DBS Controller Synchronization with MRI RF Bursts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable deep brain stimulation systems interfere with MRI imaging processes due to high-frequency signal emissions, particularly from digital components, which can lead to unusable images during MRI scans.
Innovation Solution
An implantable deep brain stimulation system with a controller that switches between normal and MRI scanning modes, using an RF burst detector to synchronize circuit activity with MRI machine emissions, ensuring the system remains active only during RF bursts and not during the listening mode, thus preventing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the deep brain stimulation system remains active during MRI scanning, then therapeutic function is maintained, but interference with MRI imaging occurs due to high-frequency signal emissions from digital components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing the deep brain stimulation system's operation with the periodic RF burst cycle of the MRI scanner. The system operates only during the RF burst transmission windows and remains inactive during the listening mode periods, creating a periodic on-off pattern that aligns with the MRI scanning cycle. This allows therapeutic function to be maintained during safe time windows while preventing interference during sensitive listening periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the system's operational state changeable and adaptive rather than static. The deep brain stimulation system dynamically switches between active and inactive states based on the real-time phase of the MRI scanning cycle, detected through RF burst synchronization signals. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to changing conditions (MRI scanning phases) and optimize both therapeutic delivery and imaging quality.
2Measurement precision
If the electronic system is completely switched off during MRI scanning to prevent interference, then MRI image quality is improved, but therapeutic stimulation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action to divide the scanning period into active stimulation phases and inactive listening phases. By operating periodically rather than continuously or not at all, the system ensures that stimulation is delivered during safe periods (when RF bursts are transmitted and the system is less sensitive to interference) while remaining inactive during listening periods (when image data is collected and sensitivity to interference is highest).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential therapeutic function (first circuit) and allows non-essential digital components (second circuit) to be switched off during MRI scanning. This selective extraction and disabling of specific circuit components enables the system to maintain core therapeutic functionality while eliminating the primary source of interference with MRI imaging.
3Productivity
If digital components operate at high clock frequencies to provide adequate processing power, then system performance is improved, but harmonic emissions interfere with MRI RF frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and selectively disables the digital communication lines and microprocessor operations (second circuit) that generate harmful harmonic emissions during MRI scanning. By taking out these specific high-frequency generating components from active operation while maintaining the essential stimulation circuitry (first circuit), the system preserves processing capability when needed but eliminates interference during sensitive periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies periodic action by restricting high-frequency digital operations to specific time windows (during RF burst transmission) and suspending them during listening mode. This periodic operation pattern allows adequate processing power to be utilized during safe periods while preventing harmonic emissions from contaminating the MRI RF frequency bands during sensitive imaging periods.
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 system effectively prevents interference with MRI imaging without requiring complete shutdown, allowing for high-quality MRI scans while maintaining essential functions during deep brain stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
an RF burst detector configured to detect, in use, radio frequency bursts emitted by the MRI machine
Data Source
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Figure 2b~3
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic system (10) of an implantable medical device, comprising at least one first circuit (20), at least one tracking means, which is configured such that radio frequency bursts and/or a gradient magnetic field of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus can be tracked, and at least one synchronizing means, whereby the synchronizing means is configured such that based on the tracked radio frequency bursts and/or the gradient magnetic field the at least one first circuit (20) and/or the electronic system (10) as a whole is synchronized with the radio frequency bursts and/or the gradient magnetic field.