Computational modeling of dorsal root ganglion stimulation using an Injectrode

1Citations
Citations of this article
7Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Objective. Minimally invasive neuromodulation therapies like the Injectrode, which is composed of a tightly wound polymer-coated Platinum/Iridium microcoil, offer a low-risk approach for administering electrical stimulation to the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). This flexible electrode is aimed to conform to the DRG. The stimulation occurs through a transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) patch, which subsequently transmits the stimulation to the Injectrode via a subcutaneous metal collector. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of stimulation through TES relies on the specific geometrical configurations of the Injectrode-collector-patch system. Hence, there is a need to investigate which design parameters influence the activation of targeted neural structures. Approach. We employed a hybrid computational modeling approach to analyze the impact of Injectrode system design parameters on charge delivery and neural response to stimulation. We constructed multiple finite element method models of DRG stimulation, followed by the implementation of multi-compartment models of DRG neurons. By calculating potential distribution during monopolar stimulation, we simulated neural responses using various parameters based on prior acute experiments. Additionally, we developed a canonical monopolar stimulation and full-scale model of bipolar bilateral L5 DRG stimulation, allowing us to investigate how design parameters like Injectrode size and orientation influenced neural activation thresholds. Main results. Our findings were in accordance with acute experimental measurements and indicate that the minimally invasive Injectrode system predominantly engages large-diameter afferents (Aβ-fibers). These activation thresholds were contingent upon the surface area of the Injectrode. As the charge density decreased due to increasing surface area, there was a corresponding expansion in the stimulation amplitude range before triggering any pain-related mechanoreceptor (Aδ-fibers) activity. Significance. The Injectrode demonstrates potential as a viable technology for minimally invasive stimulation of the DRG. Our findings indicate that utilizing a larger surface area Injectrode enhances the therapeutic margin, effectively distinguishing the desired Aβ activation from the undesired Aδ-fiber activation.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Bhowmick, S., Graham, R. D., Verma, N., Trevathan, J. K., Franke, M., Nieuwoudt, S., … Lempka, S. F. (2024). Computational modeling of dorsal root ganglion stimulation using an Injectrode. Journal of Neural Engineering, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.1088/1741-2552/ad357f

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free