Skull Apertures for Focused Neuromodulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation techniques face limitations in focusing electrical stimulation on target brain areas due to the diffusive nature of electrical fields through the skull, leading to unfocused and undesirable stimulation, particularly with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and are constrained by safe charge densities at the electrode-tissue interface for implanted systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of a skull/brain interface system that creates apertures or uses preexisting fenestrations in the skull to facilitate direct conduction of neuromodulation signals, including electrical, thermal, and optical forms, using ion-permeable transcranial channels that enhance conduction while minimizing tissue interaction and preventing unwanted conduction paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is used to deliver neuromodulation through the skull, then electrical stimulation can be applied to the brain, but the electrical fields become diffusive leading to unfocused and undesirable stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the skull into multiple discrete access points (apertures or fenestrations) rather than attempting to stimulate through the entire skull surface. This segmentation allows focused delivery of neuromodulation signals to specific brain regions beneath each aperture, preventing the diffusive spread that occurs with conventional tDCS.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates localized conduction paths through the skull at specific apertures or fenestrations, providing high electrical conductivity precisely where needed beneath each aperture. This local enhancement of conductivity ensures that stimulation current flows preferentially through these targeted paths rather than diffusing broadly across the skull, achieving both ease of operation and spatial precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If apertures are created in the skull to improve conduction, then focused neuromodulation is achieved, but the complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates apertures or utilizes preexisting fenestrations in the skull that serve multiple functions: they provide access for focused electrical stimulation, allow for optical stimulation delivery, enable thermal management, and permit placement of recording electrodes. This multi-functionality justifies the procedural complexity by achieving superior spatial resolution across multiple modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The apertures or fenestrations act as intermediaries between external stimulation devices and targeted brain regions. Rather than requiring direct implantation of complex electrode arrays into the brain, the apertures provide controlled access points that mediate the delivery of focused stimulation while maintaining a simpler overall procedure.
3Reliability
If conventional electrodes are used at the electrode-tissue interface, then electrical stimulation can be delivered, but safe charge densities constrain the effectiveness of neuromodulation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the electrode-tissue interface by creating apertures in the skull that reduce the contact area between electrodes and tissue. This parameter change (reducing interface area) allows for higher current densities to be delivered safely, thereby increasing neuromodulation efficacy while maintaining safety through controlled, localized delivery rather than diffuse spread.
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 allows for more focused and efficient neuromodulation, improved spatial resolution in sensing brain activity, and safer delivery of neuromodulatory signals, reducing tissue interaction and enhancing the efficacy of neuromodulation and neurosensing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
facilitate direct conduction of neuromodulation signals, including electrical, thermal, and optical forms
Implementation Method 2
facilitate direct conduction of neuromodulation signals, including electrical, thermal, and optical forms
Implementation Method 3
using ion-permeable transcranial channels that enhance conduction while minimizing tissue interaction
Implementation Method 4
facilitate direct conduction of neuromodulation signals, including electrical, thermal, and optical forms
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems induce neuromodulation by focusing a source of stimulation through a skull/brain interface in the form of an aperture formed in the skull, a naturally occurring fenestration in the skull, or a transcranial channel. Methods, devices, and systems identify where to locate skull/brain interfaces, accessories that can be used with the interfaces, and features for controlling stimulation delivered through the interfaces. Multiple indications for the skull/brain interfaces include diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders and conditions such as epilepsy, movement disorders, depression, Alzheimer's disease, autism, coma, and pain.