Image-Guided Neuromodulation Targeting for Organ Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neuromodulation techniques face challenges in accurately targeting specific neural regions due to variations in patient anatomy and movement, leading to diffuse physiological effects and inconsistent treatment outcomes.

Innovation Solution

A neuromodulation delivery system that uses real-time imaging and a neural network to identify and adjust energy application based on the movement of the target region, allowing for precise delivery of neuromodulating energy to a specific area within the body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surgical placement of electrodes is used to deliver neuromodulating energy, then energy delivery capability is achieved, but positioning accuracy and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy delivery capabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical surgical placement system with a non-invasive extracorporeal device that uses focused ultrasound energy delivery. The system employs image guidance (optical/electromagnetic field) to target specific neural regions without requiring surgical insertion of electrodes, thereby eliminating the complexity of surgical positioning while maintaining reliable energy delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If electrodes are positioned at or near target nerves to trigger action potentials, then neuromodulation effect is achieved, but targeting precision deteriorates due to diffuse physiological effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneuromodulation effectVSAvoidtargeting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using focused ultrasound technology to concentrate energy delivery at a specific focal point within the target neural region. This localized energy concentration enables precise targeting of specific nerve fibers or neural structures while minimizing diffusion to adjacent areas, achieving both reliable neuromodulation effect and high targeting precision through spatial focusing of the energy field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates real-time image guidance that dynamically tracks and adjusts the focal point of energy delivery based on the patient's anatomical variations and tissue movement. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain precise targeting accuracy despite changes in tissue position, ensuring consistent neuromodulation effects while adapting to individual anatomical variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If accurate focusing of neuromodulating energy is achieved, then targeting precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to real-time image guidance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetargeting precisionVSAvoidimage guidance system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified system where the same extracorporeal device performs both imaging and energy delivery operations. The image guidance capability and focused ultrasound therapy are combined in one system, eliminating the need for separate surgical equipment and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high targeting precision through coordinated operation of the integrated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If manual positioning of energy application device is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to anatomical variations and movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-friendlinessVSAvoidenergy delivery consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates real-time image guidance that provides continuous feedback on the position of target neural structures relative to the energy application device. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the focal point and energy delivery parameters to compensate for anatomical variations and tissue movements, ensuring consistent and reliable energy delivery while maintaining ease of operation through automated compensation rather than requiring manual repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12514566B2Delivery of therapeutic neuromodulation

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to techniques for neuromodulation delivery. Based on image data acquired from the subject, control parameters controlling energy application of neuromodulating energy may be dynamically changed during the course of the delivery to maintain desired characteristics of the neuromodulating energy. For example, the beam of the neuromodulating energy may be dynamically adjusted to account for movement of an organ during breathing. In another embodiment, a desired region of interest is identified within the subject based on a trained neural network and the acquired image data.