Neurostimulation Probe Planning System for Fiber Bundle Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for planning the implantation of neurostimulation probes lack accuracy in positioning, as they do not consider the orientation of target fiber bundles and the direction of electric stimulation fields, which affects the effectiveness and safety of the therapy.
Innovation Solution
A system that receives anatomical and therapeutic data to calculate the optimal position and orientation of the probe, ensuring the electric field gradient is parallel to targeted fiber bundles for stimulation and perpendicular to non-targeted ones, using Diffusion Tensor Imaging and other imaging techniques to identify fiber bundle positions and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging techniques are used to visualize the target region, then the surgical plan can be created, but the positioning accuracy of the probe is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the optimal probe position and orientation before surgery by simulating electric field distributions and evaluating their alignment with fiber bundles. This pre-planning stage uses anatomical data and therapeutic information to determine the best implantation parameters, avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustments during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model of the target region with fiber bundles and simulates probe implantation in this digital copy. The optimization module calculates optimal parameters in the virtual environment, then transfers these parameters to guide the actual surgical procedure, reducing the complexity of direct real-time optimization.
2Reliability
If the probe is positioned to stimulate specific tissue regions, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the risk of stimulating nearby non-target tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the electric field distribution to create localized stimulation zones that precisely match the target fiber bundles. By calculating the optimal probe position and orientation, the system ensures that high-strength electric fields are concentrated only in regions containing the desired fiber bundles, while adjacent non-target regions receive minimal or no stimulation, thereby reducing adverse side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical trial-and-error positioning with computational optimization. Instead of relying on physical adjustment during surgery, the system uses software-based electric field simulations and optimization algorithms to determine the precise probe parameters before implantation, ensuring both effectiveness and safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrode arrays are used to steer electric fields, then 3D stimulation patterns can be created, but the probe positioning remains critical
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary optimization calculations to determine the exact probe position and orientation that will enable the electrode array to generate the desired 3D stimulation patterns. By pre-calculating the optimal configuration, the system reduces the tolerance requirements for surgical positioning while maintaining the flexibility to create complex stimulation patterns through software control of individual electrodes.
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 allows for more precise and effective neurostimulation by maximizing therapeutic effects while minimizing adverse side effects, by accurately positioning the probe to generate appropriate electric field gradients relative to the fiber bundles.
Implementation Method 1
the probe is capable of generating an electric field gradient substantially parallel to at least one fiber bundle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A system for planning implantation of a neurostimulation probe is provided. The system comprises an input for receiving anatomical data comprising information regarding a position and an orientation of at least one fiber bundle in a target region, an input for receiving therapeutic information comprising information regarding a stimulation preferability of the at least one fiber bundle, an optimization module for based on the position, the orientation and the stimulation preferability of the at least one fiber bundle calculating at least one optimal position and at least one optimal orientation for implantation of the neurostimulation probe at which optimal position and orientation the probe is capable of generating an electric field gradient substantially parallel to at least one fiber bundle with a high stimulation preferability and/or substantially perpendicular to at least one fiber bundle with a low stimulation preferability and an output for providing the optimal position and orientation.