Closed-Loop Neurostimulation for Stroke Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulatory techniques for stroke recovery, such as tCS and TMS, use open-loop stimulation designs that are not adaptable to individual patient needs, leading to inconsistent or marginal improvements in motor function recovery.
Innovation Solution
A neurostimulation system that includes electrodes to record low frequency oscillations from perilesional brain regions and deliver current stimulation in response to these oscillations and muscle movements, allowing for closed-loop, task-dependent stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If open-loop stimulation is used with continuous preprogrammed constant stimulation, then the stimulation system is simple to operate, but the stimulation is not adaptable to individual patient needs and delivers too much or too little stimulus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements closed-loop stimulation by recording local field potentials from the perilesional cortex and using this feedback to control stimulation delivery. The system monitors ongoing brain activity and adjusts stimulation parameters based on detected neural patterns, enabling adaptation to individual patient needs while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated feedback processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation system transitions from static, preprogrammed constant stimulation to dynamic, real-time adaptive stimulation. The system continuously adjusts stimulation parameters based on detected local field potential patterns and patient responses, allowing the stimulation regime to evolve during therapy sessions and across treatment periods to match changing patient needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If open-loop stimulation with extended time period is used, then the stimulation is easy to implement, but it does not respond to patient movement or symptoms
Solution Approach 1:
The system records local field potentials and uses this information as feedback to detect patient neural states and behavioral responses. By monitoring ongoing brain activity patterns, the system can identify when stimulation should be adjusted or paused based on patient movement or symptom changes, creating a responsive closed-loop control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary recording and analysis of local field potential patterns to establish baseline neural activity and predict optimal stimulation timing. By pre-processing and analyzing neural signals in real-time, the system prepares stimulation parameters in advance based on detected brain states, enabling responsive stimulation without excessive measurement complexity during active therapy.
3Measurement precision
If constant unvarying stimulation is delivered, then the stimulation system is simple to control, but it cannot be precisely modulated to improve function after injury
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-loop system continuously monitors local field potentials and uses this feedback to precisely control stimulation timing and parameters. By detecting specific neural patterns in real-time, the system delivers stimulation with high temporal and spatial precision targeted to the perilesional cortex, achieving precise modulation while keeping control complexity manageable through automated pattern recognition algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic, rhythmically timed stimulation delivered in synchrony with detected neural oscillations or behavioral cycles. By coordinating stimulation pulses with naturally occurring brain rhythms or task cycles, the system achieves precise temporal modulation that enhances neural plasticity and functional recovery while maintaining relatively simple control logic based on rhythmic patterns.
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 approach enhances motor function recovery by precisely modulating brain activity based on real-time electrophysiological data, improving recovery outcomes for stroke patients.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one electrode is constructed and arranged to apply current across the brain of the subject and to record low frequency oscillations from a perilesional region of the subject
Implementation Method 2
deliver current to the brain of the subject in response to low frequency oscillations in the brain
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D
Figure 1E
AI summary
Systems, methods and devices for promoting recovery from a stroke induced loss of motor function in a subject. In certain aspects, the system includes at least one electrode, and an operations system in electrical communication with at least one electrode, wherein the at least one electrode is constructed and arranged to apply current across the brain of the subject and to record low frequency oscillations from a perilesional region of the subject. In certain aspects, provided is a method comprising placing at least one recording electrode in electrical communication in a perilesional region of the subject; placing at least one stimulation electrode in electrical communication with the brain of the subject; recording low frequency oscillations from the perilesional region of the subject; and delivering current stimulation to the brain of the subject.