Leadless system for deep brain stimulation using time reversal acoustics
First Claim
1. A leadless system for deep brain stimulation of a subject based on time-reversal acoustics, the system comprising:
- a first implantable stimulator in a hermetically sealed housing, said stimulator in turn comprising;
a first piezoelectric receiving transducer,an emitting antenna configured for emitting a radiofrequency feedback signal, said emitting antenna is operably coupled to said piezoelectric receiving transducer,an internal electrical circuit with an input operably coupled to said piezoelectric receiving transducer, said internal electrical circuit configured to be powered by said piezoelectric receiving transducer and to generate an electrical stimulation signal for deep brain stimulation, anda first stimulating electrode operably coupled to an output of said internal electrical circuit, said first stimulating electrode configured to be in electrical contact with a first target brain portion of said subject, andan external assembly comprising;
a time-reversal controller,a radiofrequency receiving antenna,a radiofrequency signal receiver with an input operably coupled with said radiofrequency receiving antenna and an output operably coupled with an input of said time-reversal controller,an emitting acoustic transducer with an input operably coupled to an output of said time-reversal electronic unit,wherein said external assembly is configured to emit a first initial unfocused acoustic wave signal, said first piezoelectric receiving transducer is configured to receive said first unfocused acoustic wave signal after reverberation in a skull of the subject and generate an electromagnetic radiofrequency feedback signal, said external assembly is further configured to receive said radiofrequency feedback signal, time-reverse thereof and generate a first driving signal to cause said emitting acoustic transducer to send a first acoustic wave signal focused on said first piezoelectric receiving transducer to generate electrical energy sufficient to operate said first implantable stimulator for the purpose of deep brain stimulation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A leadless Deep Brain Stimulation system includes an implantable stimulator configured to convert incoming acoustic energy into an electric stimulation signal. The acoustic energy is provided by one or more external transmitters acoustically coupled to a head of the subject. To focus ultrasound energy onto the location of the stimulator, a wireless beacon (including a piezoelectric receiving transducer and an RF emitting antenna) is incorporated with the stimulator for providing an electromagnetic feedback signal to the external controller. The external controller is configured to send an initial unfocused acoustic signal towards the stimulator and receive the electromagnetic radiofrequency feedback signal generated by the receiving piezotransducer when affected by the acoustic signal after reverberation in the skull. This signal is then time-reversed and used to send a second signal towards the stimulator. This signal is inherently focused on the site of the stimulator and is configured to carry sufficient energy to operate the stimulator for DBS purposes.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A leadless system for deep brain stimulation of a subject based on time-reversal acoustics, the system comprising:
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a first implantable stimulator in a hermetically sealed housing, said stimulator in turn comprising; a first piezoelectric receiving transducer, an emitting antenna configured for emitting a radiofrequency feedback signal, said emitting antenna is operably coupled to said piezoelectric receiving transducer, an internal electrical circuit with an input operably coupled to said piezoelectric receiving transducer, said internal electrical circuit configured to be powered by said piezoelectric receiving transducer and to generate an electrical stimulation signal for deep brain stimulation, and a first stimulating electrode operably coupled to an output of said internal electrical circuit, said first stimulating electrode configured to be in electrical contact with a first target brain portion of said subject, and an external assembly comprising; a time-reversal controller, a radiofrequency receiving antenna, a radiofrequency signal receiver with an input operably coupled with said radiofrequency receiving antenna and an output operably coupled with an input of said time-reversal controller, an emitting acoustic transducer with an input operably coupled to an output of said time-reversal electronic unit, wherein said external assembly is configured to emit a first initial unfocused acoustic wave signal, said first piezoelectric receiving transducer is configured to receive said first unfocused acoustic wave signal after reverberation in a skull of the subject and generate an electromagnetic radiofrequency feedback signal, said external assembly is further configured to receive said radiofrequency feedback signal, time-reverse thereof and generate a first driving signal to cause said emitting acoustic transducer to send a first acoustic wave signal focused on said first piezoelectric receiving transducer to generate electrical energy sufficient to operate said first implantable stimulator for the purpose of deep brain stimulation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification