Leadless Brain Stimulation via Ultrasonic Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices rely on lead-based systems, which are prone to complications such as infection, lead failure, and electrode dislodgement, and face limitations in power transmission efficiency, especially for deeper brain stimulation applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of vibrational energy, specifically ultrasonic frequencies, to transmit energy and signal information from a controller-transmitter device to a receiver-stimulator device implanted in the brain, eliminating the need for electrical leads and enabling direct electrical stimulation of brain tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lead-based deep brain stimulation devices are used, then electrical stimulation can be delivered to brain tissue, but complications such as infection, lead failure, and electrode dislodgement occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lead component entirely from the DBS system. The implantable pulse generator is positioned extracranially (outside the skull) and transmits electrical stimulation signals wirelessly through the skull bone to intracranial electrodes, eliminating the need for intracranial leads that cause infections and lead failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The skull bone serves as an intermediary medium for transmitting electrical stimulation signals from the extracranial pulse generator to the intracranial target sites. This eliminates the need for penetrating the skull with leads while still delivering effective stimulation.
2Power
If conventional lead/electrode systems are used for deep brain stimulation, then brain tissue can be stimulated, but power transmission efficiency is limited especially for deeper brain stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lead-based electrical transmission system with an electromagnetic field-based transmission system. The extracranial pulse generator creates electromagnetic fields that penetrate the skull bone to deliver power and stimulation signals to deeper brain structures without the resistance and power loss associated with long intracranial leads.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrode sites are stimulated simultaneously or sequentially, then comprehensive treatment of neurological disorders is achieved, but lead-based systems become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The extracranial pulse generator is designed as a universal device that can stimulate multiple intracranial electrode sites simultaneously or sequentially through wireless electromagnetic coupling. This single extracranial device replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate pulse generators and their associated leads, simplifying the overall system while maintaining multi-site stimulation capability.
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 allows for effective brain stimulation without the drawbacks of traditional lead-based systems, providing simultaneous or sequenced stimulation of multiple sites and enabling patient-controlled treatment of neurological disorders like chronic pain, tremor, and seizures, with improved power transfer efficiency and reduced risk of complications.
Implementation Method 1
The use of vibrational energy, specifically ultrasonic frequencies, to transmit energy and signal information from a controller-transmitter device to a receiver-stimulator device implanted in the brain
Implementation Method 2
transmit energy and signal information from a controller-transmitter device to a receiver-stimulator device implanted in the brain, eliminating the need for electrical leads
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed to stimulate brain tissue to treat medical conditions such as movement disorders, pain and epilepsy. The disclosed invention uses electrical stimulation of the brain tissue, where vibrational energy from a source is received by an implanted device and converted to electrical energy and the converted electrical energy is used by implanted electrodes to stimulate the pre-determined brain site. The vibrational energy is generated by a controller-transmitter, which could be either implanted or located externally. The vibrational energy is received by a receiver-stimulator, which could be located under the skull, within the brain, on the dura, or in the cranial space close to the brain. As a therapeutic treatment, the implantable receiver-stimulator stimulates the brain sites that are effective in altering brain activity.