Implantable Conductive Stimulation Device for Neurological Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) technologies face challenges in effectively targeting brain areas due to the skull's poor conductivity, leading to inefficiencies in current delivery and potential adverse effects such as skin irritation and complications during implantation.
Innovation Solution
A conductive implantable stimulation device with a passive conductive member sized for under-the-skull implantation, featuring a conductive interface for extracranial stimulation, which reduces skull impedance and allows for more effective current delivery to brain regions with increased accuracy and reduced side effects, using wireless induction and minimally-invasive implantation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is applied to modulate brain activity, then therapeutic effects can be achieved, but the skull's poor conductivity causes nearly 50% of current to be lost and requires increased output current which creates adverse sensations and skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an implantable conductive device as an intermediary between the external stimulator and the brain tissue. This intermediary device bypasses the skull's poor conductivity by being implanted directly into the brain or on the brain surface, allowing efficient current delivery without requiring high external currents that cause skin irritation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the non-invasive external tDCS system with an implantable device that delivers current directly to target brain regions. This substitution eliminates the need for current to pass through the skull and skin, thereby avoiding skin irritation while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
2Measurement precision
If deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes are implanted close to deep brain structures to specifically target these structures, then precise stimulation can be achieved, but installation is expensive and can lead to serious adverse effects such as stroke and cerebral infections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stimulation system into separate components: an implantable conductive element positioned near the target brain region and an external stimulator. This segmentation allows precise targeting through the implantable element while avoiding the risks of implanting complex DBS electrodes with batteries and generators inside the skull
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the stimulator component from the implantable device, placing it externally while leaving only a simple conductive element implanted in the brain. This extraction eliminates the need for complex internal power sources and control electronics, reducing the risk of stroke and cerebral infections associated with traditional DBS implantation
3Reliability
If DBS or MCS devices are implanted to treat chronic diseases, then effective treatment can be achieved, but technically complicated equipment requires periodical maintenance, battery charging or changing that needs to be completed in an operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an implantable conductive element as a mediator that requires no internal power source or electronics. The element is passively implanted and activated by an external stimulator, eliminating the need for battery replacement or complex maintenance procedures that would require surgical intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable conductive element is designed to be self-sufficient with no moving parts, power sources, or electronic components requiring maintenance. The device simply conducts current when activated externally, making it maintenance-free and eliminating the need for periodic surgical interventions for battery replacement
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 solution enables more powerful and accurate stimulation with lower current usage, reducing adverse effects and postoperative complications, while allowing for targeted brain area coverage without the need for internal stimulators or batteries, and facilitating maintenance-free operation.
Implementation Method 1
the first member comprises a conductive interface adapted for extracranial stimulation
Implementation Method 2
using wireless induction and minimally-invasive implantation techniques
Data Source
AI summary
A conductive implantable stimulation device for implantation at the head of a subject to treat a neurological disease, comprising a first passive conductive member, wherein the first member is sized and configured for being implanted under the skull bone of the patient, and wherein the first member comprises a conductive interface adapted for extracranial stimulation.