Closed-Loop Brain Stimulation for Biomarker-Guided Mood Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antidepressant therapies for depression, particularly refractory major depressive disorder (MDD), are limited by a lack of objective diagnostic criteria, inconsistent efficacy, and variable side effects due to non-specific stimulation of brain regions, lacking reproducible biomarkers for personalized treatment.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop brain stimulation system using intra-calvarial implants with electrodes to sense cortical signals and ecological momentary mood assessment (EMA) data to deliver targeted brain stimulation based on individual patient biomarkers, adapting stimulation parameters in real-time to address mood disorders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If open-loop brain stimulation is used to treat depression, then broad coverage of limbic and paralimbic structures is achieved, but side effects increase and therapeutic efficacy becomes inconsistent due to non-specific stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements closed-loop neurostimulation that continuously monitors biomarkers (such as neural activity patterns, physiological signals) and adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time based on the patient's current brain state. This feedback mechanism ensures stimulation is delivered only when and where needed, improving therapeutic consistency while reducing unnecessary side effects from non-specific broad stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from non-specific broad stimulation of multiple limbic structures to highly targeted, localized stimulation of specific brain regions identified as pathological targets. By focusing stimulation energy precisely on abnormal neural circuits detected through biomarker monitoring, the system achieves reliable therapeutic effects while minimizing stimulation of healthy surrounding tissue that causes side effects.
2Measurement precision
If antidepressant therapies are applied to refractory MDD patients, then treatment coverage is provided, but efficacy remains limited due to lack of objective diagnostic criteria and personalized treatment approaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective clinical diagnosis and treatment decision-making with objective, quantifiable biomarker measurements. Neural activity patterns, physiological signals, and other measurable parameters provide precise, data-driven diagnostic criteria that eliminate observer bias and enable personalized treatment selection based on actual patient-specific pathological patterns rather than subjective symptom assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts stimulation parameters (intensity, frequency, duration, target location) based on real-time biomarker feedback and individual patient response patterns. This dynamic personalization allows the treatment to evolve and optimize for each patient's unique neurological profile, significantly improving therapeutic efficacy compared to static, one-size-fits-all antidepressant approaches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stimulation-based therapies are used for treatment-resistant depression, then alternative treatment mechanism is provided, but efficacy reports remain inconsistent due to unknown pathogenesis mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-loop system continuously monitors patient-specific biomarkers and adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time based on actual therapeutic response. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to each patient's unique pathogenesis mechanisms, whether involving limbic dysfunction, cortical hyperexcitability, or other neural circuit abnormalities, ensuring consistent efficacy across diverse depression subtypes by tailoring treatment to observed physiological patterns rather than relying on unknown or heterogeneous mechanisms.
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
Provides personalized and effective treatment for depression by reducing side effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy through targeted brain stimulation tailored to individual patient needs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more electrodes for sensing cortical signals in one or more cortical regions
Implementation Method 2
one or more electrodes for stimulating one or more regions of the brain
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for treating a mood disorder in a patient includes implantable device(s) including one or more electrodes for sensing cortical signals and for stimulating one or more brain regions. Processor/controller(s) in communication with the electrode(s) receive and process cortical signals from electrode(s) and control the stimulating of brain region(s). The system includes portable communication device(s) operable by the patient and having software for acquiring ecological mood assessment (EMA) data representative of the patient's mood and communicating the EMA data to the processor/controller(s) and/or to at least one remote processor. Sensors may also be used to record patient data. The data is processed by the processor/controller(s), and/or by a processor of the portable communication device and/or by the remote processor(s) for modulating and/or controlling the stimulation the brain region(s) to treat the mood disorder. The implantable device(s) may include a power source. The implantable device(s) may be implanted intra-cranially and/or intra-calvarially.