Deep Brain Stimulation Targeting via Evoked Potential Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deep brain stimulation (DBS) techniques face challenges in optimizing electrode placement and stimulation parameters, leading to non-selective activation of neural elements, excessive energy consumption, inadequate treatment, and undesirable side effects due to the small size of the subthalamic nucleus, which can affect cognitive functioning.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for DBS that utilizes a plurality of electrodes to provide active stimulation, record evoked potentials, compare them to modeled evoked potentials, and adjust stimulation parameters based on the comparison, including features like peak heights, peak-peak ratios, and stimulation field models to optimize the stimulation to target the subthalamic nucleus (STN) effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DBS stimulation is applied to treat Parkinson's disease, then motor symptoms are improved, but cognitive function deteriorates due to non-selective activation of non-motor pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the STN target into multiple sub-volumes (dorsal, ventral, lateral, medial regions) and uses separate electrode contacts to stimulate each region independently. This allows selective activation of motor pathways while avoiding cognitive pathways, resolving the contradiction between therapeutic efficacy and cognitive side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) to different electrode contacts targeting specific STN sub-volumes. By tailoring stimulation quality locally to each region's functional requirements, the system achieves motor symptom relief without activating cognitive pathways
2Reliability
If stimulation amplitude is increased to improve treatment coverage, then therapeutic benefit increases, but energy consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using high amplitude stimulation across all electrodes, the patent divides the stimulation task into multiple lower-amplitude channels targeting specific STN sub-volumes. This segmentation allows adequate treatment coverage while reducing total energy consumption compared to blanket high-amplitude stimulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies stimulation only to the specific sub-volumes of STN that are necessary for motor symptom relief, rather than stimulating the entire STN or surrounding areas. This partial action approach achieves sufficient therapeutic benefit with reduced energy expenditure
3Reliability
If stimulation parameters are set too high to ensure adequate treatment, then treatment coverage improves, but undesirable side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments stimulation into anatomically-defined regions (dorsal STN for motor control, ventral STN for cognitive functions). By stimulating only the dorsal motor region with appropriate parameters, the system achieves adequate treatment while avoiding activation of ventral cognitive pathways that would cause side effects
Solution Approach 2:
Different stimulation parameters are applied to different contacts based on their anatomical location. Motor-related contacts receive stimulation optimized for motor symptom relief, while contacts near cognitive pathways either receive no stimulation or different parameters, preventing side effects while maintaining treatment adequacy
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 enhances the precision of DBS by minimizing non-target tissue stimulation, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing side effects, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy while maintaining cognitive function.
Implementation Method 1
electrical pulses can be delivered from the neurostimulator to the stimulation electrode(s) to stimulate or activate a volume of tissue
Implementation Method 2
using a second one or more of the electrodes to record one or more electrical signals indicative of evoked potentials (EPs) evoked by a target volume of the patient's brain
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing deep brain stimulation (DBS) for a patient are described. Evoked potentials (EPs) evoked by the stimulation are recorded and compared to modeled EPs. The modeled EPs are determined based on an overlap of stimulation field models (SFMs) for a given set of stimulation parameters with a target volume of the patient's brain, the target region being the source of the EPs. The target volume may include the patient's subthalamic nucleus (STN), for example. The modeled EPs are used to predict electrical signals that will be sensed at recording electrodes of an electrode lead. The recorded EPs can be compared to the modeled electrical signals to guide aspects of the stimulation therapy.