Segmented Electrodes for Deep Brain Stimulation Current Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Deep brain stimulation devices with ring electrodes suffer from minimal radial selectivity, leading to unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue and prolonged therapeutic effects due to non-directional current distribution.
Innovation Solution
The use of leads with segmented electrodes, allowing for radial current steering and multipolar stimulation techniques, enables precise alignment and targeting of stimulation volumes by shifting the centroid of stimulation in three-dimensional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If ring electrodes are used for deep brain stimulation, then the device structure is simple, but radial selectivity is minimal and current distribution is non-directional
Solution Approach 1:
The ring electrode is divided into multiple discrete contact elements arranged around the circumference. This segmentation allows independent control of current distribution to different radial positions, enabling directional current steering while maintaining a relatively simple overall electrode structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different contact elements can be programmed with different current amplitudes and pulse parameters to create localized stimulation zones. This allows precise control over the spatial distribution of current, achieving radial selectivity by concentrating current in specific angular sectors rather than uniform distribution.
2Ease of manufacture
If ring electrodes provide non-directional current distribution, then the device is easier to manufacture, but unwanted stimulation of neighboring neural tissue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the ring electrode into discrete contact elements, the system can selectively activate specific segments to steer current away from unwanted neural tissue while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard electrode fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system enables dynamic reconfiguration of current distribution patterns by programming different contact elements with varying parameters. This allows real-time adaptation to avoid harmful stimulation of neural tissue while maintaining therapeutic effect.
3Device complexity
If ring electrodes are used, then the device complexity is low, but the duration of time for proper therapeutic effect is increased
Solution Approach 1:
By concentrating current through selective activation of specific contact elements, the system achieves more efficient and targeted stimulation, reducing the time required to achieve therapeutic effects while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Dynamic programming of different contact elements allows optimization of stimulation parameters in real-time to achieve therapeutic effects more quickly, avoiding the prolonged duration associated with non-directional current distribution from simple ring electrodes.
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 enhances the precision of brain stimulation, reducing side effects and accelerating therapeutic outcomes by allowing for targeted stimulation of specific neural tissues.
Implementation Method 1
current is introduced along the length of the lead to stimulate target neurons in the brain. This stimulation is provided by electrodes, typically in the form of rings, disposed on the lead. The current projects from each electrode similarly and in all directions at any given length along the axis of the lead.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for brain stimulation, comprising: an implantable pulse generator; a lead having a longitudinal surface, a proximal end and a distal end, the lead comprising a lead body; a plurality of electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead near the distal end of the lead, the plurality of electrodes comprising: a first set of segmented electrodes comprising at least two segmented electrodes disposed around a circumference of the lead at a first longitudinal position along the lead; and a second set of segmented electrodes comprising at least two segmented electrodes disposed around a circumference of the lead at a second longitudinal position along the lead; wherein the device is programmed for incrementally shifting cathodic current from one of the segmented electrodes of the first set to an adjacent one of the segmented electrodes of the first set and incrementally shifting anodic current from another one of the segmented electrodes of the first set to another adjacent one of the segmented electrodes of the first set.