Steerable Tissue Stimulation Lead with 2D Electrode Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neurological disorder treatments, such as drug therapy and resective surgery, have limitations like side effects and reversibility issues, while neurostimulation therapy requires precise targeting of electrical stimuli, which can be challenging due to limited flexibility in positioning leads and adjusting electrical fields.
Innovation Solution
A tissue stimulation apparatus with a lead having a plurality of electrodes in a two-dimensional array, allowing for steerable electrical fields in three dimensions, and a method involving the insertion of a lead with shielding electrodes to vary the electric field distribution, enabling precise control of the stimulating field in three spatial dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lead positioning and field steering methods are used, then the stimulating field can be adjusted to some extent, but the flexibility and precision in positioning the lead and adjusting the electrical field are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lead is segmented into multiple independently controllable electrodes arranged in a two-dimensional array, allowing individual or selective activation of electrode pairs to create multiple steerable beam patterns. This segmentation enables flexible positioning and precise field adjustment by activating specific electrode combinations based on target location requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional one-dimensional linear electrode arrays to a two-dimensional array configuration. This dimensional expansion provides additional degrees of freedom for field steering, enabling control of the electrical field in multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously and improving both flexibility and precision in targeting different tissue locations.
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 provides enhanced flexibility and precision in positioning the stimulating lead and adjusting the electrical field, potentially improving treatment outcomes for neurological disorders by ensuring the therapeutic stimulus is delivered effectively to the target location.
Implementation Method 1
By delivering a current through the electrode(s) an electrical field is created within the body
Implementation Method 2
The resulting electrical field can be steered by adjusting the current balances
Data Source
AI summary
A stimulation apparatus includes a stimulation lead (102), a multiplexer (114), a stimulation signal generator (116), and a signal detector (120). The stimulation lead (102) includes a plurality of stimulation electrodes (112) disposed in an array about a distal portion of the lead body (110). The arrangement of the electrodes (112) facilitates the controlled steering of stimulating electrical field (118) in three dimensions. Four dimensional field steering may also be provided.