Segmented Electrode Lead for Deep Brain Stimulation Current Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical stimulation systems for deep brain stimulation often result in undirected stimulation due to ring-shaped electrodes, leading to unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue and potential side effects, as the current projects equally in all directions without the ability to target specific positions.
Innovation Solution
The development of stimulation leads with segmented electrodes, where each electrode is coupled by raised connectors and formed into a tube with a lead body, allowing for precise current steering by directing the stimulus current to specific positions around the lead, enabling radial current steering and precise three-dimensional targeting of neural tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ring-shaped electrodes are used for stimulation, then the electrode structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the stimulus current projects equally in every direction causing undirected stimulation and unwanted side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The ring-shaped electrode is divided into multiple segmented electrodes arranged circumferentially around the lead body. Each segmented electrode can be independently controlled to deliver stimulation current, enabling directional current steering. This segmentation transforms the single undirected ring electrode into multiple directed sources, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and stimulation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the electrode array are assigned different functional properties - each segmented electrode can be activated or deactivated independently based on the specific stimulation requirements. This allows localized control of current flow direction and intensity, enabling precise targeting of specific neural structures while avoiding stimulation of adjacent tissue.
2Device complexity
If ring-shaped electrodes are used, then the electrode structure is simple, but the stimulus current cannot be directed to specific positions around the lead
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into multiple independent elements arranged in a circular pattern around the lead. This segmentation enables selective activation of specific segments to steer current in desired directions, providing adaptability for targeting different spatial locations while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system transitions from a static ring configuration to a dynamic segmented configuration where individual segments can be independently controlled. This dynamic control allows the current steering capability to be adjusted based on therapeutic needs, enabling the same device to target multiple different positions by varying which segments are active.
3Manufacturing precision
If segmented electrodes with raised connectors are used, then precise current steering is enabled, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex requiring tube formation and grinding
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented electrodes and raised connectors are pre-assembled into a tube structure before final lead assembly. This preliminary formation of the electrode array in a manageable tube configuration allows for precise positioning and connection of segments, and the subsequent grinding step cleanly removes the temporary raised connectors, leaving the precise segmented electrode structure in place.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is a method of making a stimulation lead that includes providing a pre-electrode assembly comprising a plurality of segmented electrodes and a plurality of raised connectors. Each of the segmented electrodes is coupled to at least one other of the segmented electrodes by at least one of the raised connectors. The method further includes forming the pre-electrode assembly into a tube with the tube defining a longitudinal axis. Each of the raised connectors is disposed at a radius with respect to the longitudinal axis that is greater than a radius of any of the segmented electrodes with respect to the longitudinal axis. The method also includes forming at least a portion of a lead body around the segmented electrodes of the pre-electrode assembly; and grinding the tube comprising the pre-electrode assembly and portion of the lead body to remove the plurality of raised connectors leaving the plurality of segmented electrodes and the portion of the lead body.