DBS Lead Voltage Monitoring via Dual Traces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deep brain stimulation (DBS) systems lack active voltage control and monitoring at the distal end of the lead, which is crucial for therapeutic applications and safety, due to high electrical resistance in thin film wires and traces, leading to potential unintended stimulation of neighboring areas.
Innovation Solution
A lead for brain applications with a distal section and electrodes connected via separate first and second connecting traces, where the first trace provides power and the second trace enables voltage monitoring, allowing for active voltage control and safety enhancements by integrating electronic means either outside or inside the brain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If thin film wires and traces are used in the lead, then the lead can be manufactured with precise dimensions and thin profile, but the electrical resistance causes substantial voltage differences between the current source and the distal end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single trace connection into two separate traces: a first trace for current supply and a second trace for voltage sensing. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each trace's function, enabling precise voltage monitoring at the distal end despite the high resistance of the thin film material.
Solution Approach 2:
The second trace acts as an intermediary sensing path that measures the actual voltage at the distal end without carrying the full stimulation current. This intermediary measurement path enables voltage feedback control, compensating for the voltage drop caused by the high resistance of the thin film wires.
2Device complexity
If only a single trace connection is used for the electrode, then the lead structure is simplified, but active voltage monitoring and control at the distal end cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into two functionally distinct traces: one for current delivery and one for voltage sensing. This segmentation enables precise voltage monitoring at the electrode while maintaining a relatively simple thin film fabrication process.
Solution Approach 2:
The first trace serves the universal function of current supply, while the second trace provides the additional function of voltage sensing. This multi-functionality approach allows the lead to achieve both current delivery and voltage monitoring capabilities within the same thin film structure.
3Reliability
If voltage monitoring is implemented at the distal end, then safety and therapeutic precision are improved, but the lead requires additional traces and electronic means
Solution Approach 1:
The lead structure is segmented to include a dedicated second trace for voltage sensing, separating the monitoring function from the current delivery function. This segmentation enables safety-critical voltage monitoring while maintaining a manageable lead structure suitable for thin film manufacturing.
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
Enables precise and safe neurostimulation by allowing voltage monitoring and control at the distal end, reducing unintended stimulation and enhancing the safety and accuracy of DBS treatments.
Implementation Method 1
the first connecting trace is configured such that electrical power can be supplied to the electrode
Implementation Method 2
the second connecting trace is configured such that a voltage monitoring of the electrode can be conducted
Data Source
AI summary
A lead for brain applications, comprises at least one distal section and at least one electrode, whereby the at least one electrode is arranged in the distal section and whereby the at least one electrode is connected directly and/or indirectly with at least one first connecting trace and at least one second connecting trace. Furthermore, in some examples, the lead relates to a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system.