Transnasal Electrodes for Deep Brain Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep-brain stimulation techniques, such as implantable electrodes and non-invasive methods like TMS and TES, face challenges in effectively targeting deep brain structures due to limitations in depth, resolution, and focality, leading to potential side effects and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The method involves placing electrodes transnasally or orally in the nasal cavity and sinuses to harness low-resistivity pathways for optimized electrical stimulation, allowing for steerable and focal targeting of deep brain regions, including the use of electrodes in the olfactory cleft and sphenoid sinus to create high-intensity current fields for neurostimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional non-invasive techniques (TMS, TES) are used to stimulate deep brain structures, then the risk of intracranial hemorrhage and infection is reduced, but the depth, resolution, and focality of stimulation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a novel spatial dimension for electrode placement by accessing the nasal cavity and sinuses, which provides a new pathway to reach deep brain structures. This dimensional change allows electrodes to be positioned closer to deep brain targets without requiring craniotomy, thereby maintaining safety while improving stimulation precision and depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The nasal cavity and sinuses serve as intermediary spaces that facilitate access to deep brain structures. By placing electrodes in these intermediate locations, the patent creates a bridge between the external environment and deep brain targets, enabling non-invasive yet precise stimulation of otherwise inaccessible regions.
2Manufacturing precision
If implanted electrodes are used for deep-brain stimulation, then the depth and focality of stimulation are improved, but the risk of intracranial hemorrhage and infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal cavity and sinuses function as safe intermediary zones that allow electrode placement near deep brain structures without penetrating the skull or brain tissue. This intermediary approach maintains the precision benefits of implanted electrodes while eliminating the associated surgical risks of hemorrhage and infection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the nasal-sinus dimension as an alternative access route to deep brain targets, avoiding the traditional craniotomy pathway. This dimensional alternative enables precise stimulation while maintaining the integrity of the skull and brain, thereby eliminating surgical risks.
3Ease of manufacture
If electrodes are placed on the scalp for deep-brain stimulation, then the procedure is simplified, but the depth and focality of stimulation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves electrode placement from the scalp surface to the nasal cavity and sinuses, utilizing a different spatial dimension that is still accessible without complex surgery. This dimensional shift maintains procedural simplicity while dramatically improving depth and focality of stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by placing electrodes in specific locations within the nasal cavity and sinuses that are optimally positioned for targeting particular deep brain structures. This localized placement strategy enhances stimulation precision while keeping the overall procedure relatively simple.
4Length of stationary object
If higher amplitudes are used to affect neurons at large depths, then the depth of stimulation is improved, but the focality is reduced and scalp pain or tissue damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal cavity and sinuses serve as an intermediary medium that allows delivery of higher amplitude stimulation currents directly adjacent to deep brain targets without requiring passage through the scalp. This eliminates scalp pain and tissue damage while enabling effective deep brain stimulation at therapeutic amplitudes.
Solution Approach 2:
By accessing the nasal-sinus dimension, the patent positions electrodes much closer to deep brain targets, reducing the distance current must travel. This dimensional change allows use of higher amplitudes for deep target activation without the scalp side effects that would result from delivering equivalent currents through the scalp.
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 focal and intense stimulation of deep brain regions with increased flexibility in targeting, reducing side effects and improving treatment efficacy compared to traditional methods, while also enhancing existing sensing modalities and supplementing scalp electrode configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The method involves placing electrodes transnasally or orally in the nasal cavity and sinuses to harness low-resistivity pathways for optimized electrical stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method for delivery stimulation to targeted deep brain structures by supplementing existing method using external electrodes with transnasal electrodes, disposed, for example, in the olfactory cleft and within the hyenoid sinus, or, more broadly, in the nasal cavity and/or in the sinuses, including, but not limited to, the frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoid sinus, etc. The method allows stimulation and/or sensing in deep brain regions which can be inaccessible from the scalp or for which existing methods are ineffective in targeting. The method can also be used for power delivery to implants that might be placed inside the brain or on its surface.