Non-Invasive Scalp Electrode System for Adaptive Neurostimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation techniques for treating neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and depression, are invasive, have low efficacy, and cannot adapt to dynamically changing seizure foci, lacking a safe and less invasive method for targeted brain stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising electrodes placed between the scalp and cranium to monitor and stimulate brain activity, with a control module for detecting abnormal activity and delivering responsive and preventive electrical stimulations, allowing for adaptive treatment of moving or shape-changing seizure foci without the need for intracranial electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intracranial electrodes are used for targeted brain stimulation, then treatment efficacy is improved, but invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the skull as an intermediary medium to deliver electrical stimulation to the brain without direct intracranial electrode contact. External electrodes placed on the scalp deliver current through the skull to targeted brain regions, eliminating the need for invasive intracranial surgery while maintaining stimulation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasion of intracranial electrodes with a non-invasive electrical field delivery system. Instead of physically inserting electrodes into the brain, the system uses controlled electrical currents delivered through the skull via external electrodes, substituting a less invasive electromagnetic approach for the invasive mechanical approach.
2Device complexity
If fixed electrode positions are used for brain stimulation, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to moving seizure foci deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of electrode positions and stimulation parameters in response to detected seizure focus location. The system continuously monitors brain activity and automatically adjusts electrode placement and stimulation targets to track moving seizure foci, transforming a static electrode system into a dynamic, adaptive one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the electrode system into multiple independently controllable electrode sites that can be selectively activated based on seizure focus location. This segmentation allows the system to target specific brain regions dynamically without requiring a single complex fixed electrode configuration, enabling adaptability while maintaining overall system simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If Vagus Nerve Stimulation is used, then invasiveness is reduced, but treatment efficacy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from systemically distributed Vagus Nerve Stimulation to locally targeted brain stimulation. By placing electrodes to deliver current through specific regions of the skull, the system achieves localized stimulation of the seizure focus area, improving efficacy while maintaining the non-invasive advantage of external electrode placement.
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 provides a safe, effective, and less invasive method for treating neurological disorders by enabling targeted brain stimulation that adapts to dynamic seizure activity, improving treatment outcomes for chronic conditions like epilepsy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrode adapted for placement between a patient's scalp and cranium to monitor electrical activity in the patient's brain
Implementation Method 2
A responsive stimulation sub-system is operatively controlled by the control module to deliver an electrical responsive stimulation into the patient's brain in response to the responsive analysis sub-system. A preventive stimulation sub-system is operatively controlled by the control module to deliver an electrical preventive stimulation into the patient's brain independent of the responsive analysis sub-system, to alter the onset of abnormal electrical activity within the patient's brain.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 2E~2F
AI summary
Disclosed are medical devices for the prevention and/or treatment of neurological disorders via electrical stimulation, and methods related thereto. The devices may also be utilized to detect disorders before the prevention or treatment of a neurological disorder. These devices are minimally or non-invasive. The present medical devices comprise various components, which include electrodes and control electronics. The electrodes are targeting electrodes constructed from ring type structures or virtually connected disc type arrays. The electrodes are located entirely outside the skull. The present medical devices also comprise one or more subsystems, a control system, a battery unit, and wires connecting the one or more subsystems. These devices may also be used for acute seizure control.