Radially-Aligned Segmented Electrodes for Neural Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical stimulation leads with ring-shaped electrodes cannot direct stimulus current to specific positions, leading to unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue and potential side effects during deep brain stimulation procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrical stimulation leads with multiple sets of radially-aligned segmented electrodes, which allow for precise current steering by directing stimulus current to specific areas around the lead, using a method that involves attaching segmented electrodes to a carrier, forming a cylinder, and molding a lead body around them, with optional grinding to separate the electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ring-shaped electrodes are used for electrical stimulation, then the stimulus current can be delivered to the brain, but the current cannot be directed to specific positions and will stimulate neighboring neural tissue causing unwanted side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The ring electrode is divided into multiple segmented electrodes that can be independently controlled. Each segment can be activated or deactivated to direct the stimulus current to specific positions around the ring, enabling precise spatial targeting and avoiding unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the ring electrode can be activated with different current intensities or patterns to create localized stimulation zones. This allows the stimulus current to be concentrated on specific positions around the ring while minimizing current spread to adjacent areas, achieving spatially selective neural stimulation.
2Manufacturing precision
If segmented electrodes are used to enable precise current steering, then specific positions can be targeted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode ring is segmented into multiple independent electrodes, each capable of being independently activated. This segmentation enables precise control over current distribution around the ring, allowing selective stimulation of specific neural targets while avoiding adjacent structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple segmented electrodes are combined into a single integrated lead structure with common insulation and support. The segments share common electrical connections and structural elements, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to independently control each segment for precise current steering.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a stimulation lead includes attaching multiple segmented electrodes to a carrier. Each of the segmented electrodes has a curved form extending over an arc in the range of 10 to 345 degrees. The method further includes attaching conductors to the segmented electrodes; forming the carrier into a cylinder with segmented electrodes disposed within the cylinder; molding a lead body around the segmented electrodes disposed on the carrier; and removing at least a portion of the carrier to separate the segmented electrodes.