Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation Using Cortical LFP Modulation Index

Solution Overview

Problem

Current deep brain stimulation methods for movement disorders like Parkinson's disease lack precision in adjusting stimulation parameters to effectively reduce clinical presentations, as they rely on manual programming and do not account for real-time brain synchronization patterns.

Innovation Solution

Measuring cortical local field potentials and calculating a modulation index to determine brain synchronization, allowing for adaptive adjustment of deep brain stimulation parameters to optimize treatment based on individual brain synchronization patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual programming of deep brain stimulation parameters is used, then device complexity is reduced, but treatment precision and effectiveness deteriorate due to inability to account for real-time brain synchronization patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where cortical LFPs are continuously measured, modulation index is calculated from these signals, and DBS parameters are automatically adjusted based on the modulation index values. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adaptation of stimulation parameters to match brain synchronization patterns, resolving the contradiction between treatment precision and device complexity by making the system intelligent and responsive rather than statically complex

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment of stimulation parameters by automatically calculating modulation index from recorded LFPs and modifying DBS settings without requiring manual intervention. The device serves itself by using its own recorded signals to guide parameter optimization, thereby improving treatment precision while avoiding the complexity of external programming interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed deep brain stimulation parameters are administered, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to individual brain synchronization patterns deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static DBS system into a dynamic one where stimulation parameters continuously adapt based on real-time calculation of modulation index from cortical LFPs. The system evolves from fixed parameters to variable parameters that respond to changing brain states, achieving adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through automated control algorithms that eliminate the need for manual reprogramming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If continuous monitoring of cortical LFPs and calculation of modulation index is implemented, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but loss of time for data processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculation of modulation index from recorded LFPs before administering or adjusting DBS parameters. By pre-processing the neural signals and computing the modulation index in advance, the system minimizes real-time processing delays and ensures that parameter adjustments are based on already-analyzed data, thus improving treatment effectiveness without significant time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables more precise and effective reduction of movement disorder symptoms by aligning stimulation parameters with real-time brain synchronization, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients with Parkinson's disease and other neurological movement disorders.

Implementation Method 1

measuring cortical local field potentials (LFPs) from a surface of the subject's primary motor cortex

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLocal field potentials (LFPs):

Implementation Method 2

calculating a modulation index related to brain synchronization from the LFPs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBrain synchronization:

Implementation Method 3

administering deep brain stimulation to the subject if the calculated modulation index is outside of a threshold range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeep brain stimulation:

Data Source

PatentUS9604056B2Methods and systems for treating neurological movement disorders

Publication Date: 2017.03.28

AI summary

The present disclosure provides methods for reducing the clinical presentations of a neurological movement disorder in a subject. Aspects of the methods include measuring cortical local field potentials (LFPs) from the subject's brain, calculating a modulation index related to brain synchronization from the LFPs, and administering deep brain stimulation to the subject if the calculated modulation index is outside of a threshold range. Also provided are devices, systems, and kits that may be used in practicing the subject methods.