Bipolar Electrodes for Selective GABAergic Neuron Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for brain tissue stimulation fail to selectively activate and record the activity of GABAergic neurons, as they often stimulate all neurons in a given area, making it difficult to evaluate network excitability and diagnose neurological diseases.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using bipolar electrodes to deliver a predetermined electric field with specific intensity, frequency, and pulse length, selectively activating GABAergic neurons while minimizing activation of other neuron types, allowing for the recording of their activity and calculation of a Neural Network Excitability Index.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional stimulation methods are used to evaluate brain tissue excitability, then all neurons in the given area are stimulated, but it becomes impossible to selectively record GABAergic neuron activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring electrodes with specific geometric arrangements and applying electric fields with controlled spatial distribution to selectively activate GABAergic neurons based on their local orientation and electrophysiological properties, while leaving other neuron types unaffected
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting electric field intensity, frequency, and pulse duration to match the specific activation thresholds of GABAergic neurons, enabling selective stimulation through precise control of stimulation parameters
2Reliability
If electric field intensity is increased to ensure activation of target neurons, then GABAergic neurons can be activated, but other neuron types are also activated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing the combination of electric field intensity, frequency, and pulse duration to fall within a specific window that activates GABAergic neurons while remaining below the activation threshold of other neuron types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by delivering electric field stimulation at intensities that are sufficient to activate GABAergic neurons but intentionally kept below the level required to activate other neuron types, achieving selective activation through controlled under-stimulation of non-target cells
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
Enables precise stimulation and recording of GABAergic neurons, providing a means to assess brain tissue excitability and potentially diagnose neurological conditions by calculating the Neural Network Excitability Index from recorded responses.
Implementation Method 1
delivering a predetermined electric field, said predetermined electric field inducing an activation of said GABAergic neurons
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a local stimulation method of a predetermined region of brain tissue, said brain tissue comprising at least GABAergic neuron type. According to the invention, said method comprises at least one activation step (10) of a set of bipolar electrodes (SBE), according to a predetermined electric intensity (PEI) and a predetermined -biphasic pulse frequency (PBPF), delivering a predetermined electric field (PEF), said predetermined electric field (PEF) inducing an activation of said GABAergic type neurons and a virtual absence of activation of other types of neurons.