Closed-Loop Brain Stimulation via Biomarker Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brain stimulation therapies, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), face challenges in effectively delivering targeted electrical stimulation to manage neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease, as they often rely on empirical methods without precise biomarker-driven adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The method involves implanting electrodes in the brain to deliver electrical stimulation at specific frequencies, detecting evoked potential peaks and biomarkers in bioelectrical responses, and adjusting stimulation parameters based on these markers to provide therapeutic effects, either inhibitory or excitatory, to specific brain regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If empirical methods are used for brain stimulation therapy, then the therapy can be delivered without complex biomarker detection systems, but the precision and effectiveness of treatment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects biomarkers (evoked potential peaks) in real-time and uses this feedback to automatically adjust stimulation parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that improves treatment precision without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting biomarkers and modifying its own stimulation parameters based on the detected neural response, eliminating the need for external monitoring and manual parameter tuning
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed frequency stimulation is used, then the stimulation delivery is simple and consistent, but the therapy cannot be optimized for individual patient responses or varying brain states
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed-frequency stimulation to dynamic adaptive stimulation, where stimulation parameters continuously adjust based on real-time biomarker detection and neural response monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically modifies stimulation parameters (frequency, intensity, pulse width) based on detected evoked potential peaks and biomarkers, optimizing therapy for individual patient responses without manual intervention
3Measurement precision
If low frequency stimulation is used for biomarker detection, then the evoked potential peaks can be clearly detected, but the therapeutic effect is reduced compared to higher frequency stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic low-frequency stimulation pulses specifically for biomarker detection phases, then transitions to higher-frequency therapeutic stimulation, utilizing the temporal separation of detection and treatment functions
Solution Approach 2:
The low-frequency stimulation serves as an intermediary tool for biomarker detection, enabling the system to identify optimal therapeutic parameters before delivering the actual high-frequency therapeutic stimulation
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 more precise and effective management of neurological symptoms by optimizing stimulation parameters based on real-time bioelectrical brain activity, enhancing therapeutic outcomes such as memory recall, cognitive function, and mood regulation.
Implementation Method 1
providing, via at least one electrode implanted in a brain of a patient, electrical stimulation at a low frequency to a stimulation site within a white matter tract of the patient
Implementation Method 2
the biomarker comprising oscillation in the bioelectrical response at a frequency that is one of a sub-harmonic frequency of the specific stimulation frequency or a physiologically driven frequency different from the specific stimulation frequency
Data Source
AI summary
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) electrodes are positioned within (or adjacent to) white matter fiber tracts in a brain of patient. The DBS electrodes may be positioned near one or more stimulation sites within the white matter fiber tracts. The stimulation sites may be selected based on the disorder of the patient. In some examples, the stimulation sites may be selected based on one or more symptoms of the patient. In some examples, additional electrodes may be positioned in another area to collect bioelectrical brain signals. The area in which the additional electrodes are placed is an area that is different from the stimulation site but is targeted by stimulation therapy provided at the stimulation site.