DBS Pulsing Strategies for Synaptic Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapies for neurological disorders rely on tonic electrical stimulation at constant frequencies, which do not effectively address the physiological mechanisms of synaptic suppression, leading to incomplete cessation of synaptic communication and inefficiencies in neurotransmitter resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

Implementing DBS pulsing strategies that alternate between high-frequency bursts and lower-frequency tonic stimulation or reduced duty cycles to maximize synaptic suppression with minimal stimuli, utilizing the Tsodyks-Markram synapse model to optimize neurotransmitter resource management and synaptic modulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tonic electrical stimulation at constant frequencies is used, then continuous synaptic suppression is achieved, but neurotransmitter resource utilization becomes inefficient and the number of pulses required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynaptic suppression effectivenessVSAvoidneurotransmitter resource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed stimulation patterns instead of continuous tonic stimulation. The stimulation is delivered in periodic bursts with specific duty cycles, allowing synaptic suppression to occur during the high-frequency phases while permitting neurotransmitter resource recovery during the inter-pulse intervals. This periodic approach maintains therapeutic effectiveness while improving neurotransmitter resource utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by adjusting stimulation parameters (frequency, amplitude, duty cycle) based on the physiological state and response. The stimulation protocol is dynamically optimized to achieve maximum synaptic suppression with minimal pulse numbers, adapting to the evolving neurotransmitter availability and synaptic state rather than using fixed constant-frequency stimulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If high-frequency bursts are used to maximize synaptic suppression, then suppression effectiveness improves, but the number of stimuli required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynaptic suppression effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of pulses required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using high-frequency bursts at optimized amplitudes and durations that achieve sufficient synaptic suppression without excessive stimulation. The duty cycle and pulse width are carefully tuned to provide just enough suppression to achieve therapeutic effect while minimizing the total number of pulses delivered, avoiding the inefficiency of excessive high-frequency stimulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

By structuring stimulation as periodic bursts rather than continuous high-frequency delivery, the system achieves synaptic suppression during the burst phases while allowing partial recovery during inter-burst intervals. This reduces the cumulative number of pulses needed compared to sustained high-frequency stimulation, improving productivity while maintaining suppression effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If conventional tonic stimulation is used, then implementation is simple, but synaptic communication cessation is incomplete

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation implementation simplicityVSAvoidsynaptic communication cessation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic high-frequency bursts with optimized duty cycles to achieve more complete synaptic communication cessation than conventional tonic stimulation. The high-frequency phases within each burst period drive synaptic suppression more effectively, while the periodic structure maintains operational simplicity through standardized pulse train delivery that can be implemented with常规 DBS hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent improves synaptic communication cessation by changing key stimulation parameters from constant tonic values to optimized pulsed values. Specifically, the frequency is modulated through burst patterns, the duty cycle is optimized to balance suppression and recovery, and the amplitude is tuned to maximize synaptic effect. These parameter changes enhance cessation completeness while maintaining ease of operation through programmable delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11654286B2Optimizing deep brain stimulation (DBS) pulsing based on synaptic suppression

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIV

AI summary

Embodiments discussed herein facilitate implementation of one or more DBS pulsing strategies that maximize synaptic suppression with the minimum number of stimuli. One example embodiment comprises a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to perform operations, comprising: applying deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrical stimulation according to a first mode to cause steady-state excitatory post-synaptic current (EPSC) suppression in a set of synapses; and applying DBS electrical stimulation according to a second mode that is different than the first mode to maintain EPSC suppression in the set of synapses.