Calvarial Cortical Implants With Current Steering and Neural Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack effective methods for precise spatio-temporal stimulation and inhibition of irregularly folded and convoluted cortical tissues, and do not utilize current steering through the calvarial bone without direct contact with the cortical target regions, nor incorporate in-situ sensing for real-time neural network tracking.
Innovation Solution
Implants with a 2D electrode array are implanted within the calvarial bone, using current steering and in-situ sensing to deliver stimulating currents matched to the cortical region's shape and dynamic neural activity, employing a closed-loop BCI system for precise stimulation and inhibition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If intracranial implantation is used to achieve direct contact with cortical target regions, then stimulation precision is improved, but surgical risk and patient safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the calvarial bone as an intermediary medium to transmit electrical currents from the implant to the cortical target regions. The implant does not directly contact the cortex but instead delivers current through the bone, which acts as a mediator to achieve the desired neural stimulation effect without requiring intracranial placement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of direct physical contact between electrodes and cortical tissue with an electrical field-based approach. By using current steering through the bone, the system achieves precise neural modulation without the mechanical constraints and surgical risks associated with intracranial electrode placement
2Measurement precision
If traditional stimulation methods are used without current steering, then device complexity is reduced, but stimulation precision and ability to target specific cortical regions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stimulation function into multiple independent electrode elements arranged in a matrix configuration. Each electrode can be independently controlled to deliver current, allowing the system to segment the stimulation field and precisely target specific cortical regions by activating particular electrode combinations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic current steering capability that allows real-time adjustment of current distribution across the electrode array. The system can dynamically shift the focal point of stimulation and adapt the current pattern to match the geometry and location of target cortical regions, providing flexible and precise neural modulation
3Adaptability or versatility
If static stimulation patterns are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to track dynamic neural networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a closed-loop feedback system that uses in-situ sensing to detect the location and activity of neural networks. The sensed information feeds back to the control system, which adjusts the stimulation parameters in real-time to track and maintain effective neural modulation despite physiological movements or changes in network activity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines both sensing and stimulation functions within the same implant device. The multi-functional system can detect neural activity, process the sensed data to determine target location, and deliver adaptive stimulation through current steering, making the device universally capable of both monitoring and modulating cortical function
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
Enables precise spatio-temporal stimulation and inhibition of cortical regions, adapting to dynamic neural shifts, improving clinical applications for neuropsychiatric disorders and enhancing cognitive functions without the risks of intracranial implantation.
Implementation Method 1
using current steering and in-situ sensing to deliver stimulating currents matched to the cortical region's shape
Implementation Method 2
electrically stimulating and or inhibiting neuronal network activities in the cortex in a precise spatio-temporal manner
Data Source
AI summary
Systems including intra-calvarial implants and/or subdermal implants are capable of stimulating cortical regions and sensing and electrical signals is implanted within or on a calvarial bone of a skull. The implants have current steering capability to change the current density profiles applied to selected cortical regions underlying the implant. The systems may track changes in the position and/or spatial parameters of a neural network by recording cortical electrical signals and processing them to compute the values of one or more network activity biomarkers. The systems may spatially track changes detected in network anatomical position and deliver the stimulation of the cortex to the network detected position by using current steering methods.