Neurostimulation Device Fiber Bundle Orientation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current neurostimulation devices for treating disorders like chronic pain and Parkinson's disease lack precision in targeting specific neurological structures due to reliance on probe position alone, without considering the orientation of fiber bundles, which affects the effectiveness and specificity of the stimulation therapy.

Innovation Solution

A neurostimulation device that incorporates an input for receiving stimulation data on fiber bundle orientation and a distribution calculation module to determine an optimal electric field gradient, allowing for precise current distribution across an array of stimulation electrodes to parallel or perpendicular fiber bundles for targeted stimulation while minimizing unwanted stimulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a probe with a plurality of electrodes is implanted to stimulate specific tissue regions, then the ability to selectively stimulate target regions is improved, but the precision of targeting is still limited by the exact position and orientation of the probe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective stimulation capabilityVSAvoidtargeting precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of electrode activation patterns based on real-time feedback about fiber bundle orientations. The system transitions from static probe placement to dynamic current distribution adjustment, allowing the stimulation pattern to adapt to the actual anatomical configuration encountered during implantation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including current amplitude, pulse duration, and electrode selection based on measured fiber orientations. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes stimulation specificity without requiring perfect initial probe positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the probe position is optimized during therapy planning, then the range of stimulation patterns is improved, but the system remains dependent on exact probe placement which is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation pattern rangeVSAvoidprobe placement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically measuring fiber bundle orientations during or after implantation and autonomously recalculating optimal current distributions. This eliminates the need for perfect pre-planned probe positioning, as the system adapts to the actual placement achieved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback loops where electrode recordings of fiber bundle orientations are continuously monitored and used to adjust stimulation parameters. This closed-loop control allows the system to compensate for placement variations and maintain optimal stimulation patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If electrical charges are supplied to a subset of electrodes to steer the electrical field, then specific tissue regions can be stimulated, but nearby non-targeted tissue may still be stimulated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue region specificityVSAvoidunwanted stimulation of non-targeted tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different current amplitudes and activation patterns to different electrode subsets based on local fiber bundle orientations. By tailoring the stimulation parameters to the specific anatomical structure at each location, the system maximizes target stimulation while minimizing spread to adjacent non-targeted tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 enables more accurate and effective neurostimulation by aligning electric field gradients with targeted fibers, maximizing therapeutic impact while minimizing adverse effects on non-targeted tissues, using imaging techniques like Diffusion Tensor Imaging to identify fiber bundles and orientations.

Implementation Method 1

providing currents to the respective stimulation electrodes for generating an electric field gradient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field gradient generation: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS9572987B2Multi-electrode neurostimulation device

Publication Date: 2017.02.21 MEDTRONIC BAKKEN RES CENT

AI summary

A neurostimulation device is provided comprising an input, a neurostimulation probe, a stimulation unit and a distribution calculation module. At the input stimulation data is received comprising information relating to a stimulation preferability and an orientation of at least one fiber bundle. The neurostimulation probe comprises an array of stimulation electrodes which are coupled to the stimulation unit. The stimulation unit, in accordance with a specified current distribution, provides currents to the respective stimulation electrodes for generating an electric field gradient. The distribution calculation module is coupled to the input and the stimulation unit for based on the stimulation data determining a preferred position and orientation for the electric field gradient, and based on the preferred position and orientation for the electric field gradient, calculating the specified current distribution.