Subcranial–Subcutaneous Electrode Loop for Precise Brain Stimulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brain stimulation methods, such as rTMS, tDCS, vagus nerve stimulation, DBS, and DCS, are either non-invasive but lack precision, invasive but cumbersome, or cause discomfort due to high current settings, and none effectively target specific brain regions without significant surgical intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a subcranial and subcutaneous electrode pair with a separate conductive path through the skull to create a current loop, allowing precise electrical stimulation by adjusting pulse frequency, shape, amplitude, and duty cycle to influence neuronal firing frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rTMS is used to deliver high energy magnetic pulses to the brain, then treatment effectiveness for major depression is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical rTMS system with a simplified electrical stimulation system using electrodes. Instead of using high energy magnetic pulses generated by complex coils, the invention uses direct electrical current delivery through electrodes placed on the scalp, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining treatment effectiveness for major depression
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the stimulation parameter from high energy magnetic pulses to controlled electrical current. By adjusting current parameters (amplitude, duration, frequency) rather than relying on high energy magnetic fields, the system achieves effective treatment with simpler equipment and reduced complexity
2Device complexity
If tDCS uses electrodes on the outside of the head to deliver current to the brain, then device simplicity is improved, but stimulation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing electrodes at specific locations on the scalp corresponding to target brain regions. The electrode placement and current delivery parameters are optimized for specific areas (e.g., left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for depression), enabling precise stimulation while maintaining device simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of current parameters (amplitude, duration, frequency) that can be adjusted based on treatment needs and patient response. This dynamic adjustment capability enables precise targeting of specific brain regions while keeping the device itself simple
3Reliability
If tDCS current strength is increased to improve treatment effect, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but subject comfort deteriorates due to nerve excitability in the scalp
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed current delivery instead of continuous current. By delivering current in controlled pulses with specific durations and intervals, the system achieves effective treatment while allowing nerve recovery between pulses, significantly improving subject comfort and reducing scalp nerve excitability issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes current parameters (amplitude, pulse duration, frequency) to achieve the minimum effective dose. By carefully controlling these parameters and using pulsed delivery, the system maintains treatment effectiveness while keeping current strength below the threshold that causes discomfort from scalp nerve excitability
4Measurement precision
If DBS uses electrodes implanted into deep brain regions, then stimulation precision is improved, but surgical complexity and invasiveness increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the scalp and skull as intermediaries to deliver stimulation to deep brain regions. Instead of directly implanting electrodes into the brain (as in DBS), the invention places electrodes on the scalp and uses the skull as a conduit for current to reach target deep brain structures, eliminating the need for complex invasive surgery while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional intracranial electrode placement (DBS) to two-dimensional scalp electrode placement. By using the skull as a conductive pathway, the system achieves deep brain stimulation precision through external surface electrodes, fundamentally changing the spatial dimension of electrode placement and eliminating surgical invasiveness
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 and comfortable brain stimulation by tuning neuronal firing frequencies to a preselected Q-factor, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by providing targeted and adjustable electrical treatment.
Implementation Method 1
generating electric current pulses with the subcranial electrode and the subcutaneous electrode, the electric current pulses having a pulse frequency, a pulse shape, a pulse amplitude, a pulse width, and a duty cycle, wherein the electric current pulses flow from the subcranial electrode, through a target region of a brain of the subject
Implementation Method 2
creating a separate conductive path at a separate location through the skull
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described, which provides electrical stimulation to a person, where the current flows from a subcranial electrode, through a target brain region, through a separate conductive path, and back to a subcutaneous electrode, and where the parameters of the electric current pulses are set to influence the resonant properties of the brain.