Ventral Striatum Neuromodulation for Neurocognitive Disorders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromodulation techniques fail to effectively improve neuropsychological functions in patients with neurocognitive disorders, which are distinct from psychiatric disorders, and there is a need to modulate specific brain regions affecting these functions.
Innovation Solution
Positioning a delivery device, such as an electrode or drug port, in the ventral striatum/ventral capsule region of the brain and applying an activation signal to improve neuropsychological functions, which can include electrical or chemical stimulation based on detected bodily activities associated with these functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical modulation is applied to treat neurological diseases, then neural activity can be modulated without destroying neural tissue, but existing methods do not effectively improve neuropsychological functions in patients with neurocognitive disorders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by targeting specific brain regions (ventral striatum, ventral capsule, anterior limb of internal capsule) with electrical modulation to treat neuropsychological dysfunction. The delivery device is positioned at precise coordinates within these regions to modulate neural activity locally, improving cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and motivation without affecting other brain areas. This localized approach resolves the contradiction by making the treatment effective for neurocognitive disorders while maintaining adaptability through selection of specific target regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying electrical stimulation parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency, duty cycle) to optimize treatment effectiveness for different neuropsychological symptoms. The system allows adjustment of these parameters based on patient response and specific disorder characteristics, enabling the same delivery device to effectively treat various neurocognitive conditions. This resolves the contradiction by achieving reliability through optimized parameters while maintaining versatility across different neurological conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If delivery devices are positioned in specific brain regions to improve neuropsychological function, then targeted treatment is achieved, but precise positioning and parameter optimization are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing detailed guidance for pre-surgical planning, including selection of target coordinates based on patient-specific anatomy and imaging data. The system incorporates pre-programmed stimulation parameters and positioning protocols that are established before surgery, reducing the need for complex intraoperative adjustments. This resolves the contradiction by achieving precise positioning through advance preparation while simplifying the actual surgical procedure and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses imaging-guided navigation systems as intermediaries to bridge the gap between surgical planning and actual device placement. These navigation systems provide real-time feedback on probe position relative to pre-defined target coordinates, enabling accurate positioning without requiring complex manual adjustments. This intermediary technology resolves the contradiction by achieving manufacturing-level precision through automated guidance while keeping the delivery device itself relatively simple.
3Reliability
If activation signals are applied to modulate neural activity, then neuropsychological function improves, but the mechanism of action in neurocognitive disorders is not fully understood
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring patient response to electrical modulation and adjusting stimulation parameters accordingly. The system tracks changes in neuropsychological function and uses this information to optimize treatment parameters in real-time or between sessions. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable clinical effectiveness through empirical optimization while generating data that progressively improves understanding of the underlying mechanisms in neurocognitive disorders.
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 targeted improvement of neuropsychological functions like memory, attention, and motivation in patients with neurocognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury, by modulating specific brain regions involved in cognitive processes.
Implementation Method 1
activating the delivery device to apply an activation signal to the target site to improve the neuropsychological function in the patient
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods of improving neuropsychological function in a patient having a neurocognitive disorder by chemical or electrically modulating a target site(s) in the ventral striatum/ventral capsule region. Methods also include modulating the treatment based on a closed-loop feedback system that measures bodily activities associated with the neuropsychological function (i.e. that help to determine whether a neuropsychological function is or can be improved.