Helical Segmented Electrodes for Deep Brain Stimulation Leads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep brain stimulation methods using ring electrodes lack radial selectivity, leading to unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue, side effects, and dead spots, requiring frequent adjustments in lead positioning and orientation to achieve therapeutic effects.
Innovation Solution
The use of a lead with a plurality of segmented electrodes arranged in a substantially helical path about a cylindrical lead, allowing for three-dimensional current steering and precise control of stimulation profiles by positioning and configuring the electrodes' center points along the lead's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ring electrodes are used for deep brain stimulation, then the stimulation can be provided to target neurons, but radial selectivity is minimal leading to unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The ring electrode is divided into multiple segmented electrodes arranged in a helical pattern around the lead body. This segmentation allows independent control of current flow from each electrode segment, enabling selective stimulation of target neurons while minimizing activation of surrounding neural tissue through precise current steering capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode arrangement transitions from a traditional single-plane ring configuration to a three-dimensional helical configuration wrapping around the lead body. This dimensional change enables current to be directed radially in multiple directions simultaneously, providing superior radial selectivity and eliminating dead spots that exist in planar electrode arrangements.
2Reliability
If ring electrodes are used for deep brain stimulation, then stimulation can be provided, but dead spots or voids exist within the stimulation profile requiring lead repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The helical arrangement of electrodes around the lead body creates a three-dimensional stimulation field that eliminates radial voids and dead spots present in traditional ring electrode configurations. Current can be distributed uniformly across all radial directions, ensuring complete coverage of the target neural tissue without requiring lead repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic current steering by selectively activating different combinations of helical electrode segments. This dynamic control allows the stimulation profile to be adjusted in real-time to match the specific anatomical target, maximizing therapeutic effectiveness and eliminating the need for physical lead repositioning when dead spots are encountered.
3Productivity
If traditional ring electrodes are used, then stimulation is provided in all directions, but the configuration lacks radial selectivity and requires frequent positioning adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The lead incorporates multiple segmented electrodes arranged helically around the body, with each segment capable of independent current delivery. This segmentation provides precise radial selectivity, allowing the operator to target specific neural structures while avoiding adjacent tissue, thereby reducing the need for frequent positioning adjustments and improving procedural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables independent control of current amplitude, polarity, and activation timing for each helical electrode segment. By adjusting these electrical parameters, the stimulation profile can be optimized for different target structures without requiring physical repositioning of the lead, significantly improving ease of operation and reducing procedure time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for brain stimulation includes a lead having a longitudinal surface, a proximal end and a distal end; and a plurality of electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead near the distal end of the lead. The plurality of electrodes includes at least four segmented electrodes having exposed surfaces where each exposed surface has a center point. The center points of the at least four segmented electrodes are disposed on a substantially helical path about the longitudinal surface of the lead.