Brain Stimulation Electrode Array with Isolation and Dynamic Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive brain stimulation techniques face challenges in accurately targeting specific brain regions due to electrode misplacement and undesired inhibition effects, with existing methods requiring expertise and often relying on pharmaceutical drugs that have limited efficacy and side effects.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a plurality of electrodes with a control circuitry to selectively assign effective electrodes, changing electrode selection during stimulation to mitigate inhibition effects and ensure targeted brain region stimulation, allowing for precise control of electric field parameters and duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrodes are placed close together to stimulate adjacent target regions, then the ability to stimulate multiple regions is improved, but the stimulation signal may pass directly from one electrode to the other without affecting the body region
Solution Approach 1:
An isolation member is introduced as an intermediary element between adjacent electrodes. This isolation member electrically isolates the electrodes from each other, preventing direct signal passage while allowing both electrodes to remain in close proximity for stimulating adjacent target regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure is segmented into multiple independent electrodes with individual electrical isolation. This segmentation allows each electrode to be controlled independently and prevents electrical interference between adjacent electrodes while maintaining spatial proximity for multi-region stimulation.
2Device complexity
If a single electrode is used for brain stimulation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to selectively stimulate specific brain regions and avoid inhibition effects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific electrodes from the array based on the desired target region. This dynamic configuration allows precise targeting of different brain regions while maintaining a relatively simple overall electrode structure that can be adapted to various stimulation needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different electrodes in the array are positioned to target specific brain regions, with each electrode having a localized function. The isolation members ensure that each electrode's effect is confined to its intended target area, enabling precise local stimulation without affecting adjacent regions undesirably.
3Loss of substance
If electrodes are reused multiple times, then the cost and waste are reduced, but the conductance and conductance homogeneity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses electrical detection methods to assess electrode condition instead of physical inspection. The control circuitry measures electrical parameters such as conductance to automatically detect electrode exhaustion and deterioration, providing an objective criterion for electrode replacement timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry continuously monitors electrode performance parameters and provides feedback on electrode condition. This feedback mechanism allows the system to track electrode degradation over time and prompt replacement when performance thresholds are no longer met, ensuring consistent stimulation quality.
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 accurate and effective non-invasive brain stimulation, reducing the risk of electrode misplacement and undesired inhibition, providing a drug-free alternative for psychiatric and mental disorders with lower side effects.
Implementation Method 1
a signal generator configured to apply electric current through the electrodes to the body region
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods for electric stimulation are provided. The system comprises an electrodes' arrangement configured to be placed in the vicinity of a body region to be stimulated, a signal generator configured to supply electric stimulation signals to the electrodes' arrangement, and a control circuitry connected to the signal generator and to the electrodes' arrangement, the electrodes' arrangement comprises a plurality of electrode elements arranged in a spaced-apart relationship and being connected to the signal generator, so as to define spatial resolution of stimulation, the control circuitry determines data indicative of a profile of a stimulating electric field to be produced by the electrodes' arrangement to stimulate at least one desired target in said body region, and selectively assign, for stimulating each target, at least one pair of first and second effective electrodes, each being formed by one or more of said electrode elements, and enable operation of each of said assigned effective electrodes by the signal generator to produce the stimulating electric field.