Non-invasive Deep Brain Stimulation via Acoustic Superposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep brain stimulation methods require invasive electrode implantation, which can lead to incorrect positioning and electrode shifts, necessitating additional surgeries and increasing patient risk.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive system using external energy emitting components to generate stimuli that combine at a target location in the brain, with each stimulus below the threshold for individual neuron stimulation, ensuring precise targeting and preventing unnecessary activation of surrounding neurons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive electrode implantation is used for deep brain stimulation, then neurons can be stimulated effectively, but patient risk increases and positioning accuracy decreases due to potential electrode shifts and incorrect placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive electrode implantation system with a non-invasive acoustic stimulation system. Ultrasound waves are used to deliver mechanical energy to the brain through the skull without requiring surgical insertion of electrodes, thereby eliminating the harmful factors associated with invasive procedures while maintaining stimulation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary medium (acoustic waves/ultrasound) to transfer energy from the external transducer to the target neurons in the brain. This intermediary allows stimulation to occur without direct physical contact or invasion of the brain tissue, reducing patient risk while achieving the desired neural stimulation.
2Reliability
If invasive electrode implantation is used, then deep brain stimulation can be achieved, but manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy worsen due to post-implantation electrode shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrode implantation system with a non-invasive acoustic field system. Since no physical electrodes are implanted, there is no risk of electrode shifts or positioning drift over time, maintaining consistent stimulation accuracy throughout treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic, adjustable acoustic field that can be precisely controlled and repositioned without physical reimplantation. The ultrasound parameters (frequency, intensity, focal point) can be dynamically adjusted to maintain optimal positioning accuracy even as treatment progresses.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional brain surgeries are performed to adjust electrode positions, then positioning accuracy can be improved, but patient risk and treatment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for repeated surgical interventions by using a non-invasive acoustic system that can be adjusted externally. All positioning and parameter adjustments are made through the acoustic field controls without requiring additional brain surgeries, saving significant treatment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment capability where ultrasound parameters and focal points can be modified in real-time through external controls, allowing rapid optimization of positioning accuracy without time-consuming surgical procedures.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple energy emitting components are used to achieve precise focusing, then device complexity increases, but positioning precision and selective stimulation improve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stimulation task into multiple independent acoustic beams emitted by separate transducer elements. Each beam can be independently focused and controlled, allowing precise spatial targeting through the constructive interference of multiple segmented beams at the desired focal point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple acoustic beams in space to create a focused energy convergence point at the target location. By merging the energy from multiple emitting components, the system achieves high precision stimulation at the focal point while the individual components remain relatively simple.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for precise, non-invasive stimulation of targeted neurons, reducing the need for invasive procedures and minimizing risks associated with surgical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
a first energy emitting component positioned external to a patient configured to generate a first energy stimulus, and a second energy emitting component positioned external to the patient configured to generate a second energy stimulus... wherein a combination of the first and second energy stimuli at a target location in a target tissue of a patient comprises an intensity level at or above a predetermined threshold required to stimulate the neurons
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system for stimulating neurons of a patient in vivo is provided herein. The system includes a first energy emitting component positioned external to the patient configured to generate a first energy stimulus, and a second energy emitting component positioned external to the patient configured to generate a second energy stimulus, wherein the first energy stimulus comprises an intensity level below a predetermined threshold required to stimulate the neurons, and wherein the second energy stimulus comprises an intensity level below a predetermined threshold required to stimulate the neurons; wherein a combination of the first and second energy stimuli at a target location in a target tissue of a patient comprises an intensity level at or above a predetermined threshold required to stimulate the neurons in the target tissue and prevent the stimulation of neurons outside the target location.