Acute Stroke Electrical Stimulation Using Burst-Pulse Waveforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for ischemic stroke during the acute phase are limited, and existing electrical stimulation paradigms can cause further tissue damage due to ischemia-induced electrical instability and spreading depolarizations, failing to prevent neuronal death and damage.
Innovation Solution
Optimized frequency- and time-domain electrical signals, administered in low-frequency bursts with high-frequency pulses, are used to calm overactive neurons during the acute phase of ischemic stroke, reducing neuronal activity and oxygen demand without causing additional harm, utilizing both invasive and non-invasive techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical stimulation is applied during the acute phase of ischemic stroke, then neuronal hyperactivity can be reduced, but it may cause further tissue damage due to ischemia-induced electrical instability and spreading depolarizations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the electrical stimulation parameters including pulse width (100-500 microseconds), frequency (1-10 Hz), and amplitude to operate within a therapeutic window that reduces neuronal hyperactivity without triggering harmful spreading depolarizations. This resolves the contradiction by finding optimal parameter values that achieve the desired effect without the adverse outcome.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic electrical stimulation delivered in bursts at specific frequencies (1-10 Hz) during the acute phase (within 24 hours) of stroke. This periodic action pattern allows the stimulation to modulate neuronal activity rhythmically, reducing hyperactivity while avoiding the continuous depolarization that would cause tissue damage.
2Reliability
If conventional electrical stimulation paradigms are used, then neural plasticity can be promoted in subacute or chronic phases, but they fail to prevent permanent ischemic damage during the acute phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by applying electrical stimulation during the acute phase (within 24 hours) of stroke onset, before permanent ischemic damage occurs. This early intervention prevents neuronal death and creates a more favorable environment for subsequent neural plasticity and functional recovery, rather than waiting for subacute or chronic phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuity of useful action by maintaining electrical stimulation throughout the acute phase and transitioning into subacute and chronic phases. This continuous intervention ensures that the beneficial effects on neuronal survival, plasticity, and functional recovery are sustained across all phases of stroke rehabilitation.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for treating acute ischemic stroke, and other neurological pathologies, are described herein. An example method includes identifying a portion of a brain including overactive neurons and outputting an electrical signal to at least one stimulation electrode disposed away from the portion of the brain by a distance in a range of about 0.5 mm to 1 cm. The electrical signal includes a low-frequency component including bursts having a frequency in a range of about 2 Hz to about 10 Hz. The electrical signal includes a high-frequency component comprising pulses having a frequency in a range of about 200 Hz to about 2 kHz.