Brain Stimulation System with Dynamic Mode Switching for Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brain stimulation systems for treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and cognitive disorders lack enhanced safety and efficacy, particularly in terms of power management and targeted stimulation modes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a stimulator that operates in multiple modes with distinct sets of stimulation parameters, allowing for adjustable energy delivery types and volumes to treat various cognitive diseases and disorders, including Alzheimer's, by using electrical, magnetic, light, or sound energy, and transitioning between modes based on patient parameters or events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deep brain stimulation is used to treat cognitive disorders, then treatment efficacy is improved, but power consumption increases and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulator dynamically transitions between first and second stimulation modes based on patient parameters or detected events. In the first mode, it delivers stimulation at higher power levels to address acute cognitive symptoms, while in the second mode, it operates at lower power levels for maintenance therapy, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining treatment efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes stimulation parameters including pulse width, amplitude, and frequency based on the operational mode. The controller adjusts these parameters to deliver appropriate stimulation intensity - higher intensity in the first mode for acute treatment and lower intensity in the second mode for power conservation, directly addressing the power consumption versus efficacy contradiction
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stimulation modes are implemented, then adaptability to different patient needs is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation system is segmented into distinct operational modes (first mode and second mode), each with predefined stimulation parameter sets. This segmentation allows the complex adaptability requirements to be divided into manageable mode-specific configurations, reducing the overall controller complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulator is designed with multi-functionality to operate in multiple stimulation modes using the same hardware components. The single stimulator and controller unit can deliver different stimulation types (electrical, magnetic, light, or sound energy) and parameter configurations, eliminating the need for separate devices for different treatment scenarios and thereby managing complexity
3Productivity
If higher energy stimulation is delivered, then memory recall effects are enhanced, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulator delivers energy in periodic pulses rather than continuous exposure. By using pulsed stimulation with controlled duty cycles, the system achieves enhanced memory recall effects during active stimulation periods while allowing rest periods that reduce cumulative energy exposure and associated safety risks
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors patient parameters and adjusts stimulation energy delivery accordingly. When therapeutic effects are achieved or safety thresholds are approached, the controller automatically reduces or terminates stimulation, thereby maintaining enhanced memory recall effects while managing safety risks through real-time monitoring and adjustment
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
The system provides enhanced memory recall effects and improved treatment efficacy while managing power consumption, offering a safer and more effective approach to treating cognitive disorders by tailoring stimulation to specific disease states and patient needs.
Implementation Method 1
a transcranial magnetic stimulation device that directs a magnetic field from outside the patient's head to induce electric currents in the patient's brain
Implementation Method 2
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) can be accomplished using surgically implanted electrodes that deliver electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas in the brain
Data Source
AI summary
A system for treating a patient comprises a stimulator for stimulating brain tissue, a controller for setting stimulation parameters and a diagnostic tool for measuring patient parameters and producing diagnostic data. The stimulation parameters comprise test stimulation parameters and treatment stimulation parameters. The stimulator delivers test stimulation energy to the brain tissue based on at least one test stimulation parameter and delivers treatment stimulation energy to the brain tissue based on at least one treatment stimulation parameter. One or more treatment stimulator parameters are determined based on the diagnostic data produced by the diagnostic tool The system is constructed and arranged to treat a neurological disease or a neurological disorder. Methods of treating a neurological disease or neurological disorder are also provided.