Segmented Electrode Stimulation Steering for Neural Targeting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical stimulation systems for treating conditions like Parkinson's disease and epilepsy lack precision in steering electrical currents to specific areas of the brain, leading to inefficient targeting and potential stimulation of non-target tissues.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for determining and adjusting stimulation parameters to achieve precise steering of electrical currents using segmented electrodes, allowing for directional delivery of stimulation to target neurons while maintaining a consistent maximum radius or volume of stimulation, utilizing a look-up table or model to optimize electrode configurations and stimulation amplitudes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If segmented electrodes are used to steer electrical currents directionally, then the precision of targeting specific brain areas is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple segmented contacts (e.g., 4-4-4-4 configuration) around the lead circumference, allowing independent control of each segment to steer current directionally toward specific brain targets while maintaining a manageable device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds angular/directional control capability to the traditional axial stimulation, enabling three-dimensional current steering by activating specific combinations of segmented electrodes at different angular positions around the lead
2Reliability
If electrical stimulation is delivered to treat neurological conditions, then treatment efficacy is improved, but unnecessary stimulation of non-target tissues occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Different segments of the electrode are activated with different current amplitudes to create a non-uniform current distribution that concentrates stimulation locally at the desired target while minimizing spread to surrounding non-target tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to verify lead position and stimulation field alignment with the intended target, providing feedback for adjusting electrode configuration and current parameters to optimize targeting accuracy
3Manufacturing precision
If stimulation parameters are adjusted to maintain consistent maximum radius, then the geometrical precision of stimulation field is improved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-computes and stores optimal current amplitude combinations for different programming states and desired maximum radii in lookup tables, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations during actual stimulation delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies current amplitudes across different electrode segments and programming states to maintain a consistent maximum radius geometric parameter, using pre-determined parameter sets that simplify real-time control while achieving precise geometric consistency
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a set of stimulation parameters for an electrical stimulation lead or steering electrical stimulation includes receiving a target geometrical parameter describing a stimulation field; receiving a first programming state; determining a first stimulation parameter for the first programming state that achieves the target geometrical parameter within at least 10% of the target geometrical parameter; and outputting set of stimulation parameters to be received by an electrical stimulation device for delivery of electrical stimulation to a patient via an electrical stimulation lead, wherein the set of stimulation parameters comprises the first stimulation parameter and represents the first programming state. In other embodiments, the target geometrical parameter is determined from either i) a first set of stimulation parameters or ii) a starting programming state and starting first stimulation parameter.