Multi-Polar Electrode for Directed Neural Signal Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neural stimulation technologies face challenges in controlling the direction of propagation of neural signals, leading to unintended modulation of organ functions, which affects the efficacy and safety of therapies for conditions like hypertension, epilepsy, and obesity.
Innovation Solution
A neural stimulation system using a multi-polar electrode with a cathode and a plurality of anodes, where the mechanical parameters of the electrode are designed to effect a controlled neural conduction block, allowing for directed propagation of neural signals by blocking action potentials in specific fiber types and directions, thereby minimizing unintended effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If neural stimulation is delivered to a target nerve, then modulation of organ functions is achieved, but unintended modulation of other organs occurs due to bidirectional propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into multiple independent contacts (cathode and multiple anodes) positioned at different locations along the nerve. This segmentation allows selective stimulation of specific nerve segments and directional control of action potential propagation, preventing bidirectional spread to unintended organs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different electrode contacts have different functions: the cathode generates action potentials while the anodes block propagation in specific directions. This local differentiation of electrode properties enables precise spatial control over neural signal propagation, ensuring therapy is delivered only to intended target organs.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional bipolar electrode configuration is used, then neural stimulation is delivered, but virtual cathodes form causing unintended action potential generation
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful virtual cathode effect is extracted and eliminated by replacing the conventional bipolar configuration with a multipolar configuration. The multiple anodes are strategically positioned and sized to prevent virtual cathode formation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized electrode array designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If neural stimulation propagates in both directions, then broader organ coverage is achieved, but specificity of therapy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode configuration enables dynamic control of action potential propagation direction by selectively activating different electrode contacts. This allows the therapy to adapt to different treatment needs, stimulating specific nerve fibers in specific directions to reach intended organs while avoiding unintended targets.
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
The system provides effective therapy while minimizing unintended effects by ensuring directed propagation of neural signals, enhancing the specificity and safety of neural stimulation treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The cathode is configured to allow the electrical stimulation pulses to evoke action potentials
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of anodes are shaped, sized, and arranged to effect neural conduction block without forming a virtual cathode. The neural conduction block includes blocking of propagation of the evoked action potentials front the cathode
Data Source
AI summary
A neural stimulation system delivers neural stimulation to a target nerve with control of direction of propagation of evoked neural signals in one or more fiber types of the target nerve using electrode configuration, thereby providing effective therapy while minimizing unintended effects. In various embodiments, mechanical parameters of a multi-polar electrode are determined to provide directed propagation of the neural stimulation by effecting neural conduction block in or near the stimulation site. In various embodiments, the electrode includes a cathode for evoking action potentials and a plurality of anodes for blocking the propagation of the evoked action potentials in specified direction(s) and fiber type(s) while minimizing the formation of virtual cathodes.