Implanted electrodes

Abstract

The application relates to an implantable electrode, a shape-changing base body having an expanded state and a contracted state, the spatial volume of the shape-changing base body in the expanded state being greater than the spatial volume of the shape-changing base body in the contracted state, a control assembly being connected to the shape-changing base body, the control assembly being used for controlling the shape-changing base body to switch between the expanded state and the contracted state, and an electrode assembly being arranged on the base body outer surface of the shape-changing base body. In the above-mentioned implantable electrode, the shape-changing base body can expand and contract, when the shape-changing base body in the contracted state successfully carries the electrode assembly and is implanted into the inside of the brain, the shape-changing base body can be continuously controlled to switch from the contracted state to the expanded state, the electrode assembly located on the base body outer surface of the shape-changing base body can also expand outwardly along with the expansion of the base body outer surface of the shape-changing base body, fills the implanted space in the brain, and the electrode assembly can be close to the nerve tissue in the implanted space of the brain by using the expansion of the base body outer surface, and signal connection is formed with the nerve tissue.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical technology, and in particular to implantable electrodes. Background Technology

[0002] Implantable electrodes for the brain are neuro-implantable devices that connect the brain directly to external devices, enabling the recording and stimulation of neural signals. Implantable electrodes can help explore how the brain works, treat neurodegenerative diseases, and enhance human cognition and perception.

[0003] Currently, implantable electrodes for the brain need to be implanted in the cerebral cortex or deep structures of the brain. After implantation, they can provide high-resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio signals. However, since implantable electrodes are foreign implants, there are risks associated with implantation in the brain, such as intracranial hemorrhage, infection, rejection, electrode aging, and displacement.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field to address a series of risks associated with implantable electrodes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an implantable electrode to address at least one of the aforementioned technical problems.

[0006] This application provides an implantable electrode, the implantable electrode comprising:

[0007] A deformable matrix having an expanded state and a contracted state, wherein the spatial volume of the deformable matrix in the expanded state is greater than the spatial volume of the deformable matrix in the contracted state;

[0008] A control component connected to the deformable matrix, the control component being used to control the deformable matrix to switch between the expanded state and the contracted state;

[0009] An electrode assembly is disposed on the outer surface of the deformable substrate.

[0010] In one embodiment, the deformable substrate has an internal cavity and a deformable capability. The deformable substrate has a delivery through-hole communicating with the internal cavity. The delivery through-hole is used to deliver a filling material into the internal cavity of the deformable substrate. The filling material is used to fill the internal cavity of the deformable substrate, causing the deformable substrate to change from the contracted state to the expanded state.

[0011] In one embodiment, the control component includes:

[0012] A delivery pipeline, the distal end of which is connected to the delivery through-hole of the deformed substrate;

[0013] A conveying component, which is connected to the proximal end of the conveying pipeline, is used to convey filling material into the internal cavity of the deformable matrix through the conveying pipeline, or to discharge filling material from the internal cavity of the deformable matrix through the conveying pipeline.

[0014] In one embodiment, the deformable matrix is ​​made of a biocompatible material; and / or,

[0015] The filling material used is physiological saline.

[0016] In one embodiment, the interlayer of the deformable substrate has a guide channel through which a transmission wire passes, the distal end of the transmission wire being electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and the proximal end of the transmission wire extending from the guide channel to the outside of the deformable substrate.

[0017] In one embodiment, the implantable electrode includes:

[0018] An information processing unit is electrically connected to the proximal end of the transmission wire.

[0019] In one embodiment, the information processing unit includes:

[0020] A signal amplifier, which is electrically connected to the proximal end of the transmission line; and / or,

[0021] A post-processing device, which is electrically connected to the proximal end of the transmission line.

[0022] In one embodiment, the electrode assembly includes a plurality of electrode contacts arranged on the outer surface of the deformable substrate.

[0023] In one embodiment, the deformable substrate has two opposing electrode arrangement areas on both sides, and a plurality of electrode contacts are evenly distributed within the two electrode arrangement areas; and / or,

[0024] The electrode contacts are in the shape of sheet contacts; and / or,

[0025] The electrode contacts are made of AgCl, Ag, or Au.

[0026] In one embodiment, the ratio of the spatial volume of the deformable matrix in the expanded state to the spatial volume of the deformable matrix in the contracted state is 5 to 10.

[0027] In the aforementioned implantable electrode, the deformable substrate can expand and contract, transitioning between expanded and contracted states. Therefore, when the deformable substrate is controlled in a contracted state, it has a smaller volume. This smaller volume facilitates the implantation of the electrode assembly into the brain. Once the deformable substrate in a contracted state is successfully implanted into the brain and reaches the target location, it can be controlled to transition from a contracted state to an expanded state. When the deformable substrate transitions from a contracted state to an expanded state, it will have a larger volume.

[0028] As the deformable substrate gradually transforms from a smaller spatial volume to a larger spatial volume, the outer surface of the substrate expands from the center outwards. Simultaneously, the electrode assembly located on the outer surface of the substrate also expands outwards. Once the deformable substrate has a larger spatial volume, it fills the implanted space in the brain. Furthermore, through the expansion of the substrate itself and its outer surface, the electrode assembly can closely contact the neural tissue within the implanted space, enabling a better signal connection between the electrode assembly and the corresponding neural tissue. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of implanting a deformable substrate in an expanded state into the ventricle of the brain, as provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of implanting a deformable substrate in a contracted state into the ventricle of the brain, as provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of a deformable matrix exhibiting an expanded state, as provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of a deformable matrix exhibiting a contracted state, as provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of multiple electrode contacts in an electrode assembly provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0034] Icon labels:

[0035] 100. Information processing unit;

[0036] 1000, Deformation substrate; 2000, Control components; 3000, Electrode components;

[0037] 1000a, Expansion state; 1000b, Contraction state; 1000c, Electrode arrangement area;

[0038] 1100, Internal cavity; 1200, Conveying through hole;

[0039] 3000a, electrode contacts. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0041] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0042] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0043] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0045] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0046] See Figures 1 to 5 As shown, one embodiment of this application provides an implantable electrode, which includes a deformable substrate 1000, a control component 2000, and an electrode assembly 3000. The deformable substrate 1000 has an expanded state 1000a and a contracted state 1000b. The volume of the deformable substrate 1000 in the expanded state 1000a is greater than the volume of the deformable substrate 1000 in the contracted state 1000b. The control component 2000 is connected to the deformable substrate 1000 and is used to control the deformation substrate 1000 to switch between the expanded state 1000a and the contracted state 1000b. The electrode assembly 3000 is disposed on the outer surface of the deformable substrate 1000.

[0047] Continue reading Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, since the deformable substrate 1000 can expand and contract, achieving the transition between the expanded state 1000a and the contracted state 1000b, when the deformable substrate 1000 is controlled to be in the contracted state 1000b, the deformable substrate 1000 will have a smaller spatial volume. The smaller spatial volume makes it easier for the deformable substrate 1000 to carry the electrode assembly 3000 for implantation into the brain. When the deformable substrate 1000 in the contracted state 1000b carrying the electrode assembly 3000 is successfully implanted into the brain and successfully reaches the target position, the deformable substrate 1000 can be further controlled to change from the contracted state 1000b to the expanded state 1000a. When the deformable substrate 1000 changes from the contracted state 1000b to the expanded state 1000a, the deformable substrate 1000 will have a larger spatial volume.

[0048] As the deformable substrate 1000 gradually transforms from a smaller spatial volume to a larger spatial volume, the outer surface of the substrate 1000 expands from the center outwards. Simultaneously, the electrode assembly 3000 located on the outer surface of the substrate 1000 also expands outwards. Once the deformable substrate 1000 has a larger spatial volume, it fills the implanted space in the brain. Furthermore, through the expansion of the substrate 1000 itself and the expansion of its outer surface, the electrode assembly 3000 can closely contact the neural tissue within the implanted space, enabling a better signal connection between the electrode assembly 3000 and the corresponding neural tissue.

[0049] Furthermore, since the deformable substrate 1000 has a smaller volume after transforming into the contracted state 1000b, it has the advantage of being easy to implant into the brain in the contracted state 1000b. At the same time, also because the deformable substrate 1000 has a smaller volume after transforming into the contracted state 1000b, when it is necessary to remove the implanted electrode from the brain, the deformable substrate 1000 in the expanded state 1000a can be transformed into the contracted state 1000b and withdrawn in the reverse direction to remove the implanted electrode from the brain, thus solving the problem that existing implanted electrodes cannot or are inconvenient to remove from the brain.

[0050] The deformable substrate 1000 can deform its own spatial volume in various ways, allowing it to expand or contract under controllable conditions. This enables the deformable substrate 1000 to switch between an expanded state 1000a and a contracted state 1000b. For example, in one embodiment, the deformable substrate 1000 has an internal cavity 1100 and is deformable. The deformable substrate 1000 has a delivery through-hole 1200 communicating with the internal cavity 1100. The delivery through-hole 1200 is used to deliver a filling material into the internal cavity 1100 of the deformable substrate 1000, and the filling material is used to fill the deformable substrate 1000. The internal cavity 1100 of 0 causes the deformable matrix 1000 to transform from a contracted state 1000b to an expanded state 1000a. At this time, the deformable matrix 1000 has the ability to deform, which at least means that the deformable matrix 1000 can be stretched or contracted under the action of external force. After the internal cavity 1100 of the deformable matrix 1000 is filled with a filling material, the filling material can force the surface area of ​​the outer surface of the matrix of the deformable matrix 1000 to increase, thereby causing the overall spatial volume of the deformable matrix 1000 to expand and transform into the expanded state 1000a. For example, the deformable matrix 1000 has an elastic deformation ability similar to rubber, similar to the expansion and contraction structure of a balloon.

[0051] In addition, the deformable substrate 1000 can also be used in other ways to achieve the conversion between the expanded state 1000a and the contracted state 1000b. For example, the deformable substrate 1000 can be a structure with a fixed memory shape, such as a scaffold, so that the deformable substrate 1000 can contract under the action of external force such as an outer sheath, and convert to the contracted state 1000b. When the outer sheath is removed, the deformable substrate 1000 can restore to the predetermined memory shape, thereby maintaining the expanded state 1000a. However, given the special in vivo location of the deformable substrate 1000, even if the deformable substrate 1000 is a structure similar to a scaffold, other softer materials, such as biocompatible materials, need to be selected. This is not limited here.

[0052] In one embodiment, the deformable matrix 1000 can be made of a biocompatible material, such as medical polyurethane. The filler can be a liquid, gas, etc., such as physiological saline. See also Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the deformable substrate 1000 can be implanted within the ventricle of the brain, avoiding direct contact with intracranial soft tissue and preventing damage. Furthermore, glial cells can form scar tissue on the electrode surface, affecting signal acquisition. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricle contains almost no glial cells, preventing scar formation and thus ensuring high-quality EEG signals. Moreover, the density of CSF is close to that of saline solution. Filling the internal cavity 1100 of the deformable substrate 1000 with saline solution allows it to float. The buoyancy of the CSF provides support points, solving the problem of insufficient support in existing implantable electrodes.

[0053] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the control component 2000 includes a delivery conduit and a delivery component. The distal end of the delivery conduit is connected to the delivery through-hole 1200 of the deformable substrate 1000, and the delivery component is connected to the proximal end of the delivery conduit. The delivery component is used to deliver filling material into the internal cavity 1100 of the deformable substrate 1000 through the delivery conduit, or to discharge filling material from the internal cavity 1100 of the deformable substrate 1000 through the delivery conduit. The delivery conduit can be of a size and material suitable for entering the brain, etc., which can be selected by those skilled in the art according to their needs, and is not limited here. The delivery component can be a pump of various forms, which can be a gas pump or a liquid pump depending on the properties of the filling material, and is not limited here.

[0054] In one embodiment, the deformable substrate 1000 has a guide channel in its interlayer, through which a transmission wire is threaded. The distal end of the transmission wire is electrically connected to the electrode assembly 3000, and the proximal end of the transmission wire extends from the guide channel to the outside of the deformable substrate 1000. The electrode assembly 3000 can form an electrical connection with an external device by means of the transmission wire extending from the guide channel to acquire the electroencephalogram (EEG) signals acquired by the electrode assembly 3000.

[0055] See Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the implantable electrode includes an information processing unit 100, which is electrically connected to the proximal end of a transmission wire. The information processing unit 100 may include a signal amplifier and a post-processing device, etc. The signal amplifier and the post-processing device are electrically connected to the proximal end of the transmission wire. Those skilled in the art may also choose to add other electrical components as needed, without limitation.

[0056] See Figure 5As shown, in one embodiment, the electrode assembly 3000 includes a plurality of electrode contacts 3000a, which are arranged on the outer surface of the deformable substrate 1000. Since the deformable substrate 1000 has deformability, as the deformable substrate 1000 gradually transforms from a smaller spatial volume to a larger spatial volume, the outer surface of the deformable substrate 1000 can gradually expand from the center of the deformable substrate 1000 toward the outside of the deformable substrate 1000, thereby increasing the surface area of ​​the outer surface of the deformable substrate 1000. Correspondingly, as the deformable substrate 1000 gradually transforms from a larger spatial volume to a smaller spatial volume, the outer surface of the deformable substrate 1000 can also gradually contract from the outer periphery of the deformable substrate 1000 toward the center of the deformable substrate 1000, thereby decreasing the surface area of ​​the outer surface of the deformable substrate 1000.

[0057] After multiple electrode contacts 3000a are formed and arranged on the outer surface of the deformable substrate 1000, the deformable substrate 1000 contracts and transforms into a contracted state 1000b. Since the surface area of ​​the outer surface of the deformable substrate 1000 also decreases due to the transformation into the contracted state 1000b, the multiple electrode contacts 3000a will shrink accordingly as the surface area of ​​the outer surface of the deformable substrate 1000 shrinks. In practice, this means that the distance between the multiple electrode contacts 3000a becomes smaller.

[0058] Similarly, after multiple electrode contacts 3000a are formed and arranged on the outer surface of the deformable substrate 1000, and the deformable substrate 1000 expands and transforms into the expanded state 1000a, the surface area of ​​the outer surface of the deformable substrate 1000 will also increase due to the transformation into the expanded state 1000a. Therefore, the multiple electrode contacts 3000a will expand accordingly as the surface area of ​​the outer surface of the deformable substrate 1000 expands, which actually manifests as the distance between the multiple electrode contacts 3000a increasing.

[0059] Therefore, compared with the disadvantage of existing filamentous electrodes which are difficult to control in terms of expansion, the expansion and contraction of multiple electrode contacts 3000a in the electrode assembly 3000 can be easily realized by the conversion between the expanded state 1000a and the contracted state 1000b of the deformable substrate 1000 and the arrangement of multiple electrode contacts 3000a on the outer surface of the substrate of the deformable substrate 1000.

[0060] In one embodiment, the deformable substrate 1000 has two opposing electrode arrangement regions 1000c on both sides. In this case, the deformable substrate 1000 can exhibit a generally flat plate structure, primarily the flat plate structure exhibited when the deformable substrate 1000 is in the expanded state 1000a. The two electrode arrangement regions 1000c of the two deformable substrates 1000 are respectively located on both sides of the deformable substrate 1000, such that the plurality of electrode contacts 3000a in the electrode assembly 3000 are essentially located on opposite sides of the deformable substrate 1000. When the deformable substrate... After the body 1000 expands and transforms into the expanded state 1000a, the multiple electrode contacts 3000a will move toward both sides of the deformable substrate 1000 respectively. In one embodiment, the two opposing electrode arrangement regions 1000c of the deformable substrate 1000 can be basically parallel to each other. Here, "parallel" means that the two electrode arrangement regions 1000c are absolutely parallel to each other and the two electrode arrangement regions 1000c are approximately parallel to each other, that is, a small angle can occur between the two electrode arrangement regions 1000c.

[0061] Therefore, after multiple electrode contacts 3000a are evenly distributed within the two electrode arrangement areas 1000c, as the deformable substrate 1000 changes from a contracted state 1000b to an expanded state 1000a, the multiple electrode contacts 3000a can symmetrically shift towards opposite sides of the deformable substrate 1000. The electrode contacts 3000a can also be in the form of sheet-like contacts, whose structure perfectly matches the flat plate structure of the deformable substrate 1000. During the shift of the multiple electrode contacts 3000a towards the sides of the deformable substrate 1000, the surface of the sheet-like contacts can match the shift in the opposite direction, which is beneficial for surface adhesion with the tissues within the brain. The material of the electrode contacts 3000a can be AgCl, Ag, or Au, etc., and is not limited here.

[0062] In one embodiment, the ratio of the spatial volume of the deformable substrate 1000 in the expanded state 1000a to the spatial volume of the deformable substrate 1000 in the contracted state 1000b is 5 to 10. For example, the ratio of the spatial volume of the deformable substrate 1000 in the expanded state 1000a to the spatial volume of the deformable substrate 1000 in the contracted state 1000b is 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, etc. Those skilled in the art can limit the degree of change in the spatial volume of the deformable substrate 1000 in the expanded state 1000a and the contracted state 1000b according to actual needs, so as to meet the implantation and retrieval of the implantable electrode. No limitation is made here.

[0063] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0064] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An implantable electrode, characterized in that, The implantable electrode includes: A deformable substrate having an expanded state and a contracted state, wherein the spatial volume of the deformable substrate in the expanded state is greater than the spatial volume of the deformable substrate in the contracted state, the ratio of the spatial volume of the deformable substrate in the expanded state to the spatial volume of the deformable substrate in the contracted state is 5 to 10, the deformable substrate having an internal cavity, the deformable substrate having deformability, and the deformable substrate having a conveying through hole communicating with the internal cavity; A control component includes a delivery pipeline and a delivery component. The distal end of the delivery pipeline is connected to a delivery through-hole of the deformable substrate, and the delivery component is connected to the proximal end of the delivery pipeline. The component is used to deliver a filling material into the internal cavity of the deformable substrate through the delivery pipeline, thereby causing the deformable substrate to change from a contracted state to an expanded state, or to discharge the filling material from the internal cavity of the deformable substrate through the delivery pipeline, thereby causing the deformable substrate to change from an expanded state to a contracted state. An electrode assembly is disposed on the outer surface of the deformable substrate; The deformable matrix is ​​configured to be implanted in the ventricle, and the filling material is physiological saline.

2. The implantable electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying component is a pump body.

3. The implantable electrode according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pump body is a liquid pump.

4. The implantable electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deformable matrix is ​​made of a biocompatible material.

5. The implantable electrode according to claim 4, characterized in that, The material of the deformable matrix is ​​medical-grade polyurethane.

6. The implantable electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deformable substrate has a guide channel in its interlayer, through which a transmission wire passes. The distal end of the transmission wire is electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and the proximal end of the transmission wire extends from the guide channel to the outside of the deformable substrate.

7. The implantable electrode according to claim 6, characterized in that, The implantable electrode includes: An information processing unit is electrically connected to the proximal end of the transmission wire.

8. The implantable electrode according to claim 7, characterized in that, The information processing unit includes: A signal amplifier, which is electrically connected to the proximal end of the transmission line; and / or, A post-processing device, which is electrically connected to the proximal end of the transmission line.

9. The implantable electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode assembly includes multiple electrode contacts, which are arranged on the outer surface of the deformable substrate.

10. The implantable electrode according to claim 9, characterized in that, The deformable substrate has two opposing electrode arrangement areas on both sides, and a plurality of electrode contacts are evenly distributed within the two electrode arrangement areas; and / or, The electrode contacts are in the shape of sheet contacts; and / or, The electrode contacts are made of AgCl, Ag, or Au.

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