Integrated Brain Stimulation Probe with Tapered Optic Fiber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brain stimulation and measurement techniques, such as deep brain stimulation and optical nerve stimulation, face challenges in precisely targeting neural circuits due to the heterogeneity of brain tissue and the difficulty in accurately assessing the effects of electrical stimulation, leading to inefficient and potentially damaging procedures.

Innovation Solution

A brain stimulation and measurement apparatus with a tapered light application unit and integrated electrode unit, where the light application site is approximated to the measurement site, and the impedance of the electrode unit is controlled through insulation, minimizing tissue damage and improving measurement efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an optic fiber and recording electrode are inserted separately into the brain, then the stability of optical stimulation is improved, but the risk of brain tissue damage increases and the distance between stimulation and measurement sites increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of optical stimulationVSAvoidbrain tissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the optic fiber and recording electrode into a single integrated probe structure. The optic fiber core is surrounded by the recording electrode, allowing both optical stimulation and electrical recording to occur at the same location simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate insertions and reducing tissue damage risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The recording electrode is nested around the optic fiber core in a concentric arrangement. This nested structure allows the electrode to surround the light source while maintaining close proximity, enabling simultaneous stimulation and measurement at the same neural target with minimal tissue disruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the distance between the optic fiber and recording electrode is increased, then the stability of the apparatus is improved, but the measuring efficiency of neuronal activation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of apparatusVSAvoidmeasuring efficiency of neuronal activation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the optic fiber and recording electrode into a single integrated probe where the electrode surrounds the fiber core. This configuration ensures that the stimulation site and measurement site are at the same location, maximizing measuring efficiency while maintaining apparatus stability through the integrated structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If electrical-type micro-stimulants are used for brain stimulation, then the ability to stimulate neurons is improved, but the complexity of manipulation increases and the precision of target cell response assessment decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to stimulate neuronsVSAvoidcomplexity of manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical stimulation with optical stimulation using light-sensitive proteins (opsins) expressed in target neurons. Light activation of these proteins provides precise control over neuronal activity without the complexity of electrical manipulation, allowing selective activation or inhibition of specific neuron populations based on their light-sensitive protein expression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the stimulation modality from electrical to optical parameters. By using different wavelengths of light and controlling light intensity, the system achieves precise control over neuronal activation and inhibition, eliminating the need for complex electrical parameter adjustments while improving target cell response assessment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 apparatus reduces brain tissue damage by up to 70% and enhances measurement efficiency by closely aligning the stimulation and measurement sites, allowing for precise control of the stimulation area and accurate activation or inhibition of target neurons.

Implementation Method 1

light-sensitive proteins have been developed, which react in response to light of specific wavelength to activate or inhibit neurons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical stimulation of light-sensitive proteins: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

an electrode unit which detects an electrical signal of the living tissue in response to the signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical signal detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8652185B2Apparatus for stimulating the brain and measuring the light induced neuronal activity and method for manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2014.02.18 DIGISONIC CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is an apparatus for stimulating the brain and measuring the light induced neuronal activity including a signal application unit which applies a signal to a living tissue to stimulate the neuronal cells in the living tissue; an electrode unit which detects an electrophysiological signal of the neuronal cell in response to the signal; and an insulation unit which controls an impedance of the electrode unit. The signal application unit is formed integrally with the electrode unit, so that the site where the signal is applied to the living tissue is approximated to the site where the response to the stimulation is measured.