DBS Lead With Sensing Array For Accurate Electrode Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures require lengthy electrophysiological exploration and multiple implantations, extending surgery time and increasing risks of hemorrhage due to the need for precise electrode placement, which is challenging given the small size of functional brain anatomy and potential position changes during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A DBS lead with an array of stimulation and sensing elements at its distal end, capable of detecting electrical signals and determining required stimulation parameters after initial implantation, allowing for direct and accurate placement without additional implantations, using metal electrodes and micro-electrodes or capacitative sensing elements distributed circumferentially, and a controller to select appropriate stimulation parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If electrophysiological exploration with micro-electrodes is performed to ensure accurate electrode placement, then placement precision is improved, but surgery time is extended by hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs electrophysiological mapping and target area identification before the final electrode implantation. The micro-electrode array is inserted first to map neural activity and identify the precise stimulation target, then this information is used to guide the placement of the final therapeutic electrode, ensuring accuracy while organizing the process efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-electrode array serves multiple functions: it acts as both an exploration tool for mapping neural activity and as a guide for final electrode placement. The same device structure is used for both diagnostic mapping and therapeutic implantation guidance, reducing the need for separate procedures
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple implantations are performed to achieve accurate electrode placement, then placement precision is improved, but the risk of hemorrhage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all necessary electrophysiological mapping and target identification during a single initial implantation procedure. By completing the exploration phase before final electrode placement within the same surgical session, the number of separate implantation procedures is reduced, thereby minimizing cumulative hemorrhage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-electrode array acts as an intermediary device that enables precise target identification without requiring multiple separate implantations. It serves as a temporary guide structure that facilitates accurate final electrode placement while minimizing the need for repeated surgical interventions
3Measurement precision
If lengthy electrophysiological exploration is conducted to map the target area, then target location accuracy is improved, but patient exposure to surgical risks is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrophysiological mapping process into discrete, systematic steps using an array of micro-electrodes positioned at fixed intervals. This structured approach allows efficient data collection from multiple neural sites simultaneously, reducing the overall time required compared to sequential exploration methods
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-electrode array automatically records neural activity from multiple channels simultaneously, enabling comprehensive target area mapping without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system self-records electrophysiological data as the electrode is advanced through the brain, reducing surgical time while maintaining mapping 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
Facilitates accurate and efficient placement of stimulation electrodes, reducing surgery time and minimizing risks by enabling precise targeting and parameter determination without additional lead implantations, thus improving the effectiveness and safety of DBS treatments.
Implementation Method 1
each of the one or more sensing elements is capable of detecting electrical signals produced by nerve cells within the brain
Implementation Method 2
each of the one or more stimulation elements is capable of providing electrical stimulation to the brain tissue in the target area
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead having a distal end for providing therapeutic electrical stimulation to tissue in a stimulation target area of a patient's brain, comprising an array of one or more stimulation elements and sensing elements located at the distal end of the lead. After the first implantation of the lead into the brain along a trajectory that is pre-determined by non-surgical procedures, the array of stimulation and sensing elements is capable of facilitating the location of the target area and the determination for each of the stimulation elements of the required stimulation parameters needed to provide the therapeutic stimulation to the brain tissue in the stimulation target area, without requiring any additional implantations of the lead after the first implantation.