Split-Ring Resonator Neuromodulation With Submillimeter Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation techniques, such as deep brain stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation, face limitations in spatial resolution and invasiveness, making them ineffective for precise modulation of deep brain regions without causing thermal damage.
Innovation Solution
An implantable split-ring resonator (SRR) that generates a localized and enhanced microwave field at the gap site with submillimeter spatial precision, allowing for wireless neuromodulation by coupling microwave signals with the SRR to produce a localized electrical field that inhibits neurons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deep brain stimulation is used to treat deep brain regions, then neuromodulation effectiveness is improved, but invasiveness increases due to physical connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (physical electrode-wire-stimulator connection) with an electromagnetic field-based wireless system. The implantable antenna receives microwave signals wirelessly and converts them to localized electrical fields for neuromodulation, eliminating the need for physical connections and surgical battery replacement procedures.
2Ease of operation
If transcranial direct current stimulation or transcranial magnetic stimulation is used for noninvasive deep brain modulation, then invasiveness is reduced, but spatial resolution deteriorates to a few centimeters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by concentrating the electromagnetic energy into a highly localized focal region within the brain using the implantable antenna and microwave signal interaction. This creates a localized electrical field with sub-millimeter spatial precision at the target site while maintaining noninvasive wireless operation, unlike conventional tDCS or TMS that produce broad field distributions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an implantable antenna as an intermediary device that receives microwave signals from an external source and converts them into localized electrical fields at the target brain region. This intermediary enables wireless power and signal delivery with high spatial precision, bridging the gap between noninvasive external delivery and localized deep brain modulation.
3Measurement precision
If photons are used for single-cell modulation through optogenetics, then spatial resolution is improved to sub-micron precision, but tissue scattering prevents noninvasive deep tissue reach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the optical photon-based system with an electromagnetic microwave-based system. Microwaves have longer wavelengths that penetrate tissue more effectively than photons, while the implantable antenna provides the necessary localization capability, achieving both deep tissue reach and spatial precision without requiring optical fiber implantation.
4Reliability
If microwave signals are delivered at high dosage to achieve effective neuromodulation, then modulation effectiveness is improved, but thermal damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing microwave energy through an implantable antenna to create a highly localized electrical field at the target brain region. This concentration of energy at the focal point achieves effective neuromodulation with lower overall dosage, minimizing thermal effects in surrounding tissues while maintaining modulation effectiveness at the target site.
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
The SRR achieves submillimeter spatial precision in neuromodulation, enabling region-specific brain modulation or selective inhibition of a single nerve while operating within safe microwave exposure limits, thus preventing thermal damage.
Implementation Method 1
An implantable split-ring resonator (SRR) that generates a localized and enhanced microwave field at the gap site with submillimeter spatial precision
Implementation Method 2
allowing for wireless neuromodulation by coupling microwave signals with the SRR to produce a localized electrical field
Data Source
AI summary
A system for neuromodulation includes a split-ring resonator (SRR) comprising a resonance circuit, the SRR being implantable in a cranial target site and a source of microwave signals, wherein the microwave signals are deliverable wirelessly to couple with the SRR to produce a localized electrical field, wherein the localized electrical field inhibits one or more neurons at the cranial target site with submillimeter spatial precision.