Skull-Mounted DBS System with Directional Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep brain stimulation (DBS) systems are cumbersome, prone to corrosion and infection, and require large batteries and vulnerable wire leads, leading to power inefficiencies and side effects due to continuous electrical stimulation, which is costly and uncomfortable for patients.
Innovation Solution
The development of miniaturized DBS systems with on-site battery packs and directional electrodes that generate pulses only on demand, reducing power consumption and minimizing off-target stimulation by using a skull-mounted cylindrical disc cap with integrated battery and stimulator, and shaped electrodes to direct current to specific regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous electrical stimulation is used to treat neurological disorders, then therapeutic efficacy is maintained, but power consumption increases and causes side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements closed-loop DBS that delivers electrical stimulation in periodic pulses only when tremor activity is detected by the sensing system, rather than continuous stimulation. The controller monitors brain activity signals and triggers stimulation only during tremor episodes, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining therapeutic efficacy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a closed-loop feedback mechanism where brain activity signals are continuously monitored by the sensing system, processed by the controller, and used to dynamically adjust stimulation delivery. This feedback ensures stimulation is provided only when tremor is present, optimizing both therapeutic effect and power efficiency.
2Power
If large batteries and wire leads are used in DBS systems, then sufficient power delivery is achieved, but device complexity and infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery, sensing system, and stimulation delivery components into a single integrated implantable device. This merging eliminates the need for separate large batteries and vulnerable wire leads, reducing device complexity and infection risk while maintaining sufficient power delivery capability through efficient power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device is self-contained with the battery and electronics housed together, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex wiring systems. The device autonomously monitors brain activity and delivers stimulation without requiring external intervention or complex external components.
3Area of stationary object
If non-directional electrodes are used for stimulation, then coverage area is maximized, but off-target stimulation and side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs directional electrodes that concentrate electrical current along specific trajectories within the brain, rather than distributing current uniformly in all directions. This localizes the stimulation effect to the precise target region, maximizing therapeutic benefit while minimizing off-target stimulation and associated side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The directional electrodes create asymmetric current distribution patterns that are tailored to the specific anatomical target and pathology. By shaping the electrical field asymmetrically along the intended trajectory, the system achieves focused stimulation of the target nucleus while sparing adjacent structures from harmful effects.
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 significantly reduces power drain by 85% or more, minimizes side effects, and enhances patient comfort by eliminating the need for large batteries and wire leads, allowing for more precise and efficient stimulation of targeted areas.
Implementation Method 1
A battery-powered stimulator is provided that can be implanted on a skull of a user
Implementation Method 2
DBS essentially reversibly alters the local neurological structure(s) around the tip of an electrode implanted on the brain with electrical pulses
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices to reduce power demands substantially for current deep brain stimulation DBS using smart technology type applications. The invention uses miniaturized components that allow integration with the implanted probe(s) themselves, and includes a skull-sited housing having all the controls and battery power supply needed. This avoids implanting obtrusive card-deck size batteries in the chest area and the use of vulnerable wire leads under the skin from the chest area to connect with the implanted electrode(s) on the skull, improving comfort. The Generating of non-continuous pulses on demand of conditions such as the occurrence of a tremor occurs, without having to continuously run pulses at all times, substantially increasing life spans over current techniques. Shaped electrodes and their methods further reduce power demands and efficacy by directing electric fields to focus towards specific areas and regions of the brain rather than inefficient 360-degree emission.