Selective Neural Modulation via Independent Current Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) techniques face challenges in effectively stimulating multiple brain regions with different sets of stimulation parameters, often resulting in inadequate treatment or side effects due to the need for multiple leads and increased surgical intervention.
Innovation Solution
The method involves identifying specific neural targets for excitation and suppression using distinct stimulation waveforms with opposite polarities applied through implanted electrodes in different brain regions, allowing for concurrent modulation of distinct neural populations, such as PV-GPe and Lhx6-GPe neurons, to optimize therapeutic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple stimulation leads are implanted to stimulate different brain regions with different parameters, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but surgical trauma and risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple stimulation leads into a single lead system with multiple electrodes positioned at different locations within the same brain region (GPi). This allows delivery of different stimulation parameters to different neural populations through a single surgical intervention, thereby maintaining therapeutic effectiveness while reducing surgical trauma and risk associated with multiple separate lead implantations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the stimulation function by using a single lead with multiple independently controllable electrodes that can target different neural populations (e.g., PV-GPe neurons and Lhx6-GPe neurons). Each electrode or electrode combination can deliver customized stimulation parameters, effectively segmenting the therapeutic function across multiple targets within one lead system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple neurostimulators are implanted to deliver different stimulation parameters to multiple brain regions, then stimulation precision is improved, but device complexity and surgical intervention increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality within a single neurostimulator by enabling it to control multiple electrodes on a single lead, each capable of delivering different stimulation parameters to different neural populations. The neurostimulator can independently program and deliver customized waveforms (e.g., high-frequency for PV-GPe, low-frequency for Lhx6-GPe) through different electrode combinations, making one device perform the function of multiple separate neurostimulators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple neurostimulator functions into a single device that can simultaneously or sequentially control multiple electrodes with different stimulation parameters. This consolidation reduces the number of implanted devices from multiple to one, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the precision needed for selective neural population modulation.
3Productivity
If rapid cycling of stimulation through multiple brain regions is used, then multiple regions are stimulated with different parameters, but helicopter effect and side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by delivering stimulation in structured sequences rather than rapid cycling. Different stimulation parameters are applied to different electrode combinations in a controlled temporal pattern that allows each neural population to receive its optimal stimulation without the disruptive helicopter effect. The periodic delivery enables thorough modulation of multiple neural populations while avoiding the harmful rapid switching associated with traditional cycling methods.
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 enables more precise and effective treatment of neurological disorders by allowing for tailored stimulation of multiple brain regions with reduced surgical trauma and risk, improving therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects.
Implementation Method 1
exciting the first neural target using a first one or more stimulation waveforms comprising one or more pulses having a first polarity, and suppressing the second neural target using a second one or more stimulation waveforms comprising one or more pulses having a second polarity opposite of the first polarity
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of providing electrical neural modulation to a patient's brain are disclosed herein. The methods involve differentially modulating two or more target regions of the brain. For example, a first target region may be provided with an electrical neural modulation signal that activates that target region while a second target region is provided with an electrical neural modulation signal that suppresses or deactivates that target region. As the implantable pulse generators (IPGs) described herein include independent current sources, such differential modulation can be provided with a single IPG.