DBS Electrode Optimization via Patient Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) electrodes face limitations in stimulation specificity and biocompatibility due to large active electrode surfaces, difficulty in predicting optimal stimulation sites, and glial scarring, leading to reduced therapeutic efficacy and shorter battery life.
Innovation Solution
A method for optimizing the stimulation pattern of implanted electrodes by selecting a subset of electrodes based on patient feedback, assigning values to each electrode, and calculating total values to determine the most effective combinations for minimal side effects and energy consumption, using a system with a computer program and stimulation device to iteratively test and refine the stimulation pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large active electrode surfaces are used in DBS electrodes, then the electrodes can be implanted and provide stimulation, but stimulation specificity is reduced and glial scarring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode into multiple independently controllable contacts or segments along the probe. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific electrode portions to target particular neural structures, thereby improving stimulation specificity while maintaining the overall electrode structure. The segmented design enables precise control over current distribution in the target tissue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels are added to DBS probes to improve stimulation coverage, then more tissue can be stimulated, but device complexity increases and biocompatibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-channel electrode probe where each channel can serve multiple functions: recording neural activity, delivering stimulation, and potentially sensing. This multi-functionality allows the same physical structure to achieve both diagnostic and therapeutic goals, reducing the need for separate devices and thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility.
3Reliability
If high current intensities are used to overcome glial scarring, then neural stimulation can be maintained, but energy consumption increases and battery life shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs local quality by creating non-uniform current distribution through selective activation of specific electrode contacts. By concentrating current in localized regions rather than distributing it uniformly across all electrodes, the system achieves effective neural stimulation with lower overall current intensity, thereby reducing energy consumption and preserving battery life.
4Reliability
If extensive testing of stimulation patterns is performed to optimize therapy, then optimal stimulation can be identified, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by using imaging techniques (CT, MRI) and pre-operative planning to predict optimal electrode placement and stimulation patterns before actual implantation. This preliminary characterization allows the system to start with a pre-optimized configuration, significantly reducing the time required for post-implantation optimization while maintaining high accuracy.
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 allows for efficient identification of effective electrode combinations, reducing side effects and energy consumption, thereby prolonging battery life and maintaining therapeutic efficacy while minimizing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
The technique stimulates nervous tissue using an electrode device (alternatively called probe) that is implanted into deep nuclei of the brain
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A method for optimization of the stimulation pattern of a set of implanted electrodes in excitable tissue of a patient is disclosed, wherein it comprises the steps of: (a) choosing a first group of a certain number of from said set of implanted electrodes, (b) stimulating the excitable tissue electrically by said first group of electrodes, (c) registering information provided by the patient, (d) assigning each electrode of said first group of electrodes a value related to said information, wherein these steps are repeated for one or more further groups of said certain number of electrodes chosen from said set of implanted electrodes, wherein each electrode may be included in one or several groups, wherein the total assigned value for each electrode is calculated, and wherein electrodes having a total assigned value exceeding a predetermined value or a predetermined number of the electrodes having the highest total assigned value are chosen to be included in said stimulation pattern, as well as a method for treatment or alleviation of a disease or condition by use of a set of electrodes whose stimulation pattern has been optimized with said method, and a system for optimization of the stimulation pattern.