Subnanosecond Pulse Antenna With Lossy Lens For Deep Tissue Stimulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neurostimulation methods face challenges in effectively penetrating deep tissues due to reflection losses and limited transmission of subnanosecond electric pulses, leading to inadequate therapeutic outcomes and complications such as infection and hardware malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a wideband antenna and an inhomogeneous, partially lossy dielectric lens to increase transmission of electromagnetic radiation to deep tissues, with the lens configured to match impedance from air to tissue and attenuate electric fields, allowing for deeper penetration and focused stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional neurostimulation methods use electrodes implanted into the stimulated structure, then stimulation can be delivered directly to the target, but complications such as infection, lead migration, hardware malfunction, and battery failure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary medium to deliver stimulation energy to deep brain tissues without direct physical contact. The antenna assembly transmits electromagnetic pulses through the skull and brain tissue, eliminating the need for implanted electrodes and batteries while maintaining stimulation efficacy.
2Ease of operation
If rTMS is used for non-invasive brain stimulation, then no surgery is required, but the electric field penetration depth is limited to 2 cm and the excitable volume is large (not less than ten cubic centimeters)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of the electromagnetic pulses by using subnanosecond duration pulses with high peak power. This parameter change allows the electric field to penetrate deeper into the brain tissue (beyond the 2 cm limitation of conventional rTMS) while maintaining non-invasive operation, achieving both ease of operation and increased penetration depth.
3Length of stationary object
If ultrasound energy is used for neurostimulation, then deeper brain zones can be accessed, but the significant difference in sonic properties between brain tissue and bone prevents focusing of the power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultrasound system with an electromagnetic radiation system. Electromagnetic waves interact differently with bone and brain tissue compared to ultrasound, allowing for better penetration and focusing capability. The lens assembly further enhances this by providing precise electromagnetic field focusing to deep brain targets.
4Power
If subnanosecond electric pulses are delivered to deep tissues, then therapeutic effects can be achieved, but reflection losses and limited transmission occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lens assembly as an intermediary component between the antenna and the brain tissue. This lens is specifically designed to match impedance and reduce reflection losses at the air-tissue interface, thereby improving the transmission of subnanosecond electric pulses to deep tissues and achieving therapeutic electric field intensities.
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 system enhances the penetration and focusing of subnanosecond electric pulses, achieving therapeutic levels of electric field intensity in deep tissues while minimizing reflection losses and complications, thereby improving neurostimulation efficacy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the lens configured to match impedance from air to tissue
Implementation Method 2
The lens can have a plurality of lossy portions. The lens can be configured to be adjustable to create a patient-specific desired electric field distribution by selective positioning of the plurality of lossy portions within the lens
Implementation Method 3
The antenna assembly is configured to generate and direct electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 4
A focal spot in the deep tissue region can be generated by attenuating the electric fields on or near a z-axis
Data Source
AI summary
A system for treatment of biological tissues is provided. The system can deliver electric pulses to a targeted region within a biological tissue. The system includes an antenna assembly and a lens. The antenna assembly is configured to generate and direct electromagnetic radiation. The lens is configured to be positioned between a surface of the biological tissue and the antenna assembly. The lens can have a plurality of lossy portions. The lens can be configured to be adjustable to create a patient-specific desired electric field distribution by selective positioning of the plurality of lossy portions within the lens.