DBS Electrode Placement via Brown Adipose Tissue Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for obesity, such as lifestyle changes and medical interventions, are often ineffective, and deep brain stimulation (DBS) methods lack real-time feedback and accuracy in targeting brain regions for optimal metabolism regulation.
Innovation Solution
Monitoring brown adipose tissue (BAT) temperature during DBS electrode placement and stimulation to identify optimal locations for DBS, using a supraclavicular temperature sensor and integrated temperature sensors in the electrode, allowing for real-time adjustments and regulated closed-loop control to enhance placement accuracy and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If DBS electrode placement relies on anatomical localization approaches (MRI, CT) and indirect targeting methods (MER), then placement accuracy is improved, but device complexity, cost, and procedural requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by monitoring BAT temperature changes in response to test stimulation. The temperature increase serves as a direct physiological feedback signal that confirms accurate electrode placement in the target brain region, eliminating the need for complex imaging and recording procedures while maintaining high placement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The body's own physiological response (BAT thermogenesis) is used as the feedback mechanism. The natural temperature increase in BAT when activated by correct DBS provides an inherent self-verification system, removing the need for external specialized equipment and expertise
2Reliability
If continuous DBS stimulation is delivered to maintain metabolism regulation, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Real-time BAT temperature monitoring provides feedback on the current metabolic state. When BAT temperature indicates sufficient activation, DBS is automatically reduced or paused, conserving energy. When temperature drops below threshold, stimulation is resumed to maintain effective metabolism regulation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous stimulation, the system uses periodic or intermittent DBS delivery based on BAT temperature thresholds. This pulsed approach maintains treatment effectiveness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption of the implanted pulse generator
3Measurement precision
If MER is used for electrode placement, then placement accuracy is improved, but procedure time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
BAT temperature monitoring provides immediate feedback during electrode advancement. As the electrode approaches the target region and stimulates BAT, temperature increases occur in real-time, allowing rapid confirmation of correct placement without time-consuming MER procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrophysiological MER recording system with a thermal sensing system. Temperature measurement provides equivalent placement verification information but through a simpler, faster mechanism that does not require specialized MER equipment or expertise
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 increases the accuracy of DBS placement, reduces energy consumption, and maintains effective metabolism regulation, potentially treating obesity and related conditions like hypertension and diabetes, while allowing for procedures under general anesthesia.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature of brown adipose tissue (BAT) may be monitored, e.g., via a supraclavicular temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
core temperature measurements may be obtained from the DBS electrode, e.g., via a temperature sensor integrated with the electrode
Implementation Method 3
Increases in BAT temperature are indicative of an upregulation of thermogenesis in BAT
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for deep brain electrode placement and deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treatment of conditions such as obesity are disclosed. In one example approach, during placement of a deep brain stimulating electrode in a target region of the brain of a patient, a temperature of brown adipose tissue (BAT) may be monitored, e.g., via a supraclavicular temperature sensor implanted in the patient, and used to identify an optimal location of electrode stimulation which causes an increase in BAT temperature. Additionally, BAT temperature measurements may be used to provide regulated closed-loop control to increase efficiency of DBS while reducing energy consumption of the pulse generator. Further, core temperature measurements may be obtained from the electrode in the brain and used to adjust DBS.