Concentric Windowed Cylinder Electrodes for Radial Current Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep brain stimulation technologies face challenges in achieving radial selectivity of current, leading to unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue and prolonged therapeutic effects due to the radial symmetry of conventional electrodes.
Innovation Solution
The use of radially segmented electrode arrays with concentric windowed cylinder electrodes, which allow for more precise control of current distribution by creating inner and outer windows in the cylinders, enabling radial current steering and targeted tissue stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional ring electrodes are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but radial selectivity of current is minimal leading to unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional ring electrode is segmented into multiple radially-oriented electrode segments separated by insulating material. This segmentation allows independent control of current flow in different radial directions, enabling selective stimulation of target neural tissue while avoiding unwanted stimulation of neighboring tissue. Each segment can be controlled independently to steer current radially outward from the lead axis.
Solution Approach 2:
Different radial segments of the electrode array are assigned different electrical properties or activation states to create localized current distribution patterns. By varying the conductivity, impedance, or activation timing of individual segments, the system achieves spatially selective current delivery tailored to the specific anatomical location and target tissue geometry.
2Productivity
If conventional ring electrodes are used, then the device complexity is low, but the duration of time to achieve proper therapeutic effect is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple independently controllable segments that can be activated in specific sequences or patterns. This allows optimization of current distribution to rapidly engage target tissue and achieve therapeutic effect faster than conventional electrodes. The segmented structure enables sophisticated stimulation protocols that can be tailored to patient response in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system incorporates dynamic control capabilities where the activation state, amplitude, and timing of individual segments can be adjusted in real-time based on patient response. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize therapeutic effect delivery and respond to changing physiological conditions, reducing the time to achieve and maintain effective treatment.
3Manufacturing precision
If radially segmented electrode arrays are used, then radial selectivity of current is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radially segmented electrode array is integrated within a compact lead structure where multiple electrode segments are arranged concentrically around the lead axis. The insulating material and conductive elements are nested in a layered configuration that maintains radial segmentation while minimizing overall device dimensions. This nested arrangement achieves high radial selectivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The radially segmented electrode array serves multiple functions: it provides radial current steering for selective stimulation, enables differentiation between target and non-target tissue, and allows for flexible stimulation patterns. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single integrated structure, the design achieves superior radial selectivity without requiring separate systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for brain stimulation includes a lead body having a distal end section and at least one inner conductive cylinder with at least one inner window cut out from the inner cylinder. The inner cylinder is disposed at the distal end section of the lead body. The device also includes an outer conductive cylinder with at least one outer window cut out from the outer cylinder. The outer cylinder is secured to and disposed concentric to the inner cylinder with a portion of each of the at least one inner cylinder aligned with the at least one outer window of the outer cylinder. The device further includes an insulator configured and arranged to electrically insulate each of the at least one inner cylinder and the outer cylinder.