Focused Microwave Neuromodulation for Deep Brain Circuit Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing psychiatric and neurological treatment protocols are ineffective in treating conditions stemming from abnormal neuronal circuit activity, with current non-invasive neuromodulation techniques suffering from poor depth penetration, large stimulation focus, and non-specific effects on the brain.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of focused microwave pulses (FMWP) to specific neuronal circuits within the brain, using a system that includes a microwave generator, mode converter, and brain imaging for real-time monitoring, allowing for precise modulation of neuronal activity with minimal electrical field component and maximal magnetic field component to affect the circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-invasive neuromodulation techniques are used to stimulate brain circuits, then treatment can be applied without surgery, but the stimulation focus is large and affects non-specific brain regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using focused microwave pulses that concentrate energy at a specific focal point within the brain, creating a localized stimulation effect. The microwave energy is focused through phase control and amplitude modulation to achieve precise spatial targeting of neuronal circuits while leaving surrounding regions unaffected, thereby resolving the contradiction between non-invasive approach and spatial precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical insertion methods (surgical electrodes) with electromagnetic field-based stimulation. By using microwave radiation that can penetrate the skull and focus deep brain regions non-invasively, the system substitutes mechanical intrusion with electromagnetic energy delivery, achieving both non-invasive operation and precise focal stimulation.
2Length of stationary object
If conventional stimulation methods are used to reach deep brain regions, then treatment can be applied, but depth penetration is poor and attenuation is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing microwave frequencies that optimize penetration depth through brain tissue and skull. The system adjusts frequency, phase, and amplitude parameters of the microwave pulses to maximize energy delivery to deep brain regions while minimizing attenuation. Phase control allows constructive interference at the focal point, concentrating energy where needed despite tissue absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic microwave pulse delivery with specific repetition rates and duty cycles. This periodic action allows energy to be delivered in controlled bursts that accumulate at the focal point while allowing tissue recovery between pulses, improving effective penetration depth without excessive energy loss or thermal damage.
3Manufacturing precision
If focused stimulation is applied to small brain circuits, then spatial resolution is improved, but the stimulation focus becomes too large for precise circuit targeting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using phase-controlled microwave arrays that can dynamically adjust the focal point location and focus size. The system can shift the focal point to different brain coordinates and modulate the focus dimensions by changing phase relationships between array elements, enabling adaptive optimization of focus size to match the specific dimensions of target neuronal circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional focusing capabilities by controlling phase and amplitude across multiple spatial dimensions. The microwave array can create focal points at any location within a 3D volume and adjust focus ellipticity, effectively adding dimensional control to reduce the stimulation focus size from a large planar area to a compact volumetric region matching small brain circuit dimensions.
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 FMWP system achieves improved space resolution and depth penetration into the brain, enabling selective stimulation of smaller brain circuits with reduced attenuation, effectively modulating neuronal activity and treating psychiatric, neurological, and neuroendocrine disorders.
Implementation Method 1
A method involving the application of focused microwave pulses (FMWP) to specific neuronal circuits within the brain
Implementation Method 2
with minimal electrical field component and maximal magnetic field component to affect the circuits
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide for systems and methods for modulating activity of a live neuronal circuit within the brain of a mammal. In one example, a method comprises applying a focused microwave pulse to a focal spot corresponding to the live neuronal circuit, while simultaneously monitoring a brain image produced by a brain imaging system. In this way, the focused microwave pulse may be used to transiently modulate the function of the live neuronal circuit, as guided by anatomical and functional information provided via the brain imaging system, useful for both research purposes and for treating psychiatric, neurological and neuroendocrine disorders.