Anterior VLPFC Electrode Grid With Closed-Loop Brain Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for improving cognitive functions, such as memory, lack the ability to precisely stimulate the anterior ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (anterior VLPFC) and do not account for long-term analysis of stimulation signals to optimize brain stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a stimulating electrode with 100 contacts, spaced in a 10x10 grid, centered on the anterior VLPFC, connected to a wireless acquisition and stimulation system that includes an amplifier, analog-to-digital converter, buffer, and a decision-making system to optimize electrical stimulation based on spectral analysis and machine learning, ensuring precise and effective brain stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stimulating electrode with 100 contacts in a 10x10 grid is used to precisely stimulate the anterior VLPFC, then stimulation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into 100 independent contacts arranged in a 10x10 grid, allowing selective stimulation of specific sub-regions within the anterior VLPFC. This segmentation enables precise targeting of functional sub-areas while maintaining a manageable overall structure through systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different contacts within the grid can be independently activated to provide localized stimulation to specific areas of the anterior VLPFC. The system allows differential stimulation parameters (amplitude, frequency, pulse width) to be applied to different contacts, enabling tailored stimulation protocols for different functional sub-regions.
2Reliability
If long-term analysis of stimulation signals is performed to optimize brain stimulation parameters, then cognitive function improvement is enhanced, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously records electrophysiological signals from the anterior VLPFC during and after stimulation, analyzes these signals to assess stimulation effectiveness, and uses this feedback to automatically adjust stimulation parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism optimizes cognitive function improvement while reducing the need for extensive manual trial-and-error testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of electrophysiological signals to identify optimal stimulation parameters before delivering the actual therapeutic stimulation. By pre-processing and analyzing baseline signals, the system can predict effective stimulation parameters, reducing the time required for subsequent optimization and treatment sessions.
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 cognitive functions by providing precise stimulation to the anterior VLPFC, optimizing stimulation parameters through long-term analysis, and improving memory processes.
Implementation Method 1
An amplifier is commonly used to amplify electrophysiological signals coming from the brain to values that enable analysis of these signals using digital processing methods
Implementation Method 2
stimulation of areas of the brain by introducing electrical current... All of the electrodes listed above can also be used to stimulate the brain by delivering electrical current to selected brain areas
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to the system for improving cognitive functions of the brain, such as memory or attention, using current stimulation and computer devices. The invention is characterized in that, the stimulating electrode (E) is connected by wire or wirelessly and also bi-directionally to the acquisition and stimulation system (US), which is connected to the processing system (UP), which is connected to the analysis circuit (UN), which is connected back to the acquisition and stimulation circuit (US).