Electrode Orientation Detection Using MRI Temperature Maps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical devices face challenges in accurately determining the orientation of electrodes within tissue post-implantation due to visibility issues from MRI artifacts and potential lead movement, which can affect the efficacy and safety of electrical stimulation therapy.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing MRI data and MR thermometry to generate temperature maps, comparing baseline and subsequent temperature changes to determine electrode orientation and movement within tissue, enabling precise electrode positioning and therapy optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If MRI data is used to determine electrode orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but MRI artifacts from electrodes cause visibility issues and reduce measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode orientation detection accuracyVSAvoidMRI artifacts from electrodes

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces temperature data from MR thermometry as an intermediary to detect electrode orientation. Instead of directly imaging electrodes (which causes artifacts), the system uses temperature changes in tissue as a mediator to indirectly determine electrode position and orientation, thereby avoiding the harmful MRI artifacts while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional MRI imaging mechanism with MR thermometry. Rather than using magnetic field interactions that create artifacts with electrodes, the system uses thermal field interactions to detect electrode orientation through temperature changes in surrounding tissue, substituting one physical mechanism for another to eliminate the artifact problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If lead movement occurs post-implantation, then adaptability to tissue changes is improved, but electrode positioning accuracy deteriorates affecting therapy efficacy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelead movement accommodationVSAvoidelectrode positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature data is continuously or periodically acquired to detect changes in electrode orientation caused by lead movement. The system compares current temperature patterns with baseline data to identify movement and can trigger alerts or adjust therapy parameters, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while accommodating inevitable lead movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes baseline temperature data during an initial period when the lead is stable. This preliminary action creates a reference framework that enables subsequent detection of orientation changes, allowing the system to identify and respond to lead movement before it significantly impacts therapy efficacy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances the efficacy and safety of electrical stimulation therapy by ensuring electrodes remain accurately positioned, reducing undesirable side effects and improving therapeutic outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

the system can generate temperature maps that represent temperature changes in the tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMR thermometry:

Implementation Method 2

delivering electrical stimulation to a target tissue site... temperature changes in tissue of the patient during stimulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12588870B2Electrode orientation detection

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

Devices, systems, and techniques are disclosed for determining an orientation of electrodes within a patient. For example, method may include receiving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of tissue of a patient that received electrical stimulation via at least one electrode disposed in the patient, generating, based on the MRI data, stimulation temperature data representative of temperature changes in the tissue of the patient during the electrical stimulation, and determining, based on the temperature data, an orientation of the at least one electrode with respect to the tissue of the patient.