Neural Anatomy Estimation for Selective Electrode Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current neurostimulation techniques require tedious and lengthy postmortem anatomical tracking of neural fibers to optimize device fitting, leading to prolonged discomfort and inefficiency in selecting appropriate stimulation paradigms.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for estimating neural tissue anatomy using an electrode arrangement with multiple electrodes, sensors, and a processing unit to detect neural and physiological activity, allowing for rapid determination of anatomical properties and selective stimulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If postmortem anatomical tracking of neural fibers is performed to optimize device fitting, then anatomical precision is improved, but device fitting time and subject discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical precisionVSAvoiddevice fitting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary anatomical mapping in silico using computational models before actual device implantation. Virtual electrode arrangements are tested on patient-specific neural anatomy derived from medical imaging, allowing optimization of stimulation parameters and electrode positioning without requiring lengthy postmortem tracking or extensive trial-and-error in vivo testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a virtual copy of the patient's neural anatomy through computational modeling based on medical imaging data. This digital twin allows for virtual testing and optimization of neurostimulation parameters, replacing the need for time-consuming postmortem anatomical tracking while maintaining anatomical accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If multiple stimulation paradigms are tested to find optimal stimulation parameters, then stimulation effectiveness is improved, but fitting duration and subject discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation effectivenessVSAvoidfitting duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple stimulation paradigms are evaluated in silico before clinical implementation. The computational model predicts the effectiveness of different stimulation patterns, electrode configurations, and parameters on the patient's specific anatomy, allowing selection of optimal parameters without extensive trial-and-error testing that would prolong fitting duration and increase discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If extensive trial-and-error testing is performed for device fitting, then optimal stimulation parameters are identified, but patient discomfort and treatment time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter optimization accuracyVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a computational model as a surrogate for trial-and-error testing. By simulating various stimulation parameters and electrode configurations on a virtual representation of the patient's anatomy, the optimal parameters can be identified without subjecting the patient to multiple ineffective stimulation sessions, thereby reducing discomfort while maintaining parameter optimization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

Enables accurate, efficient, and minimally discomfort-inducing selective neural stimulation by targeting functionally relevant fibers while minimizing activation of non-target ones, reducing the need for extensive trial-and-error testing.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor arrangement configured to detect at least one of a neural activity or a physiological activity of the subject

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeural activity detection:

Implementation Method 2

Neurostimulation may involve a control of electrical signals transported through a nerve, so as to trigger or block signals transported by the nerve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical signal transport: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260014376A1System and method for neural tissue anatomy estimation and selective neural stimulation

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 STICHTING IMEC NEDERLAND

AI summary

According to an aspect of the present inventive concept there is provided a system for determining an estimate of an anatomy of neural tissue of a subject. The system comprises an electrode arrangement comprising a plurality of electrodes, wherein different electrodes in the plurality of electrodes are configured to be arranged in different electrode locations adjacent the neural tissue, wherein the plurality of electrodes is configured to receive a plurality of stimulation signals, a sensor arrangement configured to generate indications of changes in at least one of a neural activity or a physiological activity in response to the stimulation signals and a processing unit, configured to receive data representing relations between the plurality of stimulation signals and the indications of changes in the neural activity or physiological activity, wherein the processing unit is configured to generate the estimate of the anatomy of the neural tissue of the subject.