through the corresponding contact points. Moreover, the size of the electrical-stimulation device can be reduced owing to the reduced number of channel of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit or the reduced number of feedthroughs for connection between the channel and the contact points. In addition, when there are multiple channels of the electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit, the electrical-stimulation signals generated by these channels may be sequentially transmitted at an interval of the time difference to achieve the corresponding effect. Therefore, even if the number of contact points of the connection unit and the number of channel are different, the connection unit and the channel may still corresponded to each other by the conductive member, thereby effectively increasing the flexibility of the connection unit for use. On the other side, it's much easier for clinician to use or setup the device/system. When the system is on, the polarities of the contact points are determined, thus the polarities of electrodes of the lead are determined to be interleaved, which can reduce the device/system setup time.

Claim 1:
An electrical-stimulation device (400b), comprising:
an electrical-stimulation signal-generating circuit (430b), having a first channel (<NUM>) for providing a first electrical-stimulation signal (S1) and a second channel (<NUM>) for providing a second electrical-stimulation signal (S2); and
a first connection unit (440b), having at least one first contact point (<NUM>), at least one second contact point (<NUM>), at least one third contact point (<NUM>) and at least one fourth contact point (<NUM>);
wherein the first electrical-stimulation signal is transmitted through the first contact point and the second contact point corresponding to the first channel, and the second electrical-stimulation signal is transmitted through the third contact point and the fourth contact point corresponding to the second channel,
wherein a time difference (T) exists between the first electrical-stimulation signal provided by the first channel and the second electrical-stimulation signal provided by the second channel.