Customized DBS Electrode Design via Computational Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current deep brain stimulation (DBS) technologies face challenges in predicting the mechanisms and effects of neurostimulation at the neuronal level, leading to difficulties in designing electrodes that effectively target specific anatomical regions for therapeutic effects.

Innovation Solution

A computer-assisted method and system for designing electrodes that customize structural and electrical parameters based on the anatomical and morphological features of the stimulation target, determining a target volume of tissue activation to achieve a desired therapeutic effect, and optimizing electrode design parameters to match this volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If standard electrode designs are used for deep brain stimulation, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the manufacturing precision and treatment effectiveness are insufficient due to inability to customize for specific anatomical regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode design precisionVSAvoidelectrode design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary computation of electrode design parameters before manufacturing by using computer-assisted modeling to calculate optimal electrode dimensions, contact configurations, and material properties based on pre-acquired anatomical imaging data of the patient's target brain region. This preliminary design phase enables customization without increasing actual manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a virtual copy or model of the patient's specific anatomical structure using imaging data, then uses this digital model to determine the customized electrode design parameters. This copying approach allows precise customization while keeping the physical manufacturing process standardized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If customized electrode designs are created for each patient's anatomical features, then the therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the ease of manufacture and production time are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoidelectrode production ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system determines specific electrode design parameters including dimensions, contact configurations, and material properties that are optimized for each patient's anatomy. By varying these parameters based on computational models rather than redesigning the entire manufacturing process, the system achieves customization while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the target volume of tissue activation is precisely defined and matched, then the manufacturing precision of electrode design is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the correct parameters increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode design precisionVSAvoidparameter measurement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces physical measurement and trial-and-error adjustment with computer-assisted computational modeling. The software calculates optimal electrode parameters by simulating electrical field distribution and tissue activation patterns, substituting complex physical measurements with mathematical models that can be solved algorithmically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a computational model as an intermediary between the anatomical imaging data and the electrode design parameters. This intermediate modeling layer translates complex anatomical measurements into optimized electrode specifications without requiring direct measurement of all relevant parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach allows for the creation of customized electrodes that provide more accurate and effective neurostimulation by tailoring electrode design to specific anatomical regions, enhancing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing charge injection levels.

Implementation Method 1

delivering electrical energy to tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8209027B2System and method to design structure for delivering electrical energy to tissue

Publication Date: 2012.06.26 THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUND

AI summary

A computer-assisted method can include defining a target volume of tissue activation to achieve a desired therapeutic effect for an identified anatomic region. At least one parameter can be computed for an electrode design as a function of the defined target volume of tissue activation. The computed at least one parameter can be stored in memory for the electrode design, which parameter can be utilized to construct an electrode.