Closed-Loop Tissue Stimulation with Real-Time Imaging Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue stimulation methods lack real-time monitoring capabilities, making it difficult to effectively target and dose stimulation, especially in non-invasive brain tissue stimulation, where large areas are stimulated with unclear characterization and significant perturbation by natural or pathological features.
Innovation Solution
Integration of tissue stimulation with real-time monitoring using a closed-loop system that combines energy sources, such as electric and mechanical fields, with imaging devices like MRI or ultrasound, to provide feedback for adjusting stimulation parameters and maximizing therapeutic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-invasive stimulation of brain tissue is applied to a large area, then the stimulation can be delivered without surgery, but the targeting precision and characterization of the stimulated region deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates real-time monitoring of tissue response during stimulation, using the monitored feedback to dynamically adjust stimulation parameters. This closed-loop approach enables precise targeting and dosing of non-invasive brain stimulation by continuously characterizing the stimulated region and modifying the stimulation accordingly, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of non-invasive operation and targeting precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple functions into a single integrated platform that delivers non-invasive stimulation while simultaneously monitoring tissue response. This multi-functional approach allows the same system to achieve both the ease of non-invasive delivery and the precision of targeted stimulation through real-time feedback and adaptive control
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring is integrated with tissue stimulation, then targeting precision and dosing control are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stimulation delivery system and the monitoring system into an integrated platform where both functions operate synergistically. By combining these functions rather than operating them separately, the system achieves precise targeting and real-time feedback without the full complexity of completely independent systems, as the integrated design allows for shared infrastructure and coordinated control
3Reliability
If stimulation parameters are adjusted based on real-time feedback, then therapeutic effect is maximized, but the complexity of controlling stimulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback control where tissue response is monitored in real-time and stimulation parameters are automatically adjusted based on the monitored signals. This closed-loop control maximizes therapeutic effect by adapting to actual tissue response while reducing manual control complexity, as the system performs the adjustments automatically rather than requiring manual intervention for each parameter change
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 targeting, dosing, and safety parameter characterization of tissue stimulation, allowing for modified stimulation based on real-time feedback to achieve desired responses and enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the first energy source is an electric source that produces an electric field
Implementation Method 2
the second energy source is a source that produces a mechanical field, such as an ultrasound device
Implementation Method 3
Exemplary imaging devices include a magnetic resonance imaging device
Implementation Method 4
a functional magnetic resonance imaging device
Implementation Method 5
a device for performing a CT scan
Implementation Method 6
a device for performing electroencephalography
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to apparatuses and methods for stimulating and monitoring biological tissue. In certain aspects, the invention provides a system for stimulating and monitoring tissue, the system including a first energy source, a second energy source, and an imaging device, in which the system is configured such that the first and second energy sources target the same region of tissue and the combined effect of the first and second energy sources stimulates the region of tissue.