Electrode array pneumatic implantation device

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of brain-computer interface electrode implantation equipment, and specifically relates to an electrode array pneumatic implantation device, including an electrode propulsion device; the electrode propulsion device includes a fixed sleeve, a movable push rod, an electrode pressure head and an electrode push head; the upper end of the fixed sleeve is connected to the air source via a three-way joint; the upper end of the movable push rod extends into the fixed sleeve, and when the air pressure in the fixed sleeve changes, it can control the lifting and lowering movement of the movable push rod; the electrode push head is fixed to the lower end of the movable push rod and can push the electrode array downward into the cerebral cortex when it moves downward; the electrode pressure head is fixed to the lower end of the movable push rod and can pass through the mesh of the titanium mesh and resist the electrode array when it moves downward. The structure of this solution is simple, and the expansion and contraction of the movable push rod is controlled by the inflation and exhaust of the three-way joint, so that the error influencing factors of the electrode array implantation process are smaller, and the error risk is reduced; thereby improving the safety and stability of the electrode array during implantation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of brain-computer interface electrode implantation equipment, and in particular relates to a pneumatic electrode array implantation device. Background Art

[0002] The Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a revolutionary human-computer interaction technology that directly establishes a new communication and control channel between the brain and external devices. It achieves information transmission and control by capturing brain signals and converting them into electrical signals. BCI technologies are categorized into non-invasive, semi-invasive, and invasive BCIs. Non-invasive BCIs use electrodes, sensors, and other devices on the surface of the scalp to obtain brain activity information. Semi-invasive BCIs implant electrodes under the scalp, close to the dura mater. Invasive BCIs implant electrodes into the cerebral cortex through craniotomy to directly collect high-quality neural activity signals.

[0003] In order to achieve the implantation of a brain-computer interface, the existing patent technology CN2023115572040 discloses a high-speed implantation device and method for a brain-computer interface electrode, which relates to the field of biological implantable medical instruments. The high-speed implantation device for a brain-computer interface electrode includes a pneumatic insertion stroke control module, a pneumatic drive module, an implantation depth adjustment module, and an electrode fixing module. The pneumatic insertion stroke control module includes a limit housing, a mounting slot, a spring, a fixing rod, and a limit striker. The spring is sleeved on the surface of the fixing rod. The side of the limit housing is provided with a pneumatic insertion stroke area. The top of the fixing rod is equipped with a support frame, and the top side of the support frame is equipped with a support block. The side of the support frame is slidably connected to the pneumatic insertion stroke area. The present invention directly interacts with the pneumatic drive module through the pneumatic insertion stroke control module. The feed of the cylinder rod directly drives the limit striker in the pneumatic insertion stroke control module, and the retraction of the limit striker is controlled by the spring. In addition, the gap between the limit striker and the limit housing is readable and adjustable, which can realize the display and control of the pneumatic insertion stroke.

[0004] However, this technology involves a complex structure, and the cumulative errors in the production and commissioning of various components affect the implant accuracy of the electrode array. The combined influence of air pressure and springs on the implant process increases the risk of error. Therefore, it is necessary to design a pneumatic electrode array implantation device with a simple structure that can reduce the risk of error. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides an electrode array pneumatic implant device.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in the present invention is:

[0007] An electrode array pneumatic implantation device includes an electrode propulsion device;

[0008] The electrode propulsion device includes a fixed sleeve, a movable push rod, an electrode pressure head and an electrode push head; the upper end of the fixed sleeve is connected to the gas source through a three-way joint; the upper end of the movable push rod is slidably arranged in the fixed sleeve, and the lower end extends out of the fixed sleeve, and when the air pressure in the fixed sleeve changes, it can control the lifting and lowering movement of the movable push rod; the electrode pressure head and the electrode push head can both be fixed to the lower end of the movable push rod; the lower end surface of the electrode push head is flat, and when the electrode push head is fixed to the lower end of the movable push rod and moves downward, the electrode array can be pushed downward into the cerebral cortex; the lower end of the electrode pressure head is conical, and when the electrode pressure head is fixed to the lower end of the movable push rod and moves downward, it can pass through the mesh of the titanium mesh and press against the electrode array.

[0009] As an alternative or supplement to the above structure, the upper ends of the electrode pressure head and the electrode push head both have mounting holes, and the lower end of the movable push rod can be plugged into the mounting hole; a pin hole is provided on the hole wall of the mounting hole, and a threaded pin is provided in the pin hole.

[0010] As an alternative or supplement to the above structure, the fixed sleeve includes a sealing tube and a guide tube; the lower end of the sealing tube is threadedly connected to the upper end of the guide tube; the upper end of the movable push rod is provided with a sealing ring, which is sealed with the tube wall of the sealing tube.

[0011] As an alternative or supplement to the above structure, the upper end of the sealing tube is threadedly connected to one interface of the three-way joint, and the other two interfaces of the three-way joint are respectively connected to the air inlet and air outlet of the positive pressure air source.

[0012] As an alternative or supplement to the above structure, the lower end of the guide tube is threadedly connected to a tension adjustment sleeve, which is sleeved on the outside of the movable push rod. The upper end of the tension adjustment sleeve is provided with a plurality of teeth, and adjacent teeth are separated by gaps; a conical surface is provided in the tube mouth of the lower end of the guide tube, which is used to gather the teeth and make the tension adjustment sleeve hold the movable push rod tightly.

[0013] As an alternative or supplement to the above structure, the electrode array pneumatic implantation device also includes an electrode freezing device; when the electrode needles of the electrode array are made of flexible material, the electrode freezing device is used to freeze the electrode pusher and the electrode array together, and make the electrode needles of the electrode array harden under low temperature conditions.

[0014] As an alternative or supplement to the above structure, the electrode freezing device includes a freezing plate and an electrode base; the electrode base is columnar and fixedly installed at the center of the freezing plate, and the electrode pusher can be sleeved onto the upper end of the electrode base; the handle of the electrode array is frozen together with the electrode pusher by ice; the freezing plate is used to hold dry ice and cool the electrode base and the electrode array and electrode pusher at its upper end.

[0015] As an alternative or supplement to the above structure, the upper portion of the freezing plate has a groove cavity, and the upper end of the electrode base is provided with a mounting column head that plugs and cooperates with the electrode push head.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the structure of this solution is simple, and the expansion and contraction of the movable push rod is controlled by the inflation and exhaust of the three-way joint, so that the error influencing factors of the electrode array implantation process are smaller, and the error risk is reduced; and the safety and stability of the electrode array implantation are improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this solution or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the electrode propulsion device in use in a stereotaxic apparatus;

[0019] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the electrode propulsion device;

[0020] Figure 3 (a) and (b) are the cross-sectional view and top view of the electrode indenter;

[0021] Figure 4 (a) and (b) are the cross-sectional view and top view of the electrode pusher;

[0022] Figure 5 (a) and (b) are the cross-sectional view and top view of the tension adjustment sleeve;

[0023] Figure 6 (a) and (b) are the cross-sectional view and top view of the fixed sleeve;

[0024] Figure 7 (a) and (b) are the cross-sectional view and top view of the guide tube;

[0025] Figure 8 (a) and (b) are structural diagrams of the movable push rod;

[0026] Figure 9 It is a structural diagram of the electrode freezing device;

[0027] Figure 10 Figure 2 is an example diagram of the structure of an electrode array.

[0028] In the figure: 1-electrode pressure head; 2-electrode push head; 3-tension adjustment sleeve; 4-guide tube; 5-fixed sleeve; 6-movable push rod; 7-tee joint; 8-pin; 9-sealing ring; 10-freezing plate; 11-electrode base; 11a-mounting column head; 12-electrode array; 12a-electrode needle; 13-stereoscopic positioning instrument; 13a-base; 13b-positioning needle; 13c-Y-axis slide; 13d-first rotating seat; 13e-Z-axis adjustment mechanism; 13f-X-axis adjustment mechanism; 13g-second rotating seat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The technical solution in this embodiment will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this solution, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this solution.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, this embodiment designs a pneumatic implantation device for an electrode array 12, including an electrode propulsion device and an electrode freezing device.

[0031] The electrode propulsion device is a component that vertically implants the electrode array 12 into the surface of the cerebral cortex. When in use, the electrode propulsion device needs to be installed on a stereotactic instrument 13. The stereotactic instrument 13 can adopt an existing structure. The function of the stereotactic instrument 13 is to fix and position the head, and at the same time install the electrode propulsion device so that the electrode array 12 can be implanted into the surface of the cerebral cortex by the electrode propulsion device. When in use, the stereotactic instrument 13 needs to be calibrated and zeroed first, and then the coordinates are adjusted horizontally so that the center of the propulsion device is aligned with the target brain area for implantation. The skull is surgically removed at the target brain area, and the dura mater is peeled off to expose the cortical surface. After the cortical surface of the target brain area is completely exposed, a depth calibration is performed so that the movement range of the electrode array 12 after installation is within a preset range, thereby avoiding damage to the cerebral cortex.

[0032] The stereotactic instrument 13 includes a base 13a, positioning pins 13b, a Y-axis slide 13c, a first rotating base 13d, a second rotating base 13g, a Z-axis adjustment mechanism 13e, and an X-axis adjustment mechanism 13f. The base 13a is used to secure the head. Movable positioning pins 13b are located on opposite sides of the base 13a in the X direction. These pins 13b can be brought together to position the head. The Y-direction slide 13c is slidably connected to the side of the base 13a and can slide in the Y direction. The first rotating seat 13d is rotatably connected to the Y-direction slide 13c and can rotate in the XY plane. The second rotating seat 13g is rotatably connected to the first rotating seat 13d and can rotate in the ZY plane. The lower end of the Z-direction adjustment mechanism 13e is fixed to the second rotating seat 13g and can control the X-direction adjustment mechanism 13f and the electrode propulsion device to move in the Y direction. One end of the X-direction adjustment mechanism 13f is fixed to the movable end of the Z-direction adjustment mechanism 13e and can control the X-direction movement of the electrode propulsion device. The electrode propulsion device is fixed to the movable end of the X-direction adjustment mechanism 13f.

[0033] The electrode propulsion device includes a fixed sleeve 5, a movable push rod 6, an electrode pressure head 1, an electrode push head 2, a tension adjustment sleeve 3 and other components.

[0034] The fixed sleeve 5 is a circular tube, its upper end connected to an air source via a three-way connector 7. The two ports of the three-way connector 7 are connected to a positive-pressure air source and a negative-pressure air source, respectively. When the pipeline is sealed and the positive-pressure air source is connected to the three-way connector 7, the air pressure pushes the movable push rod 6 downward. When the negative-pressure air source is connected to the three-way connector 7, the air pressure pushes the movable push rod 6 upward.

[0035] The upper end of the movable push rod 6 is slidably disposed within the fixed sleeve 5, while the lower end extends outside the fixed sleeve 5. Fluctuations in the air pressure within the fixed sleeve 5 control the lifting and lowering movement of the movable push rod 6. The fixed sleeve 5 comprises a sealing tube and a guide tube 4. The lower end of the sealing tube is threadedly connected to the upper end of the guide tube 4. The diameter of the upper end of the guide tube 4 is smaller than the diameter of the upper end of the movable push rod 6, thereby utilizing the upper end of the guide tube 4 to limit the position of the movable push rod 6. The upper end of the movable push rod 6 is inserted into the sealing tube, and a sealing ring 9 is sleeved on the upper end of the movable push rod 6, thereby sealing the upper end of the movable push rod 6 with the wall of the sealing tube, thereby facilitating air pressure control of the movable push rod 6's extension and retraction. The upper end of the sealing tube is threadedly connected to one end of a tee joint 7. Furthermore, an air pressure balancing hole is provided in the wall of the guide tube 4 to balance the air pressure within the guide tube 4.

[0036] The upper ends of the electrode press head 1 and the electrode push head 2 are both provided with mounting holes, and the lower end of the movable push rod 6 can be plugged into the mounting holes, so that the electrode press head 1 and the electrode push head 2 can be fixed to the lower end of the movable push rod 6. A pin hole is provided on the hole wall of the mounting hole, and a threaded pin 8 is provided in the pin hole, so that the electrode press head 1 or the electrode push head 2 can be firmly fixed to the movable push rod 6. The lower end surface of the electrode push head 2 is flat, and when the electrode push head 2 is fixed to the lower end of the movable push rod 6 and moved downward, the electrode array 12 can be implanted downward and fixed on the surface of the cerebral cortex; the lower end of the electrode press head 1 is conical, and when the electrode array is pushed to fit the cortical surface, the stereotaxic instrument is operated to raise and replace the electrode push head 2 with the electrode press head 1. At this point, artificial meninges and titanium mesh need to be installed on the back of the electrode in sequence. The shape and position of the titanium mesh are adjusted to just press the electrode against the cortical surface. The electrode pressure head 1 is fixed to the lower end of the movable push rod 6 and can be moved downward to pass through the mesh of the titanium mesh and press against the electrode array 12. When fixing, bone cement is first used to fix the titanium mesh around. Then, the pneumatic propulsion device can be removed by moving the stereotaxic instrument. Finally, bone cement is used to seal the entire surgical window.

[0037] The lower end of the guide tube 4 is threadedly connected to a tension adjustment sleeve 3, which is fitted over the movable push rod 6. The upper end of the tension adjustment sleeve 3 is provided with a plurality of teeth, with adjacent teeth separated by gaps. A tapered surface is provided within the lower end of the guide tube 4, which is used to gather the teeth and enable the tension adjustment sleeve 3 to grip the movable push rod 6. When the tension adjustment sleeve 3 is tightened, the tapered surface gathers the teeth, thereby gripping the movable push rod 6. When the tension adjustment sleeve 3 is loosened, the teeth disperse under their own elastic force, thereby releasing the movable push rod 6. By adjusting the tension adjustment sleeve 3, the resistance to the movement of the movable push rod 6 can be adjusted, thereby improving the smoothness of the movement and controlling the speed of the movement.

[0038] The pneumatic implantation device of the electrode array 12 also includes an electrode freezing device; when the electrode needles 12a of the electrode array 12 are made of flexible material, the electrode freezing device is used to freeze the electrode pusher 2 and the electrode array 12 together, and make the electrode needles 12a of the electrode array 12 harden under low temperature conditions.

[0039] The electrode freezing device includes a freezing plate 10 and an electrode base 11. The electrode base 11 is columnar and fixedly mounted at the center of the freezing plate 10. The electrode pusher 2 can be inserted into the upper end of the electrode base 11. The handle of the electrode array 12 is frozen to the electrode pusher 2 by ice. The freezing plate 10 is used to hold dry ice and cool the electrode base 11, the electrode array 12 at its upper end, and the electrode pusher 2. The upper portion of the freezing plate 10 has a groove. The upper end of the electrode base 11 is provided with a mounting stud 11a that plugs into the electrode pusher 2. The electrode pusher 2 can be inserted into the mounting stud 11a.

[0040] A scale is provided on the surface of the movable push rod 6, so as to facilitate observation of the lifting position of the movable push rod 6. During debugging, the air source can be adjusted by the lifting distance of the movable push rod 6, thereby improving the control accuracy of the lifting speed and lifting distance. When implanting the electrode array 12, the lifting distance of the movable push rod 6 can be matched with the model of the motor array to avoid the problem of misalignment with the target brain area when implanting the electrode array 12 from an excessively high position.

[0041] When using the pneumatic implantation device for the electrode array 12 in this solution to implant the hard electrode array 12 (the electrode needles 12a are made of hard material), the steps are as follows:

[0042] 1. Install the electrode array 12 pneumatic implantation device on the stereotaxic apparatus 13 and place the head on the stereotaxic apparatus 13 so that the head is directly below the electrode array 12 pneumatic implantation device;

[0043] 2. Adjust the installation height of the air source and the pneumatic implantation device of the electrode array 12 so that the limit position of the downward movement of the electrode pusher 2 is exactly consistent with the desired implantation position of the electrode array 12;

[0044] 3. After making other preparations for implantation, use tweezers to hold the electrode array 12 and place it on the surface of the cerebral cortex. Then, install the electrode pusher 2 under the movable push rod 6 and place it against the electrode array 12. Press the movable push rod 6 downward, so that the electrode pusher 2 pushes the electrode array 12 to be implanted on the surface of the cerebral cortex.

[0045] 4. Remove the electrode pusher 2 and install the electrode pressure head 1 under the movable push rod 6; install the artificial meninges and arrange the titanium mesh on the cortical surface, move the electrode pressure head 1 downward, and let its lower end pass through the mesh of the titanium mesh and press against the electrode array 12 to prevent the electrode array 12 from shifting;

[0046] 5. Repair the implantation wound after implanting the electrode array 12.

[0047] When using the pneumatic implantation device for the electrode array 12 in this solution to implant the soft electrode array 12 (the electrode needles 12a are made of flexible material), the steps are as follows:

[0048] 1. Install the electrode array 12 pneumatic implantation device on the stereotaxic apparatus 13 and fix the head on the stereotaxic apparatus 13 so that the head is directly below the electrode array 12 pneumatic implantation device;

[0049] 2. Adjust the installation height of the air source and the pneumatic implantation device of the electrode array 12 so that the limit position of the downward movement of the electrode pusher 2 is exactly consistent with the desired implantation position of the electrode array 12;

[0050] 3. Place the electrode pusher 2 on the mounting post 11a at the upper end of the electrode base 11, drip water on the electrode pusher 2, and then place the electrode array 12 on the electrode pusher 2. Fill the freezing tray 10 with dry ice to cool the electrode array 12 so that the electrode pusher 2 and the electrode array 12 are frozen together, and at the same time, the electrode needles 12a of the electrode array 12 harden at low temperature.

[0051] 4. Perform a craniotomy before implantation, remove the skull, peel off the meninges to completely expose the cortical surface of the target brain area, and install the electrode pusher 2 and the electrode array 12 under the movable push rod 6. Press the movable push rod 6 downward, so that the electrode pusher 2 pushes the electrode array 12 into the cerebral cortex;

[0052] 5. After the ice between the electrode pusher 2 and the electrode array 12 melts and the connection between the two is disconnected, remove the electrode pusher 2 and install the electrode presser 1 under the movable push rod 6; arrange a titanium mesh at the cerebral cortex, move the electrode presser 1 downward, and pass its lower end through the mesh of the titanium mesh and press against the electrode array 12 to prevent the electrode array 12 from shifting;

[0053] 6. Repair the implantation wound of the electrode array 12 after implantation into the cortex.

[0054] The above embodiments are merely examples for the purpose of illustrating the present invention clearly and are not intended to limit the embodiments. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all embodiments here. Obvious changes or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this technology.

Claims

1. An electrode array pneumatic implantation device, characterized in that: including an electrode propulsion device; The electrode pushing device comprises a fixed sleeve (5), a movable push rod (6), an electrode pressure head (1) and an electrode push head (2); the upper end of the fixed sleeve (5) is connected to the gas source through a three-way joint (7); the upper end of the movable push rod (6) is slidably arranged in the fixed sleeve (5), and the lower end extends out of the fixed sleeve (5), and when the gas pressure in the fixed sleeve (5) changes, the lifting and lowering movement of the movable push rod (6) can be controlled; the electrode pressure head (1) and the electrode push head (2) can both be fixed to the lower end of the movable push rod (6); the lower end surface of the electrode push head (2) is flat, and when the electrode push head (2) is fixed to the lower end of the movable push rod (6) and moves downward, it can push the electrode array (12) downward into the cerebral cortex; the lower end of the electrode pressure head (1) is conical, and when the electrode pressure head (1) is fixed to the lower end of the movable push rod (6) and moves downward, it can pass through the mesh of the titanium mesh and press against the electrode array (12).

2. The electrode array pneumatic implantation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper ends of the electrode pressure head (1) and the electrode push head (2) both have mounting holes, and the lower end of the movable push rod (6) can be plugged into and fitted into the mounting holes; a pin hole is provided on the wall of the mounting hole, and a threaded pin (8) is provided in the pin hole.

3. The electrode array pneumatic implantation device according to claim 1, wherein: The fixed sleeve (5) includes a sealing tube and a guide tube (4); the lower end of the sealing tube is threadedly connected to the upper end of the guide tube (4); the upper end of the movable push rod (6) is provided with a sealing ring (9) and is sealed with the tube wall of the sealing tube.

4. The electrode array pneumatic implantation device according to claim 3, wherein: The upper end of the sealing tube is threadedly connected to one interface of the three-way joint (7), and the other two interfaces of the three-way joint (7) are connected to the positive pressure gas source and the negative pressure gas source respectively.

5. The electrode array pneumatic implantation device according to claim 3, wherein: The lower end of the guide tube (4) is threadedly connected to a tension adjustment sleeve (3), which is sleeved on the outside of the movable push rod (6). The upper end of the tension adjustment sleeve (3) is provided with a plurality of teeth, and adjacent teeth are separated by gaps; a conical surface is provided in the pipe opening at the lower end of the guide tube (4), and the conical surface is used to gather the teeth and enable the tension adjustment sleeve (3) to hold the movable push rod (6) tightly.

6. The electrode array pneumatic implant device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The electrode array pneumatic implant device further includes an electrode freezing device; when the electrode needles (12a) of the electrode array (12) are made of a flexible material, the electrode freezing device is used to freeze the electrode pusher (2) and the electrode array (12) together, and to harden the electrode needles (12a) of the electrode array (12) at a low temperature.

7. The electrode array pneumatic implantation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The electrode freezing device comprises a freezing plate (10) and an electrode base (11); the electrode base (11) is in a columnar shape and is fixedly mounted at the center of the freezing plate (10); the electrode pusher (2) can be sleeved onto the upper end of the electrode base (11); the handle of the electrode array (12) is frozen together with the electrode pusher (2) through ice; the freezing plate (10) is used to contain dry ice and to cool the electrode base (11) and the electrode array (12) and the electrode pusher (2) at its upper end.

8. The electrode array pneumatic implantation device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The upper portion of the freezing plate (10) has a groove cavity, and the upper end of the electrode base (11) is provided with a mounting column head (11a) that is plugged into and matched with the electrode push head (2).

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