Transcranial Neurostimulation Targeting via Virtual Current Vectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transcranial neural stimulation and modulation lack precision in targeting specific neuronal patches and often result in undesirable current delivery to non-target areas, which can affect the efficacy and safety of the treatment.
Innovation Solution
The methods involve using computational models to determine optimal device dispositions for producing electric or magnetic fields by calculating virtual stimulating current vectors and normal vectors, allowing for selection of trial dispositions that maximize current delivery to target areas while minimizing it to non-target areas, and incorporating cycling through different device dispositions to optimize stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard TCS or TMS methods are used to stimulate target neuronal patches, then neural stimulation or modulation is achieved, but current delivery to non-target areas occurs which reduces precision and may cause unwanted effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stimulation process into multiple trial dispositions, each targeting different spatial configurations. By dividing the stimulation into discrete trial dispositions with associated cost functions, the method enables selective optimization for target areas while minimizing effects on non-target areas through iterative selection of optimal dispositions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by computing separate cost functions for target areas and non-target areas. Each trial disposition is evaluated with localized cost functions that assess current delivery specifically to target neuronal patches versus non-target regions, enabling differentiated optimization of stimulation quality in different spatial locations.
2Measurement precision
If computational models with multiple trial dispositions are used to optimize current delivery, then targeting precision is improved, but computational complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing lead-field matrices and impedance models before actual stimulation. By performing computational preparations in advance and storing them for reuse across multiple trial dispositions, the method reduces real-time computational burden while maintaining high targeting precision during actual stimulation delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating virtual models of the head and brain with simulated lead-field matrices that replicate physical measurement data. These computational copies allow for extensive trial dispositions and optimization calculations to be performed on simplified models rather than requiring complex real-time processing during actual stimulation.
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
This approach enables more precise and effective stimulation of target neuronal patches while reducing unwanted current delivery to non-target areas, enhancing the therapeutic outcomes and safety of transcranial neural stimulation and modulation techniques.
Implementation Method 1
where time-varying magnetic potentials are created outside the surface of the head for inducing electrical currents to flow inside the head and brain
Implementation Method 2
An impedance model of the brain may be obtained by use of standard methods
Data Source
AI summary
Method for transcranial neurostimulation. A target of neurons for transcranial stimulation or modulation is located within an impedance model of the brain, a model of a selected device to be used for producing an electric or magnetic field outside the brain is obtained and used, along with the impedance model, to compute respective virtual target stimulating current vectors representing target stimulating currents that would result from using the device in two distinct trial dispositions of the device, an image of the cortical surface at the target is obtained and used to compute a target normal vector, and a determination is made of which of the two virtual target stimulating current vectors has a greater component projecting at predetermined angles from the target normal vector.