Multichannel Electrode Rotating Fields for Directional DBS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep brain stimulation (DBS) systems lack energy efficiency and directional control, leading to non-selective stimulation of neuronal populations, which can result in unintended side effects and suboptimal treatment responses due to the lack of orientation-specific axonal modulation.
Innovation Solution
A multichannel electrode system with independently controllable channels that generate rotating or spatially-selective electromagnetic fields by using phase-modulated control signals, allowing for orientation-specific stimulation of axons regardless of their orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional DBS uses electric fields that are not directionally controlled, then the stimulation can be applied to brain targets, but the stimulation lacks selectivity and stimulates non-specific neuronal populations, causing side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stimulation field into multiple independently controllable channels (at least two channels), each capable of delivering electrical signals with different phases. This segmentation allows selective stimulation of specific axonal bundles by controlling the phase relationship between channels, thereby achieving orientation-specific modulation while avoiding non-selective activation of surrounding neuronal populations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different phase characteristics to different spatial locations by controlling multiple electrode channels. By assigning specific phases to each channel, the system creates localized regions of constructive and destructive interference in the electric field, enabling precise spatial and orientational selectivity of stimulation to target specific axonal orientations while sparing others.
2Measurement precision
If multichannel electrodes use current steering and shaping, then the amplitude of electrical field can be optimized over a specified volume, but the direction of electrical fields cannot be controlled to specifically stimulate axons based on their orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically controls the phase of electrical signals delivered to each electrode channel, allowing the electric field orientation to be adjusted in real-time. By varying the phase relationships between channels, the system can adaptively target axonal bundles with different orientations, providing dynamic orientational selectivity that responds to the specific anatomical configuration of neural structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase parameter of the electrical signals delivered to each channel to control the orientation of the electric field. By modulating the phase difference between channels, the system can selectively stimulate axons with specific orientations without changing the physical configuration of the electrode, thereby achieving orientational selectivity through parameter control rather than structural complexity.
3Productivity
If DBS stimulates broad neuronal populations, then treatment coverage is comprehensive, but energy efficiency is reduced and treatment precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively stimulating only the specific axonal populations that are relevant to the therapeutic target, rather than activating all neuronal populations in the stimulation zone. By using phase-controlled multichannel stimulation to target only orientation-specific axonal bundles, the system achieves effective treatment with reduced overall stimulation intensity and improved energy efficiency.
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 enhances the precision and effectiveness of DBS by enabling selective stimulation of specific neuronal populations, reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes through energy-efficient and directionally controlled bioelectrical modulation.
Implementation Method 1
Phase-modulated control signals may be sent to at least two independently controllable electrode channels to operate the multichannel electrode to generate an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Described here are bioelectric modulation systems and methods for generating rotating or spatially-selective electromagnetic fields. A modulation system includes a multichannel electrode with independently controllable electrode channels that can be operated to generate rotating electromagnetic fields that stimulate cells regardless of their orientation, or to generate spatially-selective electromagnetic fields that preferentially stimulate cells oriented along a particular direction. The bioelectric modulation system may be implemented for stimulation of neurons or other electrically active cells. The bioelectric modulation described here may be used for a variety applications including deep brain stimulation (DBS), spinal cord and vagus nerve stimulation, stimulation of myocardial (heart) tissue, and directional stimulation of muscles.