Intersectional Brain Stimulation via Ground-Independent Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current non-invasive and minimally invasive electrical stimulation techniques face challenges in achieving spatially and temporally selective interaction with neuronal activity due to the limitations of electric field distribution in the brain, leading to diffuse effects and adverse side effects from high current intensities required for targeted brain modulation.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing multiple electrodes arranged in groups with ground-independent switching circuits to deliver high-intensity, short pulses, leveraging capacitive properties of neuronal and glial cell membranes for temporal integration of electrical pulses, focusing electric fields at predetermined focal points to enhance spatial selectivity and reduce peripheral side effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If high current intensities are used to achieve targeted brain modulation, then spatial selectivity is improved, but adverse side effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial selectivityVSAvoidadverse side effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The scalp is divided into multiple electrode sites (at least 8 electrodes) arranged in specific configurations. Multiple electrode pairs or quadruplets are used to create independent current pathways, allowing the electric field to be focused on specific brain regions while distributing the current load across multiple scalp locations, thereby reducing adverse effects at any single site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different electrode pairs or quadruplets are configured to target different brain regions with specific current intensities and directions. The system allows for region-specific modulation where each electrode configuration can be independently controlled to deliver appropriate current intensity to the underlying brain region, achieving high spatial selectivity without uniformly high current across the entire scalp.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple electrodes are used to improve spatial selectivity, then device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial selectivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple electrode pairs are combined into electrode quadruplets where four electrodes work together to create a focused current pathway. The system integrates multiple electrode configurations that can be independently controlled, merging their effects to achieve enhanced spatial selectivity while maintaining a manageable system architecture through standardized quadruplet modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If short pulse duration is used to reduce side effects, then temporal integration capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveside effectsVSAvoidtemporal integration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies electrical stimulation in the form of short pulses (10-200 microseconds) delivered in periodic trains. Multiple pulses are delivered in sequence with appropriate inter-pulse intervals, allowing temporal summation at the neuronal level while keeping each individual pulse duration short to minimize adverse effects. The periodic delivery pattern enables cumulative neuronal activation without requiring prolonged continuous stimulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 approach allows for reliable and immediate modulation of targeted brain regions with higher intracerebral field strengths, reducing adverse effects and achieving selective neuronal or glial activity modulation without the need for invasive procedures.

Implementation Method 1

leveraging capacitive properties of neuronal and glial cell membranes for temporal integration of electrical pulses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive properties of cell membranes: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

focusing electric fields at predetermined focal points to enhance spatial selectivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field focusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentUS11452862B2Intersectional short-pulse electrical stimulation of the brain

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 NEW YORK UNIV

AI summary

A system for electrical brain stimulation including a plurality of electrodes arranged around the patient's brain (either directly or indirectly through layers of dura, skull or skin) such that axes connecting each electrode pair intersect at a predetermined focal point, and a ground-independent switching circuit configured to selectively activate and deactivate electrodes via a plurality of ground-independent switches. Electrodes are sequentially activated and deactivated.