Methods, systems, and apparatus for closed-loop neuromodulation
Inventors
OPIE, Nicholas Lachlan • Oxley, Thomas James • RIND, Gil Simon
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11883671-B2
Publication Date
2024-01-30
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems, apparatus, and methods for treating medication refractory epilepsy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of treating epilepsy is disclosed comprising detecting, using a first electrode array coupled to a first endovascular carrier, an electrophysiological signal of a subject. The method further comprises analyzing the electrophysiological signal using a neuromodulation unit electrically coupled to the first electrode array and stimulating an intracorporeal target of the subject using a second electrode array coupled to a second endovascular carrier implanted within a part of a bodily vessel superior to a base of the skull of the subject.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention provides a method of treating epilepsy by closed-loop endovascular neuromodulation. A first electrode array is coupled to a first endovascular carrier implanted within a subject, where the first endovascular carrier is a coiled microwire and the first electrode array comprises electrodes arranged along the length of the coiled microwire. The method detects an electrophysiological signal of the subject associated with or correlated with the onset of an epileptic seizure.
The detected electrophysiological signal is analyzed using a neuromodulation unit implanted within the subject that is electrically coupled to the first electrode array. In response to the analyzed electrophysiological signal, the method stimulates an intracorporeal target as part of a treatment for epilepsy. Stimulation is performed using a second electrode array that is electrically coupled to the neuromodulation unit.
The second electrode array is coupled to a second endovascular carrier implanted within the subject, and the second endovascular carrier is implanted within the internal jugular vein superior to a jugular foramen. The approach uses endovascular carriers for the electrode arrays and implements responsive stimulation based on seizure-onset-associated electrophysiological signals.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim defines a closed-loop epilepsy-treatment method with 4 main inventive elements.
Endovascular detection using a coiled microwire carrier
Detecting, using a first electrode array, an electrophysiological signal of a subject associated with or correlated with the onset of an epileptic seizure, wherein the first electrode array is coupled to a first endovascular carrier implanted within the subject, wherein the first endovascular carrier is a coiled microwire and wherein the first electrode array comprises electrodes arranged along a length of the coiled microwire.
Implanted neuromodulation-unit analysis of seizure-onset-associated signals
Analyzing the electrophysiological signal using a neuromodulation unit implanted within the subject and electrically coupled to the first electrode array.
Responsive stimulation of an intracorporeal epilepsy target using a second endovascular array
Stimulating an intracorporeal target of the subject using a second electrode array in response to the electrophysiological signal detected, wherein the intracorporeal target is stimulated as part of a treatment for epilepsy, wherein the second electrode array is electrically coupled to the neuromodulation unit, wherein the second electrode array is coupled to a second endovascular carrier implanted within the subject.
Internal jugular vein placement superior to a jugular foramen for the second endovascular carrier
Wherein the second endovascular carrier is implanted within the internal jugular vein superior to a jugular foramen of the subject.
Across the provided claims, the core coverage is directed to responsive closed-loop epilepsy treatment that detects seizure-onset-associated electrophysiological signals with an endovascular electrode array on a coiled microwire carrier, analyzes the signal in an implanted neuromodulation unit, and stimulates an intracorporeal target using a second endovascular electrode array carried by a second endovascular carrier positioned in the internal jugular vein superior to a jugular foramen.
Stated Advantages
Minimally invasive angiographic delivery.
Protective skull position for carriers.
Responsive stimulation to extend battery life and avoid continuous open-loop delivery.
Potential reduction of external-signal artifacts.
Documented Applications
Treating epilepsy by detecting electrophysiological signals correlated with seizure onset and stimulating an intracorporeal target as part of a treatment for epilepsy.
Medication-refractory epilepsy using closed-loop endovascular neuromodulation.
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