Methods and devices for the electrical stimulation of brain tissue via electrodes within cranial bone
Inventors
NITZERT, Michael • Gotman, Jean • Remmert, Gregor
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11577072-B2
Publication Date
2023-02-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
The invention features methods and devices useful for stimulating brain tissue in a subject via electrodes within cranial bone. These methods and devices may be utilized for the detection, prevention, and/or treatment of neurological disorders via electric stimulation. Additionally, the methods and devices disclosed herein may be useful for the treatment, inhibition, and/or arrestment of the growth of tumors.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an implantable electrostimulation device and methods for stimulating and/or monitoring brain tissue in a subject. The device includes a power source electrically coupled to a component comprising at least one electrode having one or more materials that promote osteoblast adhesion, and the component further comprises a counter electrode.
The electrode is cylindrical or slightly conical and has a first side and a second side. The electrode is characterized by one or both of a cylinder length to diameter ratio and a surface roughness on the second side, and the second side is configured to be positioned within cranial bone proximate to an inner surface of the cranial bone, with the inner surface defining, in part, a space containing brain tissue.
In the described methods, electrical stimulation is delivered to brain tissue in the space defined by the cranial bone. The disclosed electrostimulation devices and methods use electrodes shaped and surface-conditioned to promote bone integration and address electrical resistance management, current leakage, and corrosion.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim set includes three independent claims: one device claim and two method claims. The inventive features center on a cranial-bone-implanted electrode with osteoblast-adhesion-promoting materials and a counter electrode, together with specified electrode geometry and/or surface roughness, and on positioning the electrode sides relative to outer and inner cranial bone surfaces for delivering electrical stimulation to brain tissue in a defined space.
Osteoblast-adhesion electrode geometry with counter electrode
An electrostimulation device comprising a power source electrically coupled to a component comprising at least one electrode comprising one or more materials that promote osteoblast adhesion, wherein said at least one electrode comprises a cylindrical or conical shape comprising a first side and a second side, and wherein the component further comprises a counter electrode.
Cylindrical or conical electrode characterized by l/d ratio and/or surface roughness
The at least one electrode is characterized by one or both of a cylinder length to diameter ratio and a surface roughness on said second side of said at least one electrode.
Electrode placement in cranial bone for stimulating brain tissue
A method for stimulating brain tissue in a subject comprising positioning at least one electrode having a first side and a second side within cranial bone, wherein said first side is proximate to an outer surface of said cranial bone and said second side is proximate to an inner surface of said cranial bone, and wherein said second side is configured to be positioned from the inner surface of said cranial bone, and wherein the inner surface of said cranial bone defines, in part, a space containing brain tissue.
Delivering electrical stimulation to brain tissue in the cranial-bone-defined space
Delivering electrical stimulation to said brain tissue in said space.
Device-provided brain stimulation method using osteoblast-adhesion electrode and counter electrode
A method for stimulating brain tissue in a subject comprising providing an electrostimulation device comprising a power source electrically coupled to a component comprising at least one electrode, positioning at least a portion of said at least one electrode within cranial bone with the first side proximate to an outer surface and the second side proximate to an inner surface, and delivering electrical stimulation to said brain tissue in said space.
Across the independent claims, the core inventive matter is the implantation and positioning of a cylindrical or slightly conical electrode with osteoblast-adhesion-promoting materials and a counter electrode, together with characterization by l/d ratio and/or surface roughness on the second side, followed by delivering electrical stimulation to brain tissue in the cranial-bone-defined space.
Stated Advantages
Reduced invasiveness and reduced power/space requirements versus extracranial systems.
Improved electrical resistance management.
Reduced current leakage/corrosion.
Improved bone integration via optimized electrode surface morphology.
Documented Applications
Treating or preventing neurological disorders including epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, migraine, depression, and other stroke symptoms, pain, tinnitus, insomnia, and anxiety.
Inhibiting or arresting tumor growth, including glioblastoma.
Interested in licensing this patent?