Neuromodulation System for Optimizing Electrode Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep brain stimulation (DBS) technologies face challenges in accurately positioning electrodes and optimizing stimulation parameters, leading to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes and unwanted side effects due to inaccurate intraoperative testing and constant, non-varying electrical stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for monitoring neural activity by applying bursts of stimulation, detecting high-frequency oscillations (HFOs), and adjusting waveform characteristics of subsequent stimuli based on detected HFOs to optimize electrode placement and stimulation parameters, using a neuromodulation system with a lead, signal generator, measurement device, and processing unit to generate and apply tailored stimulation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant, non-varying electrical stimulation is applied using conventional DBS, then the therapy is simple to administer, but therapeutic outcomes are suboptimal and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by delivering stimulation in bursts with inter-burst intervals rather than continuous constant stimulation. The stimulus comprises a plurality of bursts delivered at a burst frequency, where each burst contains multiple pulses. This periodic pattern allows the neural tissue to recover between bursts, improving therapeutic outcomes while reducing overall energy consumption and extending battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the stimulation parameters variable rather than fixed. The burst frequency, pulse frequency, and amplitude are adjusted based on detected neural resonance characteristics. The system dynamically adapts the stimulation pattern to match the patient's specific neural resonance frequency, optimizing therapeutic effect while maintaining simple administration through automated adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of DBS parameters by clinician is performed, then the device is easy to operate, but the process is time- and cost-inefficient and leads to suboptimal outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by detecting neural resonance characteristics (such as local field potentials or high-frequency oscillations) in response to stimulation and using this information to automatically adjust stimulation parameters. The system continuously monitors the neural response and adjusts the burst frequency, pulse frequency, and amplitude to optimize therapeutic effect, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual clinician adjustment and achieving superior parameter optimization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the DBS system to automatically adjust its own parameters based on real-time neural feedback. The implanted device or external programmer autonomously optimizes stimulation parameters without requiring repeated manual interventions by clinicians, significantly reducing adjustment time and costs while achieving precise parameter optimization through self-regulation based on detected neural resonance.
3Measurement precision
If electrodes are implanted in suboptimal locations due to inaccurate testing, then the implantation procedure is simpler, but therapeutic outcomes are diminished and side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration principles by using neural resonance detection to identify optimal electrode positions. The system stimulates neural tissue at various frequencies and detects resonant responses (such as enhanced high-frequency oscillations or specific local field potential patterns) that indicate correct positioning within the target nucleus. This resonance-based method provides high measurement precision for electrode positioning without requiring complex imaging or multiple testing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying stimulation frequency and amplitude during intraoperative testing to elicit and detect neural resonance characteristics. By changing these parameters and observing the neural response (such as changes in high-frequency oscillation power or local field potential patterns), the system identifies optimal electrode positions with high precision. This approach simplifies the testing process while maintaining accuracy through systematic parameter variation and detection of resonant states.
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 improves the accuracy of electrode placement, reduces side effects, and enhances therapeutic outcomes by allowing for real-time adjustment of stimulation parameters based on neural activity, thereby optimizing DBS treatment.
Implementation Method 1
applying a first stimulus to one or more of at least one electrode implanted in the brain, the first stimulus comprising a first plurality of bursts of stimulation
Implementation Method 2
detecting high frequency oscillations (HFOs) due to neuronal activity at one or more of the at least one electrode implanted in the brain
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for monitoring neural activity responsive to a stimulus in a brain, the method comprising: a. applying a first stimulus to one or more of at least one electrode implanted in the brain, the first stimulus comprising a first plurality of bursts of stimulation, b. detecting high frequency oscillations (HFOs) between about 200 Hz and about 500 Hz due to neuronal activity at one or more of the at least one electrode implanted in the brain at least partially during application of the first stimulus; c. determining one or more waveform characteristics of the HFOs; and d. generating a second stimulus comprising a second plurality of bursts of stimulation, wherein one or more waveform characteristics of the second stimulus is dependent on the one of more waveform characteristics of the HFOs; and e. applying the second stimulus to one or more of the at least one electrode implanted in the brain.