16-Channel EEG SoC for Seizure Detection and Termination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multichannel EEG systems for epilepsy detection have limitations such as a limited number of channels, lack of seizure termination detection, and invasive stimulation methods, which are not patient-specific and effective for all populations, particularly children and those with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive, patient-specific 16-channel EEG system on chip (SoC) with a multichannel analog front-end, Dual-Detector Architecture classification processor, and Pulsating Voltage Transcranial Electrical Stimulator for real-time seizure onset and termination detection, integrated into a wearable patch form-factor, addressing channel limitations and invasive stimulation concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If existing multichannel EEG SoCs use fewer than 8 channels, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and detection accuracy deteriorate due to insufficient channel coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the EEG monitoring function into multiple independent channels (16 channels total) that can be processed separately through the dual-detector architecture, allowing each channel to contribute independently to seizure detection precision while managing complexity through modular processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-detector single-channel processing to a multi-dimensional approach with 16 channels processed through dual detectors, adding temporal and spatial dimensions to the detection process to improve accuracy without proportionally increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing EEG SoCs implement seizure onset detection only, then detection scope is limited, but seizure termination detection capability is lost, reducing treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-detector architecture is designed to perform multiple functions: the first detector identifies seizure onsets while the second detector identifies seizure terminations, allowing a single system to comprehensively monitor the entire seizure cycle and provide complete detection coverage for treatment control
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous monitoring throughout the entire seizure event from onset to termination, ensuring no phase of the seizure is missed. The dual detectors operate continuously to track both the beginning and ending points of seizures, providing uninterrupted detection coverage
3Reliability
If invasive stimulation methods are used, then seizure suppression effectiveness is improved, but patient safety and ease of operation deteriorate due to surgical requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical brain stimulation systems with a non-invasive transcranial electrical stimulation approach. Instead of implanting electrodes directly in the brain, the system uses external electrodes on the scalp to deliver stimulation, eliminating surgical risks while maintaining seizure suppression capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces skin and scalp as intermediary elements between the external stimulator and the brain. The transcranial electrical stimulation passes through these intermediary tissues to reach the brain, providing a safe non-invasive pathway that avoids direct brain penetration while still achieving therapeutic effect
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
The system achieves high sensitivity and specificity in seizure detection and termination, with 95.7% sensitivity and 98% specificity, and adapts to skin-electrode impedance variations for safe and effective seizure suppression, overcoming existing system limitations.
Implementation Method 1
transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) is safe and efficient in reducing seizure frequency in drug-resistant epilepsy
Data Source
AI summary
A SoC includes an AFE to receive a plurality of differential input channels and generate digitized data corresponding to the channels, and a classification processor configured to receive the digitized data from the AFE. The AFE includes a Dual-Channel Chopper to perform channel multiplexing of two channels while simultaneously chopping the channels, a Dual Channel Charge Recycled-AFE having an Chopper-Stabilized Capacitive-Coupled IA including bias sampling capacitors that store bias values associated with the first and second channels to enable swapping between the channel, and a DC servo loop (DSL) having a reduced setting time based on a reduction in a resistance of the pseudo-PMOS in response to engaging a system reset. The classification processor includes a Frequency-Time Division Multiplexing (FTDM) Feature Extraction (FE) engine and a Dual-Detector Architecture (D2A) classification processor. The FTDM-FE includes a plurality of FIFOs configured to store, in parallel, the digitized data corresponding to the channels, a plurality of BPF banks storing BPF coefficients, and a single BPF to calculate outputs of one specific bank of the BFP banks for all of the channels. The D2A processor receives the output from the FTDM-FE and estimates a beginning and end of a seizure using two LSVMs optimized for only sensitivity and specificity, respectively.