Interferential Brain Stimulation Device with Phase-Controlled Neural Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation techniques, such as interferential stimulation, face challenges in accurately controlling the stimulation of neural signals in the brain and nerves, particularly in selectively targeting deep regions within neural tissue while minimizing unwanted stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing high frequency stimulation signals with a beat frequency, generated by the interference between two high frequency signals, to create an interferential stimulation signal that is phase-controlled in relation to neural signals, allowing for precise stimulation of the brain and nerves by determining the phase relation between neural signals and interferential stimulation signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If interferential stimulation is used to target deep regions within neural tissue, then stimulation of deep brain/nerve regions is achieved, but control accuracy in relation to neural signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures neural signals using at least two sensing electrodes and feeds this information back to the processing unit. The processing unit determines the phase relation between the neural signal and interferential stimulation signal, and adjusts the stimulation parameters accordingly to maintain optimal control accuracy while stimulating deep regions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters including the frequencies of the first and second high frequency stimulation signals, their amplitudes, and the phase relation between them. By changing these parameters, the system optimizes the interferential stimulation effect for deep target regions while maintaining accurate control in relation to the measured neural signals
2Manufacturing precision
If high frequency stimulation signals are used to generate interferential stimulation, then selective targeting of deep neural regions is improved, but complexity of phase control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit performs multiple functions: it receives and processes measurements from the measurement unit, determines the phase relation between neural and stimulation signals, controls the stimulation generating unit to adjust stimulation parameters, and adapts the interferential stimulation signal. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precise phase control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary approach by first measuring the neural signal, then determining the phase relation as an intermediate step, and finally using this information to control the stimulation. This intermediary measurement and analysis process simplifies the direct control of complex high frequency interferential signals
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
This approach enables accurate and controlled stimulation of neural signals, allowing for the strengthening or suppression of desired brain waves or neural signals, thereby providing targeted and efficient brain and nerve stimulation without unnecessary interference.
Implementation Method 1
an interferential stimulation signal is formed through interference by the first high frequency stimulation signal and the second high frequency stimulation signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(d)
AI summary
A device (100; 200; 300) for providing brain stimulation and/or nerve stimulation of a living being comprises: a stimulation generating unit (110; 210; 310) configured to generate at least a first and a second high frequency stimulation signal for stimulating a brain and/or a nerve having a difference in frequency defining a beat frequency; a set of electrodes (102; 202; 302, 303a, 303b) configured to transmit the first and the second high frequency stimulation signal into the brain and/or the nerve for causing interferential stimulation by an interferential stimulation signal having the beat frequency; a measurement unit (120; 220; 320) configured to acquire a measurement of at least a neural signal propagating in the brain and/or the nerve; a processing unit (130; 230; 330), configured to determine a phase relation between the neural signal and the interferential stimulation signal and configured to control stimulation based on the determined phase relation.