Modular Neuromodulator for Multi-Site Closed-Loop Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep brain stimulation systems are limited by large electrode sizes, a low number of simultaneous recording and stimulation sites, and component size restrictions, which hinder the ability to effectively treat complex neural disorders like Parkinson's disease and depression, as they cannot provide high-resolution spatial coverage across multiple brain regions.
Innovation Solution
A modular system for deep brain stimulation and electrocorticography that includes an implantable neuromodulator with a high-density electrode array, an aggregator module for signal collection and transmission, and a control module for real-time processing and stimulation, enabling closed-loop neuromodulation across multiple brain sites with reduced electrical conductors and flexible configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If commercially available systems are used for simultaneous recording and stimulation, then two target sites can be monitored, but only four to eight channels per target site are available which restricts high resolution spatial coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the brain monitoring task into multiple independent neuromodulator devices, each capable of recording and stimulating at a specific target site. Each device can be configured with appropriate channel counts for its specific location, allowing high spatial resolution without requiring a single overly complex system. The aggregator module then integrates data from these segmented devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple target sites are monitored to treat brain as a network, then therapeutic effects can be confirmed from multiple regions, but component size restrictions limit the ability to implant at multiple anatomical target sites
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple small, implantable neuromodulator devices that can be surgically placed at different anatomical target sites throughout the brain. Each device is compact enough for implantation but contains full recording and stimulation capabilities. This segmentation allows the system to monitor and treat multiple brain regions simultaneously without requiring a single large implantable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The aggregator module serves as an intermediary that collects data from multiple distributed neuromodulator devices, aggregates the signals, and transmits them to the control module. This intermediary architecture enables coordination between multiple small implantable devices, allowing versatile multi-site monitoring while keeping each individual component small and implantable.
3Measurement precision
If large electrode sizes are used in current DBS systems, then simpler device architecture is achieved, but high resolution spatial coverage across multiple brain regions is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
Each neuromodulator device is equipped with electrode arrays tailored to its specific implantation location and target brain region. The electrode configurations can be optimized locally for each target site, providing high spatial resolution where needed without requiring uniform large electrodes across all sites. This local optimization enables precise monitoring and stimulation at multiple distributed brain regions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a modular system for deep brain stimulation (DBS) and electrocorticography (ECoG). The system may have an implantable neuromodulator for generating electrical stimulation signals adapted to be applied to a desired region of a brain via an attached electrode array. An aggregator module may be used for collecting and aggregating electrical signals and transmitting the electrical signals to the neuromodulator. A control module may be used which is in communication with the aggregator module for controlling generation of the electrical signals and transmitting the electrical signals to the aggregator.