Opto-Acoustic Selective Mechanical Stimulation of the Vestibular System

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/363,872, filed July 19, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to implant systems and electrode array

arrangements for treatment of partial vestibular disorders.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] A normal ear directs sounds as shown in Figure 1 from the outer ear pinna 101 through the generally cylindrical ear canal 110 to vibrate the tympanic membrane 102 (eardrum). The tympanic membrane 102 moves the bones of the middle ear 103 (malleus, incus, and stapes) that vibrate the cochlea 104, which in turn functions as a transducer to generate electric pulses to the brain that are interpreted as sounds.

[0004] The balance sensing functionality of the brain also is developed based on neural signals from the vestibular structures of the inner ear, one on each lateral side of the body. The balance sensing vestibular system involves the vestibular labyrinth, its three interconnected and mutually orthogonal semi-circular canals: the superior (anterior) canal 106, posterior canal 107, and horizontal (lateral) canal 108— which sense rotational movement, as well as the macular organs 116 in the utricle and saccule, which sense linear movement. The canals 106, 107, 108 and the otolith organs 116 of the vestibular labyrinth contain hair cells 118 in a viscous endolymph 117 that sense head orientation and head movements, thereby activating vestibular nerve fibers 119 that send an electrical balance signal to the brain 105.

[0005] When the head is stationary, the vestibular system generates neural activity at a certain rate that is transmitted by the vestibular nerve to the brain. When the head moves in a given direction, the vestibular system changes the neural activity rate on the affected nerve branch of the vestibular nerve which correlates with the head movement. Unfortunately some people suffer from damaged or impaired vestibular systems or from various diseases that affect intact vestibular systems such as Meniere's disease.

Dysfunction of the vestibular system can cause problems such as unsteadiness, vertigo (feeling of rotation) and unsteady vision. To treat such problems, electrical stimulation of the vestibular system can help to restore the balancing function, and vestibular implants are currently under development to provide such an artificial balance signals.

[0006] Fig. 1 also shows some components of a vestibular implant system such as is described in U. S. Patent 8,751,012 (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). An external movement signal (from one or more sensors not shown) is processed by an external processor 111 to produce a vestibular stimulation signal. An external transmitter coil 112 couples the stimulation signal through the skin to an implanted receiver coil 113. Implanted vestibular stimulator 114 than delivers the stimulation signal through an electrode lead 109 to vestibular stimulator electrodes 115 that electrically stimulate target neural tissue such as the semicircular canals 106, 107, 108, one or both otolith organs, and/or the vestibular nerve 105 or ganglion for vestibular sensation by the patient as a balance signal.

[0007] U. S. Patent 7,488,341 and U. S. Patent Publication 2007/0100263 (both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties) describe invasive vestibular implant systems using an actuator based on piezoelectric material, an inflatable balloon, or a piston to mechanically stimulate the membranous labyrinth and thereby generate pressure waves in the endolymphatic space. Those references also disclose a non-invasive mechanical stimulation of the vestibular system where an actuator is placed on the endosteum layer adjacent to the perilymphatic space, and the endosteum is mechanically stimulated to create pressure waves within the vestibular lumen. While that is not invasive, the pressure exerted without rupturing the endosteum may not be enough to successfully stimulate the macular organs.

[0008] The mechanical actuator arrangements suggested in U. S. Patent 7,488,341 and U. S. Patent Publication 2007/0100263 all imply moving parts, which can be prone to damage and failure, and also can be damaging to the delicate structures of the inner ear. In addition, mechanical stimulation by a single actuator is limited to eliciting selective mechanical stimulation of the ampullar sensory structures as well as the possibility of a global response of the vestibular system. But this cannot, however, selectively stimulate the macular organs in the sense of inter-selective stimulation between the utricle and saccule, as well as intra-selectively within a given macular organ (e.g. saccule).

[0009] For total bilateral vestibular loss, U. S. Patent Publication 20150039057

(incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) describes using electrical stimulation by placing an array of electrodes within a macular organ and providing selective stimulation. But electrical current spread is generally non selective and will inherently and

unintentionally stimulate non-target neuron populations in the macular organ.

SUMMARY

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an implantable vestibular prosthesis system and method. An implantable optical array of optical sources is configured for engagement with a disordered vestibular system to deliver optical stimulation signals to target stimulation locations within the bony or membranous labyrinth of the disordered vestibular system. An implantable stimulation processor is connected to the optical array and configured to produce sequences of optical stimulation signals with the optical sources so as to generate directional pressure waves within the endolymphatic fluid directed to the target stimulation locations for vestibular perception by residual vestibular functioning.

[0011] The optical array may specifically be configured for placement against an outer surface of vestibular bone to deliver the optical stimulation signals by optical transmission through the vestibular bone, or for placement within a perilymphatic space outside the membraneous labyrinth, or for placement within the endolymphatic space within the membraneous labyrinth without mixing perilymph and endolymph.

[0012] The one or more target stimulation locations may be within a semi-circular canal, the utricle, or the saccule, and may include target stereocilia. The optical array may be a linear array, a two dimensional array, or a circular array of optical sources, which may specifically be vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). The optical stimulation signals may include optical pulses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 shows anatomical detail of a human ear implanted with a vestibular implant system.

[0014] Figure 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of an opto-acoustic vestibular stimulation electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 shows principles of a circular array according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 shows principles of a two dimensional array according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 shows locations at the vestibular system for placement of the implantable optical array according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an atraumatic mechanical vestibular stimulator with no moving parts, which can be used non-invasively and can selectively stimulate the macular organs using the optoacoustic effect that arises from optical stimulation. Optical stimulation with multiple optical sources using short focused pulses at a specific rate, energy and peak power can heat the target tissue so that the expansion due to the heat (overcoming thermal-stress confinement) generates a pressure wave. Such a pressure wave, like with electrical current spread, is omnidirectional from the source and can be used to mechanically stimulate sensory epithelium in the vestibular system. Such systems can be beneficial for patients having partial vestibular disorders with some residual hair cells and stereocilia.

[0019] For effective mechanical stimulation of the endolymphatic fluids within the membranous labyrinth with existing approaches (see, e.g., U. S. Patent 7,488,341 and U. S. Patent Publication 2007/0100263) imply an opening into the vestibular interior in order to directly stimulate the membranous labyrinth. By contrast, optical sources can be placed outside the vestibular canal, and provided that the bone is thin enough (either natural or with careful surgical preparation to preserve the integrity of the canal), the optical stimulation signals can be delivered via optical transmission through the bone to locations within the bony or membranous labyrinth of a partially disordered vestibular system to generate a directional pressure wave within the endolymphatic fluid for vestibular perception via residual vestibular functioning. In case of thicker bone the stimulation location may be for example within the bony labyrinth. In this case the directional pressure wave directly generated by the optical stimulation signal is within the perilymphatic fluid. This pressure wave deflects the soft membrane tissue between bony and membranous labyrinth that in turn displaces endolymphatic fluid such that a directional pressure wave in the endolymphatic fluid is indirectly generated. This new non-invasive stimulation solution needs no moving parts, in contrast to existing noninvasive ideas where the actuator acts directly on the endosteum with the risk of rupturing the membrane and consequent loss in residual function.

[0020] For example, an implantable vestibular prosthesis system and method can be implemented in an implantable vestibular stimulator 114 as shown in Figure 1 that provides by a stimulation processor control signals to the optical sources 115 on an implantable array that is configured for placement in a multitude of possible locations including: against or outside of an outer surface of vestibular bone outside of the fluidic spaces, for example where the bone is thin enough to allow light to shine through; against or within the inner surface of the vestibular bone within the perilymphatic space but not within the membranous labyrinth; within the membranous endolymphatic fluid spaces without causing damage resulting in the mixing of the perilymph and endolymph fluids, and the optical sources 115 are configured to deliver optical stimulation signals via optical transmission through the vestibular bone and/or vestibular fluids, i.e. endolymphatic or perilymphatic fluids, to stimulation locations in the membranous or bony labyrinth of a partially disordered vestibular system to generate a directional pressure wave within the endolymphatic fluid for vestibular perception via residual vestibular functioning, for example in the semi-circular canals (106, 107, 108) and/or otolith organs 116. Some exemplary locations are shown in Figure 5 and numbered from 1 to 3. In one embodiment, an optical signal generation process (e.g., a software process running on a stimulation processor within the vestibular stimulator 114) controls the optical sources 115 to produce the optical stimulation signals as sequences of optical pulses to generate directional pressure waves in the vestibular fluid that are directed to one or more target sensory epithelium locations within the disordered vestibular system for vestibular perception via residual vestibular functioning. In one embodiment the optical sources 115 may include converging lenses so as to focus the optical stimulation signal within the bony or membranous labyrinth, for example within the perilymphatic or endolymphatic fluid.

[0021] Stimulation with a single optical source would achieve the same omnidirectional result as with prior mechanical systems. However, if multiple optical sources 202 are placed in an optical array 201 as shown in Figure 2, then the optical stimulation signals 204 can be delivered through the vestibular bone 203 and the perilymph 205 to target locations 207 within the endolymph 206 and stimulated sequentially over time in a specified direction. Once the first optical source 202 is stimulated, a first omnidirectional pressure wave is generated at the target location 207 within the endolymph 206. As the initial pressure wave passes the second target location 207 of the second optical source 202, then the second optical source 202 is stimulated and a second pressure wave is generated that sums with the first pressure wave so that the summing of the resulting pressure waves in the direction of sequential stimulation encourages the endolymph 206 to move in that direction towards the target stereocilia 208 to cause them to deflect and generate neural signals to the vestibular nerve 209. Focusing of the optical stimulation signals 204 at the target locations 207 can be enhanced by using focusing lenses, which would focus the energy at the target location, i.e. the optical stimulation signal heats up and expands the fluid only in the area of focus and allows for better control of pressure wave generation, allowing for a higher resolution of target locations. In addition, focusing the optical stimulation signals 204 at the target locations 207 may reduce the energy required for driving the optical source 202 to generate the same desired magnitude of the pressure wave as that without focusing. Although the target locations 207 are shown in the membranous labyrinth, it is understood and as described before, that they may be within the perilymph 205 in the bony labyrinth.

[0022] Such arrangements allow a more distant placement of the optical array 201 from the target stereocilia 208, while providing direction-specific stimulation. This differs from other existing approaches that employ direct optical stimulation where attempting such directionality would pose greater risks of implantation trauma and would be prone to failure because of the many moving parts.

[0023] Selectivity is also an issue with regards to the utricle and saccule. In the case of electrical stimulation, given enough power, electrical current spread will stimulate any neuron in the vicinity regardless of the direction of current spread movement. Conversely, in the case of mechanical stimulation, it is the hair cells that respond to the stimulus, and hair cells and their stereocilia are typically organized and aligned in a particular way such that they are sensitive to movement in a particular plane and direction. For example, in the ampulla of a semi-circular canal, all the hair cells are aligned so that they are only sensitive to movement in the plane of that canal. In that case, one stimulation source would be enough (as with electrical stimulation), assuming that the stimulus signal does not extend to other ampulla. In the case of the utricle and saccule however, the hair cells and stereocilia are arranged in a multidirectional pattern such that their sensitivity to direction varies with position (as indicated by the arrows in Figure 3). In that case, placing a single stimulation source in an arbitrary position will generate a pressure wave that approaches the hair cells and stereocilia, but only those hair cells and stereocilia aligned in that direction will elicit a stimulus in the nerve. Due to the multidirectional alignment organization of the hair cells and stereocilia, this one single stimulation source lacks directionality. Instead, an array of multiple stimulation sources can be used in order to control which hair cells should respond (corresponding to the movement of the head). In that case, one or more sources would be stimulated simultaneously and/or sequentially in order to achieve the desired net direction and amplitude of movement of the vestibular fluid due to the pressure wave, and consequently deflecting the target stereocilia that are aligned in that specific direction.

[0024] Such a multi-source array could be placed either within the membranous labyrinth (invasive), in the perilymphatic space, or outside of the vestibule altogether (both non-invasive), provided that the bone in between the optical sources and the target locations is thin enough to allow enough light to pass through. As described before, the optical sources may include converging lenses so as to focus the optical stimulation signal within the bony or membranous labyrinth, for example within the perilymphatic or endolymphatic fluid.

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example of a linear array of multiple optical sources 301 arranged circularly around a macular organ 302. In such an array, the pressure wave summation effects would result in multiple desired directions being simultaneously excited. By contrast, a two dimensional array of optical sources 401 as shown in Figure 4, would produce pressure wave summation effects resulting in directionality in a single direction as shown in Figure 2.

[0026] In specific embodiments, the optical sources may specifically be a vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), LEDs, or optical fibers. In the case of VCSELs, sequential stimulation avoids overuse of the VCSELs and so reduces the risk of overheating and failure. Sequential VCSEL stimulation also suggests reduced power requirements per VCSEL, which then further suggests that smaller size VCSELs could be used, with less heat produced, and so reduced cooling time needed.

[0027] It will be understood that for placement of the optical sources on the surface of vestibular bone, that bone needs to be thin enough to allow enough light to pass through. Embodiments will be useful only when hair cells and stereocilia retain at least some residual vestibular function, so only patients with partial vestibular loss may benefit. The optical sources may lose efficiency over time and their output levels may be monitored and the control signal adjusted accordingly.

[0028] In the foregoing, references to vestibular implant systems should be understood broadly to include all implantable arrangements that provide stimulation signals affecting the balance sensing system. Specifically such arrangements may or may not include motion sensors, whether internal or external. For example, a vestibular implant system without motion sensing signals may be useful for treatment related to Meniere's disease and may be thought of as a Meniere's implant. And vestibular implant arrangements may also be integrated together with other related implantable systems such as middle ear implants, cochlear implants, bone conduction implants, auditory brainstem implants, etc.

[0029] Although various exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made which will achieve some of the advantages of the invention without departing from the true scope of the invention.