Nucleus Basalis of Meynert Stimulation with Adaptive Amplitude Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep brain stimulation systems for treating conditions like Parkinson's disease do not effectively address the unique shape and cognitive load considerations of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM), leading to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an implantable electrical stimulation lead with electrodes configured for implantation adjacent to or within the NBM, and an implantable pulse generator capable of delivering electrical stimulation with adjustable duration and amplitude over time, while avoiding periods of cognitive load and using sensors to monitor patient response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deep brain stimulation is applied to the NBM, then therapeutic efficacy for cognitive disorders is improved, but the unique shape and cognitive load considerations of the NBM make standard stimulation protocols suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation system dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) based on real-time sensor feedback regarding patient cognitive state and physiological responses. This allows the system to adapt to the unique shape and functional characteristics of the NBM, transitioning from static standard protocols to dynamic adaptive stimulation that optimizes therapeutic efficacy for cognitive disorders.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor patient response to stimulation and feed this information back to the control mechanism. This feedback loop enables the system to detect cognitive state changes and adjust stimulation parameters accordingly, making the therapy adaptable to the NBM's unique anatomical and functional properties rather than applying one-size-fits-all protocols.
2Reliability
If stimulation intensity is increased to improve therapeutic outcomes, then treatment efficacy is enhanced, but patient comfort and avoidance of cognitive load periods become compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic stimulation delivered in controlled intervals rather than continuous high-intensity stimulation. By timing stimulation periods to avoid cognitive load periods (detected through sensor monitoring), the system maintains treatment efficacy while minimizing interference with cognitive tasks, thus resolving the contradiction between intensity and cognitive load avoidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes stimulation parameters (amplitude, duration, frequency) based on detected cognitive state. When cognitive load is detected, the system reduces or pauses stimulation; when cognitive load is low, the system increases intensity to maximize therapeutic benefit. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve high efficacy without consistently interfering with cognitive functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for stimulation of a nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) of a patient includes an implantable electrical stimulation lead including electrodes and configured for implantation of at least one of the electrodes adjacent to or within the NBM of the patient; and an implantable pulse generator coupleable to the implantable electrical stimulation lead and configured for delivering electrical stimulation to the NBM through at least one of the electrodes of the implantable electrical stimulation lead, the implantable pulse generator including at least one processor configured to, upon user request, during an initial stimulation period, which is at least 1 month in duration and has a start and an end, increase over time at least one of a duration or an amplitude of the electrical stimulation from an initial value at the start of the initial stimulation period to a final value at the end of the initial stimulation period.