Neural Response Mapping for Selective Fiber Stimulation Fitting
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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 to receive stimulation signals, detect neural and physiological activity, and generate an estimate of the anatomy based on detected responses, allowing for selective and optimized neural stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If postmortem anatomical tracking of neural fibers is performed to optimize device fitting, then anatomical precision is improved, but time consumption and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary anatomical mapping during the implantation surgery itself by delivering test stimulation signals and recording neural responses, rather than requiring separate postmortem anatomical tracking. This preliminary action during implantation provides the anatomical information needed for optimized device fitting without extending the surgical procedure or requiring postmortem analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the patient's own neural tissue responses to generate the anatomical map. By delivering stimulation signals through the implanted electrodes and recording the resulting neural activity, the system self-generates the anatomical information needed for optimization, eliminating the need for external postmortem anatomical tracking procedures.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive anatomical tracking is performed to identify all neural fibers, then fiber identification accuracy is improved, but energy consumption and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to map all neural fibers comprehensively, the system focuses on identifying and characterizing only the specific fiber populations that are functionally relevant to the treatment goal. By delivering stimulation signals to different electrode contacts and analyzing the resulting localized neural responses, the system generates an anatomical map targeted at the clinically important fibers, reducing unnecessary energy expenditure on mapping irrelevant neural structures.
3Reliability
If multiple stimulation paradigms are tested to find the optimal configuration, then stimulation effectiveness is improved, but patient discomfort and procedure duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary testing of multiple stimulation paradigms during the implantation surgery by delivering test signals through different electrode contacts and recording neural responses. This preliminary characterization identifies the optimal stimulation configuration before the patient leaves the surgical setting, allowing for immediate optimization without requiring multiple follow-up visits or prolonged testing periods that would increase patient discomfort.
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
Facilitates rapid and accurate determination of neural tissue anatomy, reducing discomfort and energy consumption by targeting only functionally relevant fibers while minimizing activation of non-target ones, thus enhancing the efficiency and precision of neurostimulation.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of electrodes is configured to receive a plurality of stimulation signals
Implementation Method 2
a sensor arrangement configured to detect at least one of a neural activity or a physiological activity of the subject, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate indications of changes in at least one of the neural activity or the physiological activity in response to the stimulation signals
Data Source
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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.