Connectome-Guided Neuromodulation Targeting for Faster Titration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neuromodulation techniques for neuropsychiatric disorders lack precision and require lengthy titration periods to achieve desired effects, relying on anatomical structures rather than individual nervous system pathways.
Innovation Solution
Utilizes connectomes and bioparameters to determine optimal neuromodulation locations, incorporating feedback loops for personalized treatment plans, including focused ultrasound and other neuromodulation modes, to target specific brain areas and pathways for precise neuromodulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional anatomical-based neuromodulation targeting is used, then the treatment can be applied to general anatomical structures, but the precision and efficacy are insufficient and lengthy titration periods are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from uniform anatomical targeting to personalized pathway-specific targeting. Each patient's unique nervous system pathways are identified through connectome analysis, and neuromodulation is precisely applied to specific dysfunctional pathways rather than general anatomical regions. This localized, personalized approach increases treatment precision and reduces the time required to achieve therapeutic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing comprehensive connectome analysis and pathway identification before neuromodulation treatment begins. The system pre-maps the patient's specific nervous system pathways, identifies dysfunctional connections, and plans the optimal stimulation targets in advance. This preliminary characterization eliminates the need for lengthy trial-and-error titration periods, as the treatment is precisely targeted from the first application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If anatomical structure-based targeting is used, then the treatment approach is simple to implement, but it fails to account for individual nervous system pathway variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that bridges the gap between simple anatomical imaging and complex personalized treatment planning. The connectome analysis software acts as an intermediary tool that automatically processes imaging data, maps individual nervous system pathways, identifies dysfunctional connections, and generates personalized treatment plans. This intermediary system handles the computational complexity, making personalized pathway-based targeting clinically feasible without requiring manual analysis of complex neural connectivity data.
3Reliability
If non-personalized neuromodulation is applied, then the treatment protocol is standardized and easy to administer, but it does not optimize energy application based on individual pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating an adaptive treatment system that adjusts to each patient's unique nervous system architecture. Rather than using fixed, standardized protocols, the system dynamically generates personalized treatment plans based on individual connectome analysis. The neuromodulation parameters (target locations, stimulation intensities, frequencies) are dynamically optimized for each patient's specific dysfunctional pathways, thereby improving treatment efficacy while the automated system manages the complexity of customization.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for targeting neuromodulation. A first image, representing a structure of the brain, is acquired from a first imaging system and a second image, representing a connectivity of the brain, is acquired from either the first imaging system or a second imaging system. A first utility value associated with directly modulating tissue within a region of interest is determined for each of a plurality of voxels within the region of interest from the first image. A second utility value associated with indirectly modulating tissue outside of the region of interest by modulating tissue within the region of interest is determined for each of the plurality of voxels from the second image. An overall utility value for each of the plurality of voxels is determined from the first utility value and the second utility value, and an optimal location is determined from the overall utility values.