Single Lead Brain Stimulation with Recording Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Deep brain stimulation techniques face challenges in precisely locating target neurons due to the need for separate recording and stimulating leads, which can require multiple insertions and are difficult to position accurately.

Innovation Solution

A lead with both recording and stimulating electrodes, along with an implantable pulse generator, allows for the identification and stimulation of target neurons using a single lead, facilitating precise positioning and reducing the need for multiple insertions through the use of a rotatable design and external control units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate recording and stimulating leads are used, then the identification and stimulation functions can be performed, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates and multiple insertions are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate recording and stimulating leads into a single integrated lead system. The lead includes both recording electrodes and stimulating electrodes along its longitudinal surface, allowing both functions to be performed through one insertion. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate insertions and improves positioning accuracy by maintaining consistent spatial relationships between recording and stimulation sites.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lead is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a recording lead and a stimulating lead. By incorporating both recording electrodes and stimulating electrodes on the same lead structure, the device achieves universal functionality that previously required separate specialized leads, thereby simplifying the procedure and improving positioning consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple lead insertions are performed to achieve precise positioning, then the target neuron location can be identified, but the procedure complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget location precisionVSAvoidprocedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of recording and stimulating electrodes on a single lead allows the entire positioning and stimulation process to be completed in one insertion. The recording electrodes identify the target location while the stimulating electrodes are simultaneously positioned to deliver therapy, eliminating the need for multiple sequential insertions and reducing procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lead is pre-configured with both recording and stimulating electrodes in predetermined spatial arrangements before insertion. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the lead is inserted, the electrodes are already positioned to perform both recording for localization and stimulation for therapy without requiring additional positioning steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a single lead with both recording and stimulating electrodes is used, then the number of insertions is reduced, but the lead structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocedure efficiencyVSAvoidlead structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lead structure is segmented into distinct functional sections along its longitudinal surface, with recording electrodes and stimulating electrodes arranged in separate but integrated segments. This segmentation allows each electrode type to maintain its specific function while being part of a unified lead structure, managing complexity through modular organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the lead have specialized local qualities - recording electrodes are positioned and configured for optimal signal detection, while stimulating electrodes are configured for effective neural activation. Each local segment is optimized for its specific function while contributing to the overall integrated system, allowing the lead to perform multiple functions without requiring a completely redesign of the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local 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 solution enables more precise and efficient deep brain stimulation by allowing simultaneous identification and stimulation of target neurons, improving the accuracy and reducing the complexity of the procedure.

Implementation Method 1

an implantable pulse generator coupled to the at least one stimulation electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

the recording electrode is observed to determine when the recording electrode is near the target neurons. This observation may include activating the target neurons to generate electrical signals that can be received by the recording electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical signal detection: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS7783359B2Devices and methods using an implantable pulse generator for brain stimulation
Publication Date: 2010.08.24 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP
  • US7783359B2 patent drawing
  • US7783359B2 patent drawing
  • US7783359B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for brain stimulation includes a lead having a longitudinal surface; at least one stimulation electrode disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead; at least one recording electrode, separate from the at least one stimulation electrode, disposed on the lead; and an implantable pulse generator coupled to the at least one stimulation electrode. In some instances, the implantable pulse generator can be implanted into a burr hole in the skull made for insertion of the lead into the brain.