Multi-segment Neurostimulation Device for Desynchronizing Neuronal Activity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep brain stimulation techniques, such as high-frequency continuous stimulation and Coordinated Reset (CR) stimulation, face limitations due to anatomical and functional inhomogeneities in the brain, leading to side effects and delayed or incomplete therapeutic effects in patients with neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for multi-segment neurostimulation that adapts to local anatomical and functional conditions using multi-channel electrodes with individually controlled contacts to deliver tailored electrical or optical stimuli, incorporating a control unit to generate control signals for direct or indirect stimulation, and a measuring unit for feedback and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-frequency continuous stimulation is used to treat Parkinson's disease, then immediate symptom relief is achieved, but long-lasting therapeutic effects are not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic Coordinated Reset stimulation instead of continuous high-frequency stimulation. The stimulation is delivered in periodic bursts with specific timing relationships between different electrode contacts, creating phase-shifted periodic actions that desynchronize pathological neuronal oscillations and produce long-lasting therapeutic effects without continuous activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the stimulation into multiple independent channels with separate control. Different groups of electrode contacts can be stimulated with different periodic patterns and phases, allowing targeted desynchronization of specific neuronal populations while preserving others, thereby achieving sustained therapeutic effects
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multi-channel electrodes with individually controlled contacts are used to adapt to local anatomical conditions, then side effects are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into multiple independently controllable contacts arranged in specific spatial configurations. Each contact or group of contacts can be activated separately to target specific neuronal populations, allowing precise control of stimulation spread and avoidance of adjacent structures that would cause side effects
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode contact array are activated with different stimulation parameters (phase, amplitude, frequency) tailored to local anatomical and functional characteristics. This allows optimization of therapeutic effect in target areas while minimizing stimulation of neighboring structures with different functional properties
3Reliability
If Coordinated Reset stimulation is applied to desynchronize pathologically synchronous neuronal activity, then long-lasting therapeutic effects are achieved, but side effects occur due to spread of stimuli to neighboring structures
Solution Approach 1:
The CR stimulation is implemented with multiple independently controlled electrode contacts that can be activated in different phase sequences. By segmenting the stimulation into spatially separated contact groups with different activation patterns, the patent achieves desynchronization of target neuronal populations while limiting stimulus spread to neighboring structures through precise spatial and temporal control
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 significantly reduces side effects and enhances therapeutic outcomes by desynchronizing neurons with pathologically synchronous activity, achieving long-lasting therapeutic effects and reorganizing disturbed neuronal networks.
Implementation Method 1
electrical stimulation is carried out via the deep electrodes
Implementation Method 2
stimulating the brain tissue or spinal cord with light
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for stimulating neurons, comprising the following - a stimulation unit which can be implanted into the body of a patient and which comprises a plurality of stimulation elements for stimulating neurons in a target areal of the brain and/or spinal cord of the patient with stimuli, and - a control unit which actuates the stimulation unit such that multiple groups of stimulation elements generate respective stimuli, wherein - each group comprises a plurality of stimulation elements of the stimulation unit, - at least two of the groups generate sequences of stimuli in a repetitive manner in a respective time pattern which consists of successive cycles, and - the sequences of stimuli generated by the at least two groups differ in terms of the number of cycles in which the sequence in which the stimulation elements generate the stimuli within one sequence is constant and/or in terms of the duration of the respective cycles.