Non-invasive Deep Brain Stimulation via Intersecting Electrode Trajectories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive transcranial electrical deep brain stimulation methods face limitations in precision and duration of treatment due to high resistance and limited effectiveness in targeting specific brain areas, leading to unsatisfactory long-term treatment outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for transcranial alternating current stimulation using a special electrode arrangement and high-frequency alternating current signals to focus energy on target brain areas, with intersecting stimulation trajectories and pulsed signals to enhance stimulation intensity and reduce adjacent area stimulation, allowing for longer treatment phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-invasive transcranial electrical stimulation is used to avoid surgical risks, then patient safety is improved, but stimulation precision and effectiveness in targeting specific brain areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scalp is divided into multiple discrete electrode positions arranged in a grid pattern, allowing selective activation of specific electrode pairs to target different brain regions. This segmentation enables precise control of current trajectories without requiring surgical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Different electrode pairs are activated selectively based on the specific brain region to be stimulated. The system applies current locally to targeted areas by choosing specific electrode combinations, creating localized stimulation effects while avoiding unnecessary exposure of surrounding brain regions.
2Power
If high-frequency alternating current signals are applied to overcome scalp resistance, then stimulation intensity is improved, but energy consumption and potential tissue heating increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies alternating current at high frequencies to overcome scalp resistance and achieve effective brain stimulation. The periodic nature of the alternating current allows sustained stimulation while managing thermal effects through cyclic reversal of current direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation is applied continuously over extended treatment phases (up to several hours) to achieve long-term therapeutic effects. The system maintains continuous useful action through prolonged application of optimized current parameters.
3Productivity
If multiple electrode pairs are activated simultaneously to enhance stimulation coverage, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but selectivity for target brain areas and reduction of adjacent area stimulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is segmented into multiple independent pairs that can be activated separately. This allows the system to target multiple brain regions with different electrode pairs while maintaining selectivity, as each pair can be controlled independently to focus current on specific targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific electrode pairs based on real-time treatment requirements. The dynamic control allows adjustment of which electrode pairs are active, enabling flexible targeting of different brain regions and optimization of selectivity for each treatment session.
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 achieves targeted and effective brain area stimulation with increased long-term effects and reduced impact on surrounding brain regions, enabling longer treatment phases without invasive intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a signal generator (2a, 2b) for producing electrical alternating current signals, in particular high-frequency alternating current signals
Implementation Method 2
taking into account a higher resistance, i.e. contact resistance between electrodes and the head or scalp of the patient
Implementation Method 3
The AC signal has a frequency of between 0.1 Hz and 2.5 KHz... at least two alternating current signals can be applied by means of the electrode arrangement, the trajectories of which cross the brain area to be treated or the target region
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for transcranial, non-invasive, electrical deep-brain stimulation, of the kind used in particular in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders and of disturbances of the motor/cognitive functions in the human brain, wherein the device has at least one signal generator for generating an electrical alternating-current signal, an electrode arrangement, which can be placed on the head of a person to be treated and can be connected electrically to the signal generator so as to apply an alternating-current signal, wherein the electrode arrangement can be used to apply at least two alternating-current signals, of which the trajectories cross the region of the brain to be treated, such that their alternating currents are superposed, as a result of which the region of the brain to be treated is stimulated by electrical alternating currents in a targeted manner, whereas adjacent regions of the brain are stimulated only slightly or not at all.