Deep Brain Stimulation Electrode Array for Targeted Neural Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deep brain stimulation devices have non-specific delivery of electrical energy due to large electrodes, leading to side effects and sub-optimal therapeutic outcomes, as they cannot accurately target small brain features with pathological activity.
Innovation Solution
A system with a probe having an array of dual-purpose sensing and stimulation electrodes, controlled by a processor that determines and applies a spatial distribution of stimulation amplitudes based on neuronal activity, using techniques like band pass filtering and second spatial derivatives to target atypical brain regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If large electrodes are used to deliver electrical pulses, then the device structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the spatial precision of stimulation delivery deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large electrode into multiple smaller electrodes arranged in an array configuration. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high spatial precision by selectively activating specific electrodes or combinations of electrodes, while the overall device structure remains relatively simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point electrode to a multi-dimensional electrode array, adding spatial dimensions (azimuthal and axial arrangements) to the stimulation delivery system. This dimensional expansion enables precise targeting of small brain features while maintaining a structured, manufacturable device architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If a high-density array of stimulation electrodes is used, then the spatial precision of stimulation delivery is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dual-purpose electrodes that can function both as sensing electrodes for detecting neuronal activity and as stimulation electrodes for delivering electrical pulses. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate sensing and stimulation electrode arrays, while maintaining high spatial precision through the same physical electrode structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sensing and stimulation functions into a single integrated electrode array system. By merging these two functions into one structure, the patent reduces overall device complexity while achieving precise spatial targeting through coordinated sensing and stimulation operations.
3Reliability
If model-based optimization approaches are used to determine stimulation distribution, then the therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unknown conductivity parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensing electrodes detect actual neuronal activity in the brain, and this measured information is used to guide and adjust the stimulation delivery. This feedback loop replaces model-based approaches with direct measurement-based control, improving reliability by using actual observed data rather than theoretical models with uncertain parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own sensing capabilities to automatically determine the appropriate stimulation distribution without requiring external model-based optimization. The electrode array itself provides the measurement data needed to guide stimulation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on external conductivity models.
Data Source
AI summary
A system (10) and a method for deep brain stimulation are provided. The system (10) comprises a probe (11) and a processor (14). The probe (11) comprises an array of sensing electrodes (12) for acquiring signals representing neuronal activity at corresponding positions in a brain and an array of stimulation electrodes (12) for applying stimulation amplitudes to corresponding brain regions. The processor (14) is operably coupled to the sensing electrodes (12) and the stimulation electrodes (12) and is arranged for performing the method according to the invention. The method comprises receiving (21) the acquired signals from the sensing electrodes (12), processing (22) the acquired signals to find at least one brain region with atypical neuronal activity, based on the acquired signals determining (23) a spatial distribution of stimulation amplitudes over the array of stimulation electrodes (12), and applying (24) the spatial distribution of stimulation amplitudes to the array of stimulation electrodes (12) in order to stimulate the at least one region with atypical neuronal activity.