Dynamic Coordinated Reset Neurostimulator for Parkinson's Desynchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deep brain stimulation techniques, such as classical high-frequency stimulation, provide only short-lasting relief for Parkinson's disease symptoms and fail to maintain desynchronization of neuronal activity, leading to the reemergence of abnormal oscillatory activity.
Innovation Solution
A neurostimulator that activates a set of electrodes at non-uniform onset times throughout a cycle period, taking into account synaptic connectivity and refractory periods to achieve dynamic timing of stimulation pulses, thereby enhancing desynchronization and prolonging therapeutic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional high-frequency stimulation is used, then immediate relief of Parkinson's disease symptoms is achieved, but the therapeutic effect is short-lasting and abnormal oscillatory activity reemerges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static, fixed-frequency stimulation to dynamic, adaptive frequency modulation. The stimulation frequency is continuously adjusted based on real-time neuronal activity feedback, allowing the system to maintain optimal desynchronization effects and adapt to changing neuronal states, thereby extending the duration of therapeutic effect and preventing reemergence of abnormal oscillations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where neuronal activity is continuously monitored and used to modulate stimulation parameters. This closed-loop approach allows the system to detect when desynchronization is waning and automatically adjust stimulation frequency or intensity to maintain therapeutic effects, directly addressing the problem of short-lasting relief and reemergence of abnormal activity
2Adaptability or versatility
If static coordinated reset stimulation is used, then desynchronization is achieved, but the timing pattern is too simple and does not account for synaptic connectivity and refractory periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static timing patterns into dynamic, adaptive timing that incorporates synaptic connectivity and refractory period information. The system continuously adjusts inter-pulse intervals based on neuronal state, making the stimulation protocol adaptable to the complex dynamics of neural networks while managing computational requirements through efficient algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modulating stimulation frequency, pulse width, and inter-pulse intervals based on real-time neuronal activity and model predictions. These dynamic parameter adjustments allow the system to account for synaptic connectivity and refractory periods, enhancing adaptability to neural dynamics without requiring overly complex device architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A neurostimulator is configured to activate a set of N electrodes, which are each adapted to stimulate at least a portion of a population of neurons when activated and applied in an invasive manner, at respective onset times T1 . . . TN throughout a cycle period T. N is an integer larger than two and the cycle period T is defined as a time period within which each of the N electrodes is activated exactly once. The onset times T1 . . . TN are not arranged substantially uniformly throughout the cycle period T.