High Resolution Electrical Stimulation Leads Field Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-resolution neural interfaces for deep brain stimulation lack fine control over stimulation field displacement, leading to adverse side-effects, and existing current steering methods increase power consumption, which can deplete batteries quickly.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a controller to adjust electrical signals across multiple electrodes on a probe to gradually change the field distribution from a symmetrical to an asymmetrical configuration, reducing total current and maintaining constant power consumption, allowing for precise steering of stimulation fields without excessive power drain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current steering techniques are used to achieve fine control of stimulation field displacement, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the distribution of electrical signals across multiple electrodes based on the desired field position. By continuously optimizing which electrodes are active and at what intensity, the system achieves fine-grained control over stimulation field displacement while minimizing the total current required, thus reducing power consumption compared to static electrode configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including the amplitude, phase, and activation state of electrical signals across different electrodes. By adjusting these parameters in a coordinated manner, the system can steer the stimulation field to precise locations while maintaining energy efficiency through optimized current distribution patterns.
2Measurement precision
If asymmetrical distribution of electrical signals is used for field steering, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system intentionally creates asymmetrical distributions of electrical signals across the electrode array to steer the stimulation field in specific directions. By strategically placing higher current density in certain regions and lower density in others, the system achieves precise field positioning while the overall energy loss is minimized through optimized asymmetrical patterns rather than uniform high-power activation.
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
Enables precise control over stimulation field displacement while minimizing side-effects and maintaining battery life by reducing power consumption during field steering, allowing for accurate positioning of stimulation fields without rapid battery depletion.
Implementation Method 1
A generator provides electrical signals to the electrodes to obtain a field distribution in the surrounding tissue
Data Source
AI summary
System for providing a stimulus comprising a probe with multiple electrodes each capable of providing a particular current to surrounding tissue a generator for providing to each of the electrodes the particular current a controller for controlling the generator to provide current to the electrodes to achieve a desired electrical field around the probe.