Segmented Electrodes with Non-Perpendicular Legs for DBS Leads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ring-shaped electrodes in implantable electrical stimulation systems for deep brain stimulation deliver current equally in all directions, leading to undirected stimulation and potential unwanted effects on neighboring neural tissue, as they cannot be precisely directed to specific positions around the electrode.
Innovation Solution
The development of segmented electrodes that extend partially around the circumference of the lead, allowing for current steering by varying the angular distribution of stimulation, enabling precise targeting of neural tissue while minimizing stimulation of other tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ring-shaped electrodes are used to deliver stimulation current, then the electrode structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the stimulation current cannot be directed to specific positions and uniformly stimulates all surrounding neural tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple segmented electrodes arranged around the lead circumference, allowing independent control of each segment. This segmentation enables directional stimulation by activating only the segments facing the target neural tissue, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and precise targeting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode configuration transitions from a static ring shape to dynamically controllable segmented electrodes with independent activation. This allows the stimulation pattern to be adapted in real-time to target different neural structures, achieving precision without sacrificing manufacturing simplicity
2Device complexity
If ring-shaped electrodes deliver current equally in all directions, then the electrode design is simple, but unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue occurs causing side effects
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the electrode into multiple independently controllable elements, the stimulation can be focused on the target tissue while leaving neighboring regions unstimulated. This reduces side effects without significantly increasing device complexity, as the segmented structure follows a simple modular pattern
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the electrode can be activated with different current intensities and patterns tailored to the specific neural target. This local customization of stimulation quality allows precise targeting while minimizing exposure of surrounding healthy tissue to harmful stimulation levels
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of making an electrical stimulation lead method includes attaching a pre-electrode to a lead body. The pre-electrode is a single, unitary, undifferentiated construct with a ring-shaped exterior. The method further includes attaching a plurality of conductor wires to the pre-electrode; and, after coupling to the lead body, removing an outer portion of the pre-electrode to separate remaining portions of the pre-electrode into a plurality of segmented electrodes spaced around the circumference of the lead body. When separated, each of the segmented electrodes includes a body and at least one leg extending inwardly from the body. The body defines an external stimulating surface and each of the at least one leg has an outer surface. For at least one of the at least one leg, the outer surface of the leg forms a non-perpendicular angle with the external stimulating surface of the body.