Method and System for Optimisation of Dbs Programming

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This patent describes a method and system to automatically optimize the programming of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Instead of relying on lengthy and tiring manual trial-and-error testing to set the electrodes, the invention uses directionally-recorded local field potential (LFP) signals from the patient's brain to mathematically determine the best electrode settings and directions for stimulation. The method involves analyzing these signals, detecting specific frequency peaks related to disease symptoms, and calculating optimal parameters for the stimulation electrodes, aimed at maximizing therapeutic effect while minimizing side effects. The solution can be implemented via software, embedded in clinical devices, or automated entirely within an implantable device.

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• Automatic optimization of DBS programming for patients with Parkinson's disease or similar motor disorders.
• Reducing clinical testing time during and after DBS implantation surgeries.
• Personalizing neuromodulation therapies according to each patient’s unique neural activity patterns.
• Providing support tools for clinicians to help with faster, more objective DBS electrode programming decisions.
• Integration with implantable pulse generators for real-time, closed-loop neurostimulation adjustment based on brain activity.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly reduces the time and labor required for DBS electrode programming, improving workflow and patient comfort.
• Improves accuracy and consistency of therapeutic stimulation parameters, potentially leading to better clinical outcomes.
• Minimizes patient fatigue and risk of suboptimal programming due to human error or lengthy tests.
• Reduces healthcare resource utilization by lowering the need for repeat clinical sessions and hospital stays.
• Enables fully automated or clinician-assisted optimization, supporting both experienced and less specialized medical staff.
• May enhance exploitation of advanced directional electrodes by making use of their increased selectivity in a practical way.

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Patent Abstract

A method and system are described for, based upon a plurality of previously-acquired directional LFP signals measured in a plurality of different directions at a directional sensor lead located in a predetermined region of a patient's brain, determining optimised patient-specific programming parameters for programming a directional stimulation lead with parameters for stimulating the said region. The method comprises a first step of determining, over at least one predetermined frequency range, a power-frequency variation curve of each of the directional LFP signals, a second step of identifying frequency peaks in the power- frequency variation curves, a third step of detecting one of the identified frequency peaks at which a maximum difference in signal power between the directional LFP signals occurs, and a fourth step of calculating a plurality of directional stimulation weighting factors on the basis of the relative signal powers of the directional LFP signals at the detected frequency peak.