Invasive Multichannel Desynchronizing Stimulation Across Frequency Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing desynchronization techniques for abnormal neuronal synchrony, such as CR stimulation, face challenges in frequency adjustment and calibration demands, leading to resonance-like effects and limited ability to treat multiple frequency bands simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A multichannel desynchronizing stimulation method involving randomly distributed inter-stimulation times and spatially random stimulation sites, which targets synaptic weight dynamics in plastic neuronal networks, reducing excitatory synaptic weights to achieve desynchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coordinated reset (CR) stimulation is used to treat abnormal neuronal synchrony, then desynchronization of pathological oscillations can be achieved, but frequency adjustment is complex and requires precise calibration of stimulation frequency to match dominant frequency of abnormal oscillation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stimulation frequency parameter from a fixed value matched to pathological oscillation frequency to a time-varying sequence that visits multiple frequencies. This allows the system to achieve desynchronization across multiple frequency bands without requiring precise calibration to a single dominant frequency, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation frequency is made dynamic rather than static. The controller implements a frequency sequence that changes over time, allowing the system to adapt to different pathological frequency bands automatically. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for manual frequency matching calibration while maintaining therapeutic effect
2Reliability
If CR stimulation is used with properly spaced stimulation sites, then desynchronization can be achieved, but significant calibration demands are imposed for selecting adequate stimulation sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the stimulation system universal by enabling it to effectively treat multiple frequency bands simultaneously through frequency hopping. This multi-functionality allows the same stimulation sites to be effective across different pathological conditions without requiring precise optimization for each specific frequency, reducing calibration demands
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the frequency parameter over time rather than keeping it fixed, the system can achieve effective stimulation with less precise spatial positioning. The time-varying frequency compensates for less precise site selection, allowing broader acceptance of stimulation site placements
3Ease of operation
If stimulation frequency is not properly adjusted to dominant frequency of abnormal oscillation, then calibration is simplified, but resonance-like effects occur causing strong and unwanted increase of neural synchrony
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic variation of stimulation frequency in a hopping sequence. This periodic change prevents the stimulation from locking onto any single pathological frequency, thereby avoiding resonance effects while maintaining ease of operation without precise frequency matching
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic frequency sequence continuously changes the stimulation parameters, preventing the system from settling into a resonant state with pathological oscillations. This dynamic approach eliminates harmful resonance effects while requiring minimal calibration effort
4Measurement precision
If CR stimulation targets a specific dominant frequency, then focused treatment can be achieved, but ability to treat multiple pathological frequency bands simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency hopping sequence periodically visits multiple frequency bands, allowing the system to treat multiple pathological conditions simultaneously. This periodic multi-frequency stimulation maintains precision for each individual frequency while achieving versatility across frequency bands
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic frequency sequence allows the system to adapt to multiple frequency bands over time. By switching between frequencies dynamically, the system achieves both precise targeting of individual frequencies and versatile treatment of multiple frequency bands simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for treatment of a patient using multichannel desynchronizing stimulation includes: (1) n stimulation contacts, with n being 2 or greater; (2) a signal generator connected to the n stimulation contacts; and (3) a controller connected to the signal generator to direct operation of the signal generator, wherein the controller is configured to direct the signal generator to apply a sequence of stimuli through the n stimulation contacts, such that inter-stimulation times in the sequence are time-varying, and successive stimuli in the sequence are non-overlapping in time.