Simulating Deep Brain Stimulation Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for configuring electric deep-brain stimulation (DBS) fields for neurological diseases like Parkinson's disease rely on trial-and-error procedures, which are cumbersome, risky, and costly, as they require electrode implantation and monitoring of patient responses.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using medical image data and an anatomical atlas to simulate and optimize the electric stimulation field's coverage of a target brain area, allowing for precise electrode placement and stimulation field configuration without invasive testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trial-and-error electrode implantation is used to determine stimulation field configuration, then the stimulation can be adjusted based on patient response, but the procedure becomes cumbersome, risky, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing virtual implantation and simulation of stimulation fields before actual electrode implantation. The system uses image data to virtually position electrodes and simulate their effect, allowing the medical professional to determine the optimal stimulation field configuration in advance, thereby avoiding the need for trial-and-error implantation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a virtual model of the patient's anatomy from image data and placing virtual electrodes in this digital copy. The stimulation fields are simulated in this virtual environment, allowing evaluation of different configurations without physically implanting electrodes in the patient
2Measurement precision
If trial-and-error procedures with actual electrode implantation are performed, then patient response can be monitored, but patient risk and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of target coverage by simulating stimulation fields in a virtual model before actual implantation. This allows precise evaluation of whether the stimulation field adequately covers the target area without exposing the patient to implantation risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's anatomy and uses virtual electrodes to simulate stimulation. This digital twin approach allows precise measurement of target coverage and evaluation of different electrode positions without any physical intervention in the patient
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple trial implantations are conducted to optimize stimulation field, then desired coverage can be achieved, but time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary optimization of electrode placement and stimulation parameters in a virtual environment before actual implantation. By simulating multiple configurations in advance, the system identifies the optimal setup, eliminating the need for multiple time-consuming trial implantations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses virtual copies of electrodes and anatomy to test multiple placement configurations rapidly in silico. This digital experimentation allows precise determination of optimal electrode positioning without the time constraints of physical trial-and-error procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for determining a coverage of a target anatomical structure by an electric stimulation field. The system includes a computer to acquire patient image data and the atlas data, determine, based on the patient image data and the atlas data, target structure position data describing a position of the target anatomical structure in the medical image of the anatomical body part of the patient. The system also acquires electrode position data and stimulation field data describing an electric stimulation field around the position of the electrode. The system also includes an electrode configuring device for adjusting an emission configuration of the electrode.