Directional Deep Brain Stimulation for Psychiatric Disorders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for psychiatric disorders such as OCD and depression, including SSRIs and psychotherapy, are insufficient for some patients, leading to the need for alternative therapeutic approaches.
Innovation Solution
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the superolateral medial forebrain bundle (slMFB), ventral tegmental area (VTA), or ventral mesencephalic tegmentum (VMT) using implanted leads with directional and focused electrical fields to stimulate specific neural areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional treatments (SSRIs, psychotherapy) are used for psychiatric disorders, then treatment accessibility is improved, but treatment effectiveness is insufficient for some patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of treatment delivery from pharmacological/psychological interventions to direct neuromodulation through electrical stimulation. By adjusting stimulation parameters (frequency, amplitude, pulse width) and targeting specific neural circuits (slMFB, VTA, VMT), the system achieves treatment effectiveness for patients who have not responded to conventional therapies, while maintaining accessibility through implantable pulse generators.
2Reliability
If deep brain stimulation is applied to treat psychiatric disorders, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but side effects such as dyskinesia occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by precisely targeting specific subregions of the brain (slMFB, VTA, VMT) rather than applying diffuse stimulation. The directional electrodes and focused electrical fields ensure that stimulation is localized to the intended neural circuits, avoiding adjacent structures like the anteromedial subthalamic nucleus that cause dyskinesia. This spatial precision maintains treatment effectiveness while minimizing harmful side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the stimulation field into directional components using multiple electrodes arranged in specific configurations. By controlling which electrodes are active and in what combination, the system creates focused stimulation zones that can be independently adjusted to treat psychiatric symptoms while avoiding structures associated with motor side effects.
3Area of stationary object
If omnidirectional electrical fields are used for brain stimulation, then coverage area is improved, but precision and focus are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of electrical field directionality through programmable electrode activation. The implantable pulse generator can dynamically adjust which electrodes are active, changing the stimulation field orientation in real-time based on patient response and treatment goals. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the system to optimize both coverage and precision for different therapeutic scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional omnidirectional radiation to three-dimensional focused stimulation by using directional electrodes oriented along specific axes. This dimensional transformation allows the electrical field to be concentrated along the length of the lead rather than radiating outward, achieving both precise focal stimulation and adequate coverage through strategic electrode selection.
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 significantly reduces OCD and depressive symptoms within hours to days, with sustained effects over months, while minimizing side effects such as dyskinesia by avoiding stimulation of the anteromedial subthalamic nucleus (amSTN).
Implementation Method 1
generating an electrical signal; generating an electrical field; and delivering the electrical field to a superolateral branch in a medial forebrain bundle ('slMFB'), VMT, or VTA of the subject via at least one of the plurality of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of treating a psychiatric disorder and/or blood pressure disorder in a subject in need thereof. The method includes implanting one or more leads into the subject, wherein each of the one or more leads comprises a plurality of electrodes; generating an electrical signal; generating an electrical field that is substantially directional and substantially focused; and delivering the electrical field to a superolateral branch in a medial forebrain bundle of the subject via at least one of the plurality of electrodes. Provided are also an implantable pulse generator configured to deliver the corresponding electrical field via respective leads and electrodes.