Charge Steering Electrode Array for Deep Brain Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) systems face challenges with side effects such as apathy, hallucinations, and cognitive dysfunction due to incorrect placement and calibration of electrodes, which can lead to electrode displacement and misplacement, causing profound complications like personality changes.
Innovation Solution
A deep brain stimulating device with a semiconductor substrate and an array of electrodes that can function as an anode, cathode, or common, configured in various shapes and sizes, including a plus shape, to deliver customizable electric fields that match the three-dimensional boundaries of neural tissue, minimizing adverse side effects by precise control over electrical charge delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional DBS electrodes are used with fixed placement, then the device structure is simple, but electrode misplacement causes side effects such as apathy, hallucinations, and cognitive dysfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The DBS device is segmented into multiple independent electrodes arranged in an array configuration, allowing selective activation of specific electrodes rather than using a single fixed electrode. This segmentation enables precise spatial control of electrical stimulation to target specific brain regions while avoiding adjacent areas that could cause side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array enables dynamic reconfiguration of stimulation patterns through selective activation of different electrode combinations. The system can adaptively adjust which electrodes are active based on real-time feedback and clinical needs, allowing optimization of therapeutic effect while minimizing side effects from misplaced electrodes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used to improve placement precision, then electrode placement accuracy improves, but the number of components and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different electrodes in the array are positioned to target specific local regions within the brain structure. Each electrode or small group of electrodes can be optimized for stimulating specific neural pathways or nuclei, allowing precise local control of stimulation effects without requiring complex external positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array serves multiple functions: it can stimulate different brain regions by activating different electrode subsets, it can provide diagnostic information through recording capabilities, and it can be programmed for various stimulation patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices or procedures.
3Area of stationary object
If electrodes are implanted to cover large brain regions, then therapeutic coverage is improved, but tissue damage and neural injury increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than activating all electrodes simultaneously to cover large brain regions, the system uses partial activation of specific electrode subsets based on precise targeting requirements. This allows coverage of the necessary therapeutic area while minimizing stimulation of adjacent healthy tissue that would cause damage or side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the effects of stimulation and adjust active electrode configurations in real-time. This feedback control allows the device to maintain effective therapeutic coverage while automatically reducing or eliminating stimulation in areas where tissue damage or adverse effects are detected.
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 device enables precise control over electric field patterns, reducing neural damage and side effects by allowing for asymmetrical and complex electric field configurations, providing effective stimulation with fewer insertions and less tissue damage compared to traditional DBS systems.
Implementation Method 1
DBS directly changes brain activity in a controlled manner. DBS effects can be reversible... an array of electrodes which can be implanted in the brain to provide controllable electrical fields for DBS
Data Source
AI summary
Technology for deep brain stimulating including devices, systems, computer circuitry, and associated methods is provided. A deep brain stimulating device (100) can include a semiconductor substrate, an array of electrodes (140) coupled to the semiconductor substrate, and circuitry operable to control the array of electrodes (140). Each electrode (142) can be operable to function as an anode, a cathode, a common, or a float independent of other electrodes in the array to create highly configurable electric fields (122, 124).