Individualized ECT Current Amplitude Using Brain E-Field Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) methods suffer from a lack of standardized parameters and individualized approaches, leading to variable electric field strengths that result in either insufficient antidepressant response or excessive cognitive impairment, with clinicians relying on a trial-and-error method that exposes patients to unnecessary cognitive risks.

Innovation Solution

Determine a patient's baseline E-field strength (Ebrain) through finite element modeling using structural MRI, and adjust the current amplitude by calculating the optimal E-field strength (optimal Ebrain) relative to the baseline Ebrain to personalize ECT dosing, minimizing cognitive impairment while maximizing antidepressant effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional trial-and-error ECT parameter selection is used, then clinicians can treat patients with neuropsychiatric disorders, but patients are exposed to variable electric field strengths that cause either insufficient antidepressant response or excessive cognitive impairment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantidepressant response efficacyVSAvoidcognitive impairment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter selection approach from fixed conventional parameters to individualized parameters based on each patient's anatomical characteristics. By calculating patient-specific electric field strength (Ebrain) using finite element modeling and adjusting current amplitude accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between antidepressant efficacy and cognitive side effects for each individual patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary finite element modeling and Ebrain calculation before ECT treatment to determine the optimal current amplitude. This preliminary action allows clinicians to predict the electric field distribution and adjust parameters in advance, avoiding trial-and-error approaches that expose patients to harmful cognitive impairment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If standardized ECT parameters are used, then treatment protocol is simplified, but individual anatomical variability results in suboptimal treatment outcomes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment protocol standardizationVSAvoidelectric field strength precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms fixed standardized parameters into individualized parameters by incorporating patient-specific anatomical data from structural MRI. The system calculates each patient's Ebrain and determines optimal current amplitude, achieving precision in electric field strength while maintaining operational feasibility through automated calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If higher current amplitude is applied to ensure antidepressant response, then treatment efficacy is improved, but cognitive impairment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantidepressant responseVSAvoidcognitive side effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes current amplitude by calculating the ratio of optimal Ebrain to baseline Ebrain for each patient. This individualized parameter adjustment ensures that the current amplitude is high enough to produce antidepressant response but low enough to minimize cognitive impairment, resolving the trade-off between efficacy and side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method reduces the number of ECT treatments needed by optimizing current amplitude based on individual anatomical variability, ensuring effective antidepressant response without adverse cognitive side effects.

Implementation Method 1

determining a patient's baseline E-field strength (Ebrain) through finite element modeling using structural MRI

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric Field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

baseline Ebrain is determined by finite element modeling using structural MRI of the patient's brain with a fixed placement of extracranial electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFinite Element Modeling:

Implementation Method 3

ECT uses electric current to induce seizure activity under general anesthesia

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Stimulation: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 4

applying the optimal individualized current amplitude to the patient's brain with the fixed placement of the extracranial electrodes, wherein the optimal individualized current amplitude induces a seizure activity that has an antidepressant effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeizure Induction:

Data Source

PatentUS20260027375A1Systems and methods for electroconvulsive therapy

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to methods of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for a patient's brain based on determining an optimal individualized current amplitude for a patient by (1) dividing an optimal E-field strength (optimal Ebrain) by a baseline E-field strength (baseline Ebrain) of the patient's brain, or (2) performing an initial treatment to determine a patient's amplitude titrated seizure threshold (STa), followed by use of a multiplier value multiplied by the STa for an individualized amplitude for subsequent treatments. Methods of ECT using optimal individualized current amplitude provide an antidepressant effect and reduce adverse cognitive effects on the patient's brain.