Lead Body Control Unit for Precise Neurostimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for neurostimulation and neuromodulation therapies face limitations in precisely delivering electrical signals to targeted areas due to a limited number of transducer contacts, leading to potential over-stimulation of non-targeted areas and side effects such as speech and memory issues.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a control unit within the electrical lead body, positioned close to transducer contacts, allows for a greater number of output wires and transducer contacts, enabling precise signal delivery by amplifying the number of filaments that can be used without increasing the lead diameter, thus accommodating more transducer contacts for finer control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of transducer contacts is increased to improve signal delivery precision, then the precision of signal delivery to targeted areas is improved, but the lead diameter must be increased which is not acceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is positioned within the lead body, nesting additional functional components inside the existing lead structure. This allows the lead to accommodate more transducer contacts (up to 64) without increasing the outer diameter, as the control unit and additional wiring are integrated within the existing lead body volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit enables multiplexing of signals, allowing multiple transducer contacts to be controlled through fewer input wires. This dimensional transformation in signal routing (from one-to-one wiring to many-to-one multiplexed control) allows precision delivery to multiple contacts without proportionally increasing lead complexity or diameter.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If more transducer contacts are used to reduce over-stimulation of non-targeted areas, then side effects are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the implantable device and the transducer contacts. It receives signals from the implantable device, processes them through multiplexing, and delivers precise signals to specific transducer contacts. This intermediary function enables precise control of multiple contacts while keeping the implantable device itself relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically changes signal parameters (which transducer contacts are active, signal timing, signal amplitude) based on therapeutic needs. This parameter control allows selective stimulation of targeted areas while avoiding over-stimulation of non-targeted areas, reducing side effects without requiring physical complexity in the implantable device.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for modulating a physiological process are provided to enable precise delivery of signals to a predetermined treatment site. The systems may comprise an implantable device and an electrical lead body. The electrical lead body may comprise a plurality of transducer contacts in close proximity to an end of the electrical lead body, and a control unit positioned within the lead body in close proximity to the plurality of transducer contacts.