Patent ID: 8868351
Filing Date: 2014-10-21
Classification: A61N,G16B

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for estimating a volume of tissue directly influenced (VTDI) by optogenetic stimulation comprising: storing, in memory an estimated volume distribution in tissue for a viral vector designed to express a light-responsive protein, wherein the estimated volume is based on a simulation or an image of distribution of the viral vector in tissue; computing, by a processor, an estimate of a volume of tissue directly influenced (VTDI) based on 1) the estimated volume of distribution in tissue, and 2) a light-neuron model that includes a multi-compartment neuron model, a multi-state ion channel model or ion pump model, and a light distribution model; repeatedly solving the light-neuron model over a plurality of model conditions to provide respective estimates of the VTDI in which a parameter space is varied, the parameter space comprising at least one of light pulse duration parameters, intensity of light source parameters, light source placement parameters, light distribution model parameters, source to neuron depth parameters, axon diameter parameters and neuron model parameters; and comparing the respective estimates of VTDI with a target VTDI to ascertain a set of output parameters for the parameter space corresponding to at least one of the respective estimates of VTDI for implementing the optogenetic stimulation to achieve the target VTDI.