Phase-Locked Multi-Region Brain Stimulation for Neural Synchrony
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep brain stimulation technologies operate at single sites, failing to effectively address circuit-level dysfunction and synchrony in brain regions, which is crucial for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders characterized by impaired neural connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that synchronize oscillations between multiple brain regions by receiving signals from a source region, determining their phase in a predetermined frequency band, and delivering stimulation pulses to target regions based on these phases to entrain and synchronize oscillations, using a closed-loop, phase-locked approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If deep brain stimulation is applied at single sites, then the treatment is simpler and more focused, but it fails to address circuit-level dysfunction and synchrony in brain regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the brain into multiple target regions (e.g., STN, GPi, thalamus, cortex) and applies stimulation to each region separately through independently controllable electrode contacts. This segmentation allows the system to address circuit-level dysfunction by targeting specific neural pathways while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular control of each region's stimulation parameters.
2Ease of operation
If traditional DBS delivers continuous high-frequency impulses, then the stimulation is straightforward to implement, but it cannot control inter-area oscillatory synchrony
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic, rhythmical stimulation patterns that are synchronized to the oscillatory frequency of target brain regions (e.g., beta-band oscillations in Parkinson's disease). Instead of continuous high-frequency stimulation, the system delivers pulses at specific phases of the natural oscillation cycle, enabling precise control of inter-area synchrony while maintaining operational simplicity through programmable periodic delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses local field potential (LFP) recordings from the target brain regions as feedback to detect oscillatory activity and adjust stimulation timing accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise control of oscillation synchronization by locking stimulation phase to the detected neural oscillations, achieving high precision in controlling inter-area synchrony while maintaining ease of operation through automated phase-locked delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If DBS targets a single brain region, then the treatment protocol is simpler, but it cannot effectively treat disorders involving dysfunctional connectivity between multiple regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal stimulation system with electrodes capable of targeting multiple brain regions (subthalamic nucleus, globus pallidus internus, thalamus, cortex) through a single implantable device. The system can be configured to stimulate different regions depending on the specific circuit dysfunction being treated, providing versatility for treating various disorders (Parkinson's, depression, OCD) while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through shared hardware components and programmable control.
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 enhances coherence and connectivity between brain regions, potentially improving treatment outcomes for disorders like depression, PTSD, and Parkinson's disease by targeting synchronized neural activity, which is essential for communication and functional coordination.
Implementation Method 1
delivering a stimulation signal to the brain tissue in response to the determined oscillation phase
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling synchrony in a plurality of brain regions of a subject includes receiving signals from a source region of the subject's brain, determining at least one phase of the signals from the source region in a predetermined frequency band and delivering at least one stimulation pulse to at least one target region of the subjects brain based on the at least one phase of the signals from the source region to synchronize oscillations of the source region and the at least one target region.