Neurostimulation Controller Sequential Electrode Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation systems, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) systems, face inefficiencies in stimulating large volumes of neural tissue due to simultaneous activation of all electrodes, which results in reduced power distribution and less effective stimulation volumes.
Innovation Solution
A neurostimulation system with a spatial array of stimulation electrodes and a controller that sequentially supplies electrical pulses to subsets of electrodes, using a pulse-generator and multiplexing unit to distribute pulses efficiently, allowing for focused and optimized stimulation of neural tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If all stimulation electrodes are activated simultaneously, then the stimulation coverage is maximized, but the power distribution to each electrode is reduced and the stimulation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller divides all stimulation electrodes into multiple subsets and activates them sequentially rather than simultaneously. Each subset receives full power during its activation period, while other subsets remain inactive. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high power distribution to active electrodes while ultimately stimulating a large volume of tissue through the cumulative effect of multiple subsets.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements periodic activation of different electrode subsets in a cyclic manner. Each subset is activated for a specific duration, then deactivated while the next subset is activated. This periodic action ensures that each electrode subset receives adequate power during its active period while maintaining an overall high stimulation coverage through the sequential activation pattern.
2Volume of stationary object
If all stimulation electrodes are activated simultaneously, then the stimulation coverage is maximized, but the overall stimulation efficiency and volume of stimulated tissue decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting electrodes into subsets and activating them sequentially, the system achieves better stimulation efficiency. Each subset receives focused power without competition from other electrodes, resulting in more effective neural tissue stimulation per unit of power consumed, while the cumulative volume stimulated across all subsets remains high.
Solution Approach 2:
The system activates only a subset of electrodes at any given time rather than all electrodes simultaneously. This partial action approach concentrates the available power on fewer electrodes, achieving excessive or enhanced stimulation effect on the active subsets, which compensates for the reduced number of simultaneously active electrodes and improves overall stimulation efficiency.
3Power
If sequential activation of electrode subsets is implemented, then power distribution and stimulation efficiency are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with segmentation of electrodes into predefined subsets, which simplifies the control logic. Each subset can be independently controlled, and the controller sequentially activates these subsets according to a programmed pattern. This segmented approach to control reduces the complexity compared to managing all electrodes individually while still achieving the desired power distribution and stimulation efficiency.
4Power
If sequential activation of electrode subsets is implemented, then power distribution and stimulation efficiency are improved, but the hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed as a universal device that can sequentially control multiple electrode subsets using the same hardware resources. A single pulse generator and control unit manage all subsets in sequence, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each electrode or subset. This multi-functional approach achieves improved power distribution without proportionally increasing hardware costs.
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 significantly increases the volume of stimulated neural tissue, achieving higher efficiency and reducing hardware costs by allowing each subset of electrodes to receive optimal power, resulting in improved therapeutic outcomes with reduced side effects.
Implementation Method 1
a controller for controlling the sequential supply of electrical pulses to different subsets of all stimulation electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a neurostimulation system, particularly for deep brain stimulation (DBS), comprising a spatial array (130) of stimulation electrodes (132) and an associated controller (110). The controller (110) is adapted to sequentially supply electrical pulses to different subsets of the stimulation electrodes (132). Preferably, the controller (110) comprises a single pulse-generator (112) and a multiplexing unit (111) for distributing the pulses to different stimulation electrodes. The stimulation electrodes (132) may preferably be arranged on probes (131).