Indifferent Electrode Placement for MRI Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep brain stimulation systems experience unintended current flow due to magnetic flux during MRI scans, leading to excessive electrical stimulation beyond target thresholds.
Innovation Solution
A neurostimulation system with a burr hole plug and an indifferent electrode positioned proximate to the deep brain stimulation lead to reduce the area between the indifferent electrode and the DBS electrode, minimizing unintended current flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large current loop is used in deep brain stimulation systems, then the stimulation can cover a larger area, but magnetic flux during MRI scans generates unintended current flow through the extension and DBS leads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the current loop into two separate loops: a first current loop formed by the DBS lead and indifferent electrode (small area), and a second current loop formed by the extension and stimulation device (large area). This segmentation isolates the harmful magnetic flux effects to the larger second loop while keeping the first loop small to minimize induced currents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an indifferent electrode as an intermediary component positioned near the DBS electrode. This intermediary creates a dedicated small current loop that acts as a controlled path for current flow, preventing unintended current paths during MRI scans while maintaining stimulation effectiveness.
2Area of stationary object
If the indifferent electrode is positioned far from the DBS electrode, then the current loop area is larger providing more stimulation coverage, but magnetic flux generates more unintended current flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current path by positioning the indifferent electrode close to the DBS electrode, creating a small first current loop for localized stimulation. The second current loop through the extension remains large for overall coverage, but the segmentation prevents magnetic flux from creating unintended currents in the extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the indifferent electrode near the DBS electrode to create a small, controlled current loop in the critical stimulation zone. This local concentration minimizes the area exposed to magnetic flux while maintaining effective stimulation at the target location.
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
Significantly reduces the likelihood of unintended current flow generated by magnetic flux, ensuring accurate and controlled stimulation delivery.
Implementation Method 1
During magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, magnetic flux through the current loop due to MRI gradient fields can generate unintended current flow through extension 104 and/or DBS leads 102
Implementation Method 2
magnetic flux through the current loop due to MRI gradient fields can generate unintended current flow through extension 104 and/or DBS leads 102
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides neurostimulation methods and system for deep brain stimulation. A neurostimulation system for deep brain stimulation includes a burr hole plug including a cover and a base, and at least one deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead extending through an aperture defined through the base, the at least one DBS lead including at least one DBS electrode configured to apply stimulation to a subject. The system further includes an implantable pulse generator (IPG), an extension electrically coupling the IPG to the at least one DBS lead, and an indifferent electrode positioned proximate the at least one DBS electrode to facilitate reducing an area between the indifferent electrode and the at least one DBS electrode.