Non-uniform Grid Visualization for Electrical Stimulation Tissue Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices lack effective visualization tools to accurately determine the extent of tissue activation by electrical stimulation, leading to potential unintended activation of neighboring tissue regions and inefficiencies in therapy parameter settings.
Innovation Solution
A computing device generates and displays graphical representations of tissue activation using a non-uniform grid of neuron representatives, allowing for precise visualization of the activated tissue area based on stimulation parameter values, fiber orientations, and anatomical structures, enabling users to adjust parameters for more targeted therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a uniform grid of neuron representatives is used to generate graphical representations of tissue activation, then computation time is reduced, but image resolution is insufficient to accurately determine the extent of tissue activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from a uniform grid to a non-uniform grid of neuron representatives, where the spacing between grid points varies based on local tissue properties and activation characteristics. This allows higher resolution in regions requiring detailed visualization while maintaining coarser spacing in less critical areas, thereby balancing computation time and image resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the grid configuration based on the electrical stimulation parameters and tissue characteristics. The non-uniform grid adapts its spacing and density according to the specific activation scenario, allowing the system to optimize between computational efficiency and visualization precision for each unique case.
2Area of stationary object
If stimulation parameter values are adjusted to activate a larger tissue area, then coverage is improved, but unintended activation of neighboring tissue regions occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary visualization of the activated tissue area before actual stimulation is applied. By displaying the predicted activation extent based on selected parameter values, clinicians can pre-assess whether the stimulation parameters will cause unintended activation of neighboring tissue, allowing for parameter adjustment in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical representation of tissue activation provides visual feedback to the user, enabling them to see the predicted effects of their parameter selections. This feedback mechanism allows for iterative adjustment of stimulation parameters to achieve the desired tissue coverage while avoiding harmful activation of adjacent regions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple versions of graphical representations for different fiber orientations are displayed, then accuracy of tissue activation prediction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tissue activation analysis by separating different fiber orientation scenarios into distinct graphical representations. Each version corresponds to a specific fiber orientation assumption, allowing users to view and compare predictions for different orientations independently. This segmentation makes the complex multi-scenario analysis more manageable and interpretable.
Data Source
AI summary
A visualization of an area or volume of tissue activated during stimulation according to a set of stimulation parameters is generated. The area or volume of activation is modeled based on a non-uniform grid of model neurons. Select portions of the grid have the model neurons more closely spaced, resulting in finer resolution graphical representation, while less closely spaced model neurons in other portions of the grid may avoid additional computation time.