Brain cortex stimulation device
By designing a flexible stimulation module and using a brain cortex stimulation device consisting of wires and stimulation contacts, the problems of large thickness, high rigidity and high cost of existing devices are solved, and a large current stimulation effect that fits well with the brain cortex is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510873858.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing brain cortex stimulation devices are thick, rigid, complex to manufacture and costly, making them difficult to fit with the brain cortex. In addition, the electrodes produced by MEMS technology are thin and have small current channels, which cannot meet the requirements of brain cortex stimulation.
A brain cortex stimulation device is designed, which uses a stimulation module consisting of a wire and stimulation contacts. The wire extends along the second direction, and the stimulation contacts are arranged along the first direction. There are gaps between adjacent contacts to form a flexible structure. The stimulation contacts are provided on the wire. The device has simple process, low cost, thin thickness, low rigidity, and is suitable for electrical stimulation of the brain cortex.
It achieves high-current stimulation that fits well with the brain cortex, meets the requirements of brain cortical electrical stimulation, and has stronger practicality and biocompatibility.
Smart Images
Figure CN120617812A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of brain electrical stimulation devices, and in particular to a brain cortex stimulation device. Background Art
[0002] The brain cortex stimulation contacts can be used to stimulate the cerebral cortex, so as to be able to electrically stimulate the cerebral cortex, and specifically intervene in certain areas of the brain to produce the expected response. For example, the visual cortex is electrically stimulated to produce a light hallucination effect, and brain signals from the corresponding area can also be collected. Ultimately, the abnormal activity area is located based on the collected brain signals. However, the current stimulation devices suitable for brain cortex stimulation usually have problems such as large thickness, high rigidity, complex production, and high production cost. Based on this, providing a stimulation device that can be used for brain cortex stimulation has become a key issue for those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In view of this, the present application provides a brain cortex stimulation device, the scheme is as follows:
[0004] A brain cortex stimulation device, comprising:
[0005] a generating module, wherein the generating module generates a stimulation signal in response to a control signal;
[0006] a stimulation module, the stimulation module being electrically connected to the generating module and in contact with the cerebral cortex of the stimulation target, and the stimulation module being configured to transmit the stimulation signal to the cerebral cortex of the stimulation target to achieve electrical stimulation of the cerebral cortex of the stimulation target;
[0007] The stimulation module includes at least one column arranged along a first direction, each column of the stimulation module includes a wire and a plurality of stimulation contacts electrically connected to the wire, the wire extends along a second direction, and the plurality of stimulation contacts located on the same wire are arranged along the second direction; the wire is electrically connected to the generating module, the target area of the stimulation contact contacts contacts the brain cortex of the stimulation target, and the stimulation signal is sequentially transmitted to the brain cortex of the stimulation target via the wire and the target area of the stimulation contact; the first direction and the second direction intersect;
[0008] Among the multiple stimulation contacts located on the same wire, there is a gap between two adjacent stimulation contacts.
[0009] Optionally,
[0010] Optionally, the stimulation contact extends along the second direction and is a columnar electrode having an opening, and the opening passes through the stimulation contact along the second direction;
[0011] Wherein, along the second direction, the projection shape of the stimulation contact is an ellipse with an opening, and the target area of the stimulation contact is the opposite side to the side where the opening is located.
[0012] Optionally, along the first direction, the size of the opening ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm, including endpoint values;
[0013] The long radius of the ellipse of the stimulation contact ranges from 0.3 mm to 1 mm, including the endpoint values; the short radius of the ellipse of the stimulation contact ranges from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, including the endpoint values.
[0014] Optionally, the stimulation module further comprises an auxiliary film layer, wherein the auxiliary film layer is formed on the stimulation contact and is composed of nanoparticles having conductive ability;
[0015] Wherein, the auxiliary film layer covers the target area of the stimulation contact.
[0016] Optionally, along the second direction, among the multiple stimulation contacts located on the same conductive wire, a distance between two adjacent stimulation contacts ranges from 1 mm to 3 mm, including endpoint values;
[0017] The diameter of the wire ranges from 0.03 mm to 0.1 mm, including the end points.
[0018] Optionally, the stimulation modules comprise a column arranged along the first direction.
[0019] Optionally, the stimulation module comprises a plurality of columns extending along the first direction, with a gap between two adjacent columns;
[0020] Wherein, along the second direction, the lengths of the multiple columns are different, and the stimulation contacts are of a first preset shape; or
[0021] Along the second direction, a portion of the multiple columns have the same length, and another portion has different lengths, and the stimulation contacts have a second preset shape; or
[0022] Along the second direction, the lengths of the multiple columns are the same, and the stimulation contacts are in a third preset shape;
[0023] The first preset shape, the second preset shape and the third preset shape are different.
[0024] Optionally, the device further comprises a molded body, wherein the molded body comprises a first portion, and a portion of the stimulation module excluding the target area of the stimulation contact is wrapped in the first portion of the molded body;
[0025] If the stimulation modules include a row arranged along the first direction, the projection shape of the first portion of the molded body along the second direction is an ellipse or a rectangle.
[0026] Optionally, the generating module includes a power supply unit and a circuit sealing body, and a signal transmission unit and a generating unit located in the circuit sealing body and arranged on a circuit board;
[0027] The power supply unit is a wireless power supply unit, and the power supply unit is electrically connected to the circuit board and is used to supply power to the circuit board;
[0028] The signal transmission unit receives the control signal and transmits the control signal to the generation unit, the generation unit generates the stimulation signal based on the control signal, and the generation unit is also electrically connected to the wire to transmit the stimulation signal to the stimulation contact;
[0029] The molded body also includes a second part, the generating module is placed on the dura mater of the stimulation target, the power supply unit is wrapped by the second part of the molded body, the side of the circuit sealing body facing the brain cortex is wrapped by the second part of the molded body, and the side facing away from the brain cortex is exposed to the second part of the molded body.
[0030] Optionally, the material of the stimulation contact is any one of platinum, gold, platinum-iridium alloy, titanium and stainless steel;
[0031] The material of the wire is platinum-iridium alloy or nickel-cobalt alloy, and the area of the wire other than the area in contact with the stimulation contact is coated with an insulating layer;
[0032] The molded body is made of medical silicone;
[0033] The material of the circuit sealing body is titanium-gold alloy.
[0034] Compared with the related art, the technical solution of this application has the following beneficial effects:
[0035] The stimulation device includes: a generating module and a stimulation module. The generating module generates a stimulation signal in response to a control signal. The stimulation module contacts the brain cortex of the stimulation target and transmits the stimulation signal to the brain cortex of the stimulation target to achieve electrical stimulation of the brain cortex of the stimulation target.
[0036] The stimulation module includes at least one column arranged along a first direction, each column of the stimulation module includes a wire and a plurality of stimulation contacts electrically connected to the wire, the wire extends along a second direction, and the plurality of stimulation contacts located on the same wire are arranged along the second direction. The wire is electrically connected to the generating module, the target area of the stimulation contact contacts the cerebral cortex of the stimulation target, and the stimulation signal is transmitted to the cerebral cortex of the stimulation target in sequence through the wire and the target area of the stimulation contact. Among them, there is a gap between two adjacent stimulation contacts in the plurality of stimulation contacts located on the same wire, so that each column of the stimulation module can be bent by the gap between two adjacent electrodes in the plurality of stimulation contacts, so that the stimulation module can be flexible, and then can be fitted with the cerebral cortex according to the shape of the cerebral cortex to achieve electrical stimulation of the cerebral cortex. In addition, compared with the electrode structure similar to that of a brain pacemaker electrode, the stimulation device does not need to form a cylindrical electrode composed of multiple signal channels, and can form stimulation contacts with conductive ability on the wire. The process is simple, the cost is low, and it has greater practicality. At the same time, the above-mentioned stimulation module includes at least one column consisting of wires and stimulation contacts arranged on the wires. Its thickness is determined by the thickness of at least one column formed by the wires and the stimulation contacts, that is, its thickness is determined by the thickness of the plane formed by at least one column of the stimulation module. Therefore, the stimulation module can be thinner and less rigid, and can better fit with the brain cortex to achieve electrical stimulation of the brain cortex. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or related technologies, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or descriptions of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without any creative work.
[0038] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc. depicted in the drawings of this specification are only used to match the contents disclosed in the specification so as to facilitate understanding and reading by persons familiar with this technology. They are not intended to limit the conditions under which this application can be implemented, and therefore have no substantive technical significance. Any structural modifications, changes in proportional relationships, or adjustments in size, without affecting the efficacy and objectives that can be achieved by this application, should still fall within the scope of the technical contents disclosed in this application.
[0039] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a placement position of the brain cortex stimulation device provided in this application;
[0040] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another placement position of the brain cortex stimulation device provided in this application;
[0041] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a stimulation module in a brain cortex stimulation device provided in this application;
[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of stimulation contacts in a brain cortex stimulation device provided in this application;
[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of a stimulation module in another brain cortex stimulation device provided in this application;
[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a stimulation module in another brain cortex stimulation device provided in the present application;
[0045] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the connection structure between the circuit seal and the stimulation contact;
[0046] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the manufacturing process of a brain cortex stimulation device provided in this application;
[0047] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the production process of stimulation contacts;
[0048] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the electrical connections of the stimulation contacts and wires. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0050] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the present application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.
[0051] As mentioned in the background section, current stimulation devices for cortical stimulation often suffer from issues such as thickness, rigidity, complexity, and high manufacturing costs. For example, cortical stimulation devices employing structures similar to those used in pacemaker electrodes typically include cylindrical electrodes with two to eight signal transmission channels. These cylindrical electrodes are thick and rigid, making them difficult to adhere to the cortex. Furthermore, they suffer from complex manufacturing processes and high costs.
[0052] Furthermore, while MEMS-based cortical electrodes are simple and technologically mature, their thickness is less than 1μm, and increasing the thickness significantly increases costs. Furthermore, the channel width is also very small, allowing only a very small current to pass through, which cannot meet the current requirements for cortical stimulation. Furthermore, the MEMS process uses polyimide (PI) as the substrate, which has poor biocompatibility and is not conducive to long-term implantation, making it unsuitable for use as a cortical stimulation device.
[0053] Based on the above, the present application provides a brain cortex stimulation device, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a brain cortex stimulation device provided in this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another brain cortex stimulation device provided in this application, which includes:
[0054] The generating module 100 can generate a stimulation signal in response to a control signal.
[0055] Stimulation module 200 is electrically connected to generator module 100 and can contact the cerebral cortex of the stimulation target. Stimulation module 200 is used to transmit stimulation signals to the cerebral cortex of the stimulation target, thereby achieving electrical stimulation of the cerebral cortex of the stimulation target. It should be noted that the stimulation target can be a human or an animal other than a human.
[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a stimulation module 200 of a brain cortex stimulation device provided in the present application. The stimulation module 200 includes at least one column 202 arranged along a first direction, and each column of the stimulation module 200, i.e., each column of the at least one column, includes a wire 204 and a plurality of stimulation contacts 206 electrically connected to the wire 204. The wire 204 extends along a second direction, and the plurality of stimulation contacts 206 located on the same wire 204 are arranged along the second direction. In other words, for the stimulation module 200, the plurality of stimulation contacts 206 located on the wire 204 are arranged sequentially along the second direction, and the first direction and the second direction intersect. For example, the first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other, that is, the wire 204 is provided with a plurality of stimulation contacts 206 along its extension direction. It should be noted that the wire 204 is electrically connected to the generating module 100, and the target area of the stimulation contact 206 is in contact with the cerebral cortex of the stimulation target, so that the stimulation signal can be transmitted to the cerebral cortex of the stimulation target through the wire 204 and the target area of the stimulation contact 206 in sequence, thereby achieving electrical stimulation of the cerebral cortex. Figure 3It can be seen that the area of the wire 204 near the generating module 100 may not be provided with the stimulation contact 206, that is, the stimulation contact 206 is provided in a portion of the wire 204, but this application does not limit this. The stimulation contact 206 can also be provided in the entire area of the wire 204, depending on the specific situation. In addition, when the stimulation contact 206 is provided in a portion of the wire 204, this application does not limit the area of the wire 204 where the stimulation contact 206 is provided. For example, the stimulation contact 206 can be provided in the area of the wire 204 near the generating module 100, and the stimulation contact 206 is not provided in the area away from the generating module 100. The specific design can be based on the needs.
[0057] Among the multiple stimulation contacts 206 located on the same wire 204, there is a gap between two adjacent stimulation contacts 206. It should be noted that, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The difference is, Figure 1 The stimulation contact 206 of the stimulation module 200 in the stimulation device is located on the surface of the brain cortex. Figure 2 The stimulation contacts 206 of the stimulation module 200 in the stimulation device are embedded in the folds of the brain cortex.
[0058] As can be seen from the above, the stimulation device includes a generating module 100 and a stimulation module 200. The generating module 100 can generate a stimulation signal. The stimulation module 200 includes a wire 204 and a stimulation contact 206 disposed on the wire 204. The stimulation signal generated by the generating module 100 can be sequentially transmitted to the cerebral cortex via the wire 204 and the stimulation contact 206 of the stimulation module 200. It is known that among the multiple stimulation contacts 206 on the same wire 204, there is a gap between two adjacent stimulation contacts 206. Therefore, each column of the stimulation module 200 can be bent through the gap between two adjacent electrodes 206 in the multiple stimulation contacts 206. This makes the stimulation module 200 flexible and can conform to the shape of the cerebral cortex to achieve electrical stimulation of the cerebral cortex.
[0059] Furthermore, as can be seen from the above description, the stimulation module 200 includes at least one column, and through each column of wires 204 and stimulation contacts 206, stimulation signals can be transmitted to the cerebral cortex, thereby stimulating the cerebral cortex. Compared to related art electrode structures similar to those used in brain pacemaker electrodes, there is no need to form cylindrical electrodes composed of multiple signal channels. Instead, conductive stimulation contacts 206 can be formed on the wires 204. This simplifies the process and reduces costs, while achieving cerebral cortical stimulation with greater practicality. Furthermore, the stimulation module 200 includes at least one column composed of wires 204 and stimulation contacts 206 disposed on the wires 204. The thickness of the column is determined by the thickness of the at least one column formed by the wires 204 and stimulation contacts 206, that is, the thickness of the plane formed by the at least one column of the stimulation module 200. As a result, the stimulation module 200 can be thinner and less rigid, allowing for better conformation to the cerebral cortex, thereby achieving electrical stimulation of the cerebral cortex.
[0060] In one embodiment of the present application, Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a stimulation contact 206 in a brain cortex stimulation device provided by the present application. The stimulation contact 206 extends along the second direction and is a columnar electrode having an opening 2062. The opening 2062 on the stimulation contact 206 penetrates the stimulation contact 206 along the second direction, that is, the stimulation contact 206 has a through opening along its extension direction. It should be noted that the stimulation contact 206 extends along the second direction and is a columnar electrode having an opening 2062. That is, the shape of the stimulation contact 206 when viewed along the second direction is elliptical, and the stimulation contact 206 has a through opening extending from one side of the stimulation contact 206 to the other side along the second direction. That is, the shape of the stimulation contact 206 when viewed along the second direction is elliptical, and along the second direction, the length of the opening 2062 on the stimulation contact 206 is equal to the length of the stimulation contact 206.
[0061] In which, along the second direction, that is, along the extension direction of the stimulation contact 206, the projected shape of the stimulation contact 206 is an ellipse with an opening 2062, and the target area of the stimulation contact 206 is the opposite side of the side where the opening 2062 is located, that is, the cross-sectional shape of the stimulation contact 206 is an ellipse with an opening 2062, and the target area of the stimulation contact 206 is the opposite side of the side where the opening 2062 is located.
[0062] Based on the above, the side where the opening 2062 of the stimulation contact 206 is located is the opposite side of the target area, that is, the side where the opening 2062 of the stimulation contact 206 is located is located on the opposite side of the side where the stimulation contact 206 connects with the brain cortex, so that the thickness of the stimulation contact 206 when in contact with the brain cortex can be smaller, and then the thickness of this stimulation module 200 when in contact with the brain cortex can be smaller, further improving the flexibility of the stimulation module 200 so that it can better fit with the brain cortex.
[0063] It should be noted that the above-mentioned stimulation contact 206 is an elliptical cylindrical electrode with an opening 2062. In order to further reduce the thickness of the stimulation module 2062, the side where the target area of the stimulation contact 206 is located corresponds to the long radius of the ellipse of the stimulation contact 206, and then the thickness of the stimulation contact 206 is the short radius of the ellipse of the stimulation contact 206, that is, the thickness of the stimulation module 200 is determined by the short radius of the ellipse of the stimulation contact 206, so as to further reduce the thickness of the stimulation module 2062, so that it can better fit the brain cortex.
[0064] In one embodiment of the present application, along the first direction, the size of the opening 2062 ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm, including the endpoint values. The size of the opening 2062 along the second direction is defined as the length of the opening 2062. Here, the size of the opening 2062 along the first direction can be the width of the opening 2062, that is, the width of the opening 2062 can range from 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm, including the endpoint values.
[0065] The range of the long radius of the ellipse of the stimulation contact 206 is 0.3 mm to 1 mm, inclusive, and the range of the short radius of the ellipse of the stimulation contact 206 is 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, inclusive.
[0066] As can be seen from the above, the thickness and width of the stimulation contact 206 of the stimulation device can reach the millimeter level, which is similar to the size of the brain pacemaker electrode. Compared with the 1-micron-level size of the brain cortical electrode described in the background technology section, it is much larger. As a result, the current that can pass through the stimulation contact 206 is much larger, reaching the milliampere level, and can thus achieve the same level of large stimulation current as the brain pacemaker electrode to reach the stimulation threshold of the neurons and meet the requirements of brain cortical stimulation. In other words, the stimulation device can not only better fit the brain cortex, but also achieve high-current stimulation of the brain cortex, meet the stimulation requirements of the brain cortex, and achieve electrical stimulation of the brain cortex.
[0067] It should be noted that the known stimulation contact 206 is an elliptical cylindrical electrode, and the side of the stimulation contact 206 that contacts the brain cortex corresponds to the long radius of the ellipse of the stimulation contact 206, and the thickness of the stimulation contact 206 is determined by the short radius of the ellipse of the stimulation contact 206. Therefore, by controlling the ratio of the long radius to the short radius of the ellipse of the stimulation contact 206, the size of the stimulation contact 206 can be increased, but the thickness does not have to increase accordingly, thereby achieving an increase in the stimulation current that can be transmitted by the stimulation contact 206, but the thickness of the stimulation contact 206 does not increase, that is, the stimulation current of the stimulation module 200 of the stimulation device can be increased to meet the stimulation requirements of the brain cortex, but the thickness of the stimulation module 200 can not increase, and thus the stimulation device can achieve large-current stimulation of the brain cortex and fit with the brain cortex under the premise of a small thickness. In other words, the stimulation device can not only achieve better fit with the brain cortex, but also meet the high-current stimulation requirements of the brain cortex. It is very suitable for stimulating the brain cortex, which provides a feasible solution with practical prospects for the brain cortex stimulation device.
[0068] In one embodiment of the present application, the stimulation module 200 further includes an auxiliary film layer (not shown in the figure). The auxiliary film layer is formed on the stimulation contacts 206 and is composed of conductive nanoparticles. Specifically, the auxiliary film layer can be made of any metal material such as platinum black, iridium oxide, titanium, or stainless steel 316. The auxiliary film layer at least covers the target area of the stimulation contacts 206, that is, the auxiliary film layer can cover the area where the stimulation contacts 206 contact the brain cortex. Alternatively, the auxiliary film layer can also cover the area where the stimulation contacts 206 contact the brain cortex, as well as areas outside of the area where the stimulation contacts contact the brain cortex.
[0069] It should be noted that the auxiliary membrane layer covers the area where the stimulation contact 206 contacts the brain cortex, and the auxiliary membrane layer is nanoparticles with conductive ability, so that the overall structure composed of the auxiliary membrane layer and the target area contacts the brain cortex. Compared with only the target area contacting the brain cortex, the contact area with the brain cortex is increased, and the contact resistance between the brain cortex and the brain can be reduced, so that the current requirements for brain cortical stimulation can be more easily achieved, so that brain cortical stimulation can be more easily achieved.
[0070] It should also be noted that the auxiliary film layer can also cover the area where the stimulation contacts 208 contact the brain cortex, as well as the area outside of contact with the brain cortex. In other words, the auxiliary film layer can cover the entire area of the stimulation contacts 208, so that the auxiliary film layer can be an integrally molded structure on the surface of the stimulation contacts 206, thereby simplifying the preparation process of the auxiliary film layer, and thus simplifying the preparation process of the stimulation device.
[0071] In one embodiment of the present application, along the second direction, the distance between two adjacent stimulation contacts 206 on the same conductive line 204 is in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm, inclusive. However, this application does not impose any limitation on this, and the specific distance may vary depending on the circumstances.
[0072] It should be noted that, among the multiple stimulation contacts 206 on the same wire 204, the distance between two adjacent stimulation contacts 206 can be the same or different. Similarly, among the multiple stimulation contacts 206 on different wires 204, the distance between two adjacent stimulation contacts 206 can be the same or different. This application does not impose any restrictions on this, and it depends on the specific circumstances.
[0073] In one embodiment of the present application, Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a brain cortex stimulation contact provided in the present application. The stimulation module 200 includes a column 202 arranged along a first direction.
[0074] In another embodiment of the present application, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the stimulation module 200 includes multiple columns 202 extending along a first direction, and there is a gap between two adjacent columns 202, so that when the stimulation module 200 includes multiple columns 202, bending can be achieved through the gaps between multiple stimulation contacts 206 on the same column 202 and the gaps between two adjacent columns 202.
[0075] Based on the above, it can be seen that the stimulation module 200 in the stimulation device described in the present application can include one column 202 or multiple columns 202, and can be flexibly configured to be applicable to different impact scenarios, thereby having strong practicality.
[0076] In one embodiment of the present application, when the stimulation module 200 includes multiple columns 202 extending along a first direction, the lengths of the columns 202 in the multiple columns 202 vary along a second direction, and the stimulation contacts 206 have a first predetermined shape, such as a circle. Alternatively, along the second direction, the lengths of some of the columns 202 are the same, while the lengths of others are different, and the stimulation contacts 206 have a second predetermined shape, such as a trapezoid. Alternatively, along the second direction, the lengths of the columns 202 in the multiple columns 202 are the same, and the stimulation contacts 206 have a third predetermined shape. The first, second, and third predetermined shapes are different, such as a rectangle. Thus, when the stimulation module 200 includes multiple columns 202 extending along the first direction, the shape of the stimulation module 200 can be controlled by the relative lengths of the columns 202. This allows the shape of the stimulation module 200 to be controlled based on the shape of the stimulation area in the cerebral cortex to be electrically stimulated, so that the stimulation module 200 can better fit the stimulation area in the cerebral cortex.
[0077] In one embodiment of the present application, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the stimulation device further includes a molded body 300, which includes a first portion 302. The portion of the stimulation module 200, excluding the target area of the stimulation contacts 206, is encased in the first portion 302 of the molded body 300. In other words, the portion of the stimulation module 200, excluding the target area of the stimulation contacts 206 that contact the brain cortex, is encased in the first portion 302 of the molded body 300. This prevents the portion of the stimulation module 200, excluding the target area of the stimulation contacts 206 that contact the brain cortex, from contacting the brain cortex. This protects both the brain cortex and the portion of the stimulation module 200 excluding the target area.
[0078] If the stimulation module 200 includes a column 202 arranged along the first direction, the projection shape of the first portion 302 of the molded body 300 along the second direction is an ellipse or a rectangle, that is, the first portion 302 of the molded body 300 can be a cylindrical molded body extending along the second direction and having an ellipse or a rectangle in cross-section.
[0079] Based on the above, if the first portion 302 of the molded body 300 is a cylindrical molded body with an elliptical cross-section, it is more suitable for matching the area with wrinkles in the brain cortex and can be embedded in the wrinkles of the brain cortex. That is, the stimulation module 200 wrapped by the first portion 302 of the molded body 300 can be wrapped by the wrinkles of the brain cortex, so that more areas of the stimulation contacts 206 can contact the above-mentioned wrinkled areas. At the same time, it can also prevent the stimulation contacts 206 from shifting when applied to the brain cortex, thereby ensuring the reliability of brain cortical stimulation. Specifically, the first portion 302 of the molded body 300 is embedded in the wrinkles of the brain cortex via the short side of its elliptical shape, that is, the short side of the elliptical shape of the first portion 302 of the molded body 300 faces the bottom of the wrinkles of the brain cortex, and the long side is in contact with the side of the wrinkles of the brain cortex.
[0080] If the first portion 302 of the molded body 300 is a columnar molded body with a rectangular cross-section, it is more suitable for matching the flat area of the brain cortex, and the bottom of the first portion 302 of the molded body 300 can be in contact with the flat area of the brain cortex.
[0081] In one embodiment of the present application, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the generating module 100 includes a power supply unit 102 and a circuit enclosure 104, as well as a signal transmission unit and a generating unit (not shown) located within the circuit enclosure 104 and disposed on a circuit board. It should be noted that the signal transmission unit may be a wireless signal transmission unit that receives external control signals, and the generating unit may be a stimulation pulse generating unit. It should also be noted that the generating module 100 may also include a battery and a wire feedthrough module. When the generating module 100 includes a battery, the power supply unit 102 may be used to power the battery.
[0082] The power supply unit 102 is a wireless power supply unit electrically connected to the circuit board, and is used to power the circuit board, thereby powering components such as the signal transmission unit and the generation unit on the circuit board. It should be noted that the power supply unit 102 can be a coupled receiving coil capable of wireless energy transmission. Accordingly, the stimulation device can also include an externally disposed coupled transmitting coil corresponding to the coupled receiving coil to achieve wireless energy transmission and power the circuit board.
[0083] The signal transmission unit is used to receive the control signal and transmit the control signal to the generating unit, which generates the stimulation signal based on the control signal. The generating unit is electrically connected to the wire 204. Specifically, the generating unit is electrically connected to the wire 204 through the circuit sealing body 104, so as to transmit the stimulation signal to the stimulation contact 206 through the wire 204, and then transmit it to the brain cortex to achieve electrical stimulation of the brain cortex. Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the wire 204 and the circuit sealing body 104. The circuit sealing body 104 includes a spring pin 1 and a wire connecting pin 2. The spring pin 1 and the wire connecting pin 2 can be interlocked with each other, and the wire 204 can correspond one-to-one with the wire connecting pin 2 and be welded in the groove of the wire connecting pin 2, thereby enabling the unit to be electrically connected to the wire 204 through the circuit sealing body 104.
[0084] Among them, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the molded body 300 further includes a second portion 304. The generator module 100 is placed on the dura mater of the stimulation target, the power supply unit 102 is enclosed by the second portion 304 of the molded body 300, and the side of the circuit seal 104 facing the brain cortex is enclosed by the second portion 304 of the molded body 300, while the side facing away from the brain cortex is exposed to the second portion 304 of the molded body 300. In other words, for the generator module 100, its power supply unit 102 is enclosed in the second portion 304 of the molded body 300, and the side of the circuit seal 104 contacting the dura mater is also enclosed in the second portion 304 of the molded body 300, thereby protecting the dura mater where the generator module 100 is located, and also protecting the generator module 100 itself. It should be noted that the side of the circuit sealing body 104 facing the brain cortex is wrapped by the second part 304 of the molded body 300, while the side away from the brain cortex is exposed to the second part 304 of the molded body 300. The purpose is to not affect the signal transmission between the various components inside the circuit sealing body 104 and the outside, so as to ensure the reliability of stimulating the brain cortex.
[0085] In one embodiment of the present application, the material of the stimulation contact 206 can be any one of platinum, gold, platinum-iridium alloy, titanium and stainless steel 316. However, the present application does not limit this, and the specific material depends on the specific situation.
[0086] The wire 204 can be made of a platinum-iridium alloy or a nickel-cobalt alloy (also known as MP35N wire). The wire 204 can be coated with an insulating layer in areas other than those in contact with the stimulation contacts 206 to mitigate the risk of shorting or leakage. It should be understood that the generator unit is also electrically connected to the wire 204. Therefore, the wire 204 can be coated with an insulating layer in areas other than those in contact with the stimulation contacts 206 and the generator unit to mitigate the risk of shorting or leakage. However, this application is not limited to this. The wire 204 can also be made of other metals or conductive polymers with excellent conductivity, biocompatibility, and long-term stable performance, depending on the specific application. It should be noted that the insulating layer on the wire 204 can be made of medical-grade insulating coatings such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and Parylene (polyparaxylene polymer), but this is not limited to this and depends on the specific application.
[0087] The material of the molded body 300 can be medical silicone, so that the portion of the stimulation device that contacts the brain cortex has better biocompatibility and suppresses stimulation to the brain cortex. However, this application does not limit this, and the specific method depends on the specific situation.
[0088] The material of the circuit sealing body 104 can be titanium alloy, but this application does not limit this, and the specific material depends on the specific situation.
[0089] In order to more clearly understand the brain cortex stimulation device provided by the present application, the stimulation device is introduced in detail below through the specific preparation process of the stimulation device.
[0090] like Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 This is a process flow chart of a brain cortex stimulation device provided in this application. The first step is to prepare stimulation contacts 206, such as Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 The process flow chart for stimulating contact 206 is as follows: Figure 2 It can be seen that first, a platinum iridium sheet is provided, which may be 0.05 mm thick, then stamped and formed, and finally cut to obtain the stimulation contact 206; Step 2: Figure 10As shown, the wire 204 is laser welded to the stimulation contact 206 to achieve electrical connection between the wire 204 and the stimulation contact 206; the third step: the power supply unit 102 is formed by winding with gold wire, that is, the receiving coil is formed by winding with gold wire; the fourth step: the wire 204 is welded to the wire connecting pin 2, that is, the wire 204 is connected to the circuit sealing body 104, and then the wire 204 is electrically connected to the generating unit; the fifth step: the wire connecting pin 2 is encapsulated, that is, the welding position of the wire 204 and the wire connecting pin 2 is achieved. Packaging, leakage and short circuit; Step 6: Prepare the molded body 300 to use the second part 304 of the molded body 300 to wrap the generating module 100, and use the first part 302 of the molded body 300 to wrap the stimulation module 200; Step 7: Packaging of the circuit sealing body 104, specifically, the packaging of the circuit sealing body 104 exposed outside the molded body 300, to protect the circuit sealing body 104 and its internal components; Step 8: Assemble the packaging body of the wire connecting needle 2 with the packaging body of the circuit sealing body 104.
[0091] In summary, the present application provides a brain cortex stimulation device, which includes: a generating module and a stimulation module, the generating module generates a stimulation signal in response to a control signal, the stimulation module contacts the brain cortex of the stimulation target, transmits the stimulation signal to the brain cortex of the stimulation target, and realizes electrical stimulation of the brain cortex of the stimulation target. The stimulation module includes at least one column arranged along a first direction, each column of the stimulation module includes a wire and a plurality of stimulation contacts electrically connected to the wire, the wire extends along a second direction, and the plurality of stimulation contacts located on the same wire are arranged along the second direction. Specifically, the wire is electrically connected to the generating module, the target area of the stimulation contact contacts the brain cortex of the stimulation target, and the stimulation signal is transmitted to the brain cortex of the stimulation target via the wire and the target area of the stimulation contact in sequence.
[0092] Among them, among the multiple stimulation contacts located on the same wire, there is a gap between two adjacent stimulation contacts, so that each column of the stimulation module can be bent through the gap between two adjacent electrodes in the multiple stimulation contacts, so as to achieve fit with the brain cortex according to the shape of the brain cortex, and achieve electrical stimulation of the brain cortex. In addition, compared with the electrode structure similar to that of the brain pacemaker electrode, the stimulation device does not need to form a cylindrical electrode composed of multiple signal channels, but only needs to form stimulation contacts with conductive ability on the wire. The process is simple, the cost is low, and it has stronger practicality. At the same time, the above-mentioned stimulation module includes at least one column composed of a wire and stimulation contacts arranged on the wire, and its thickness is determined by the thickness of the plane formed by at least one column of the stimulation module, so that the stimulation module can be thinner and less rigid, and can better fit with the brain cortex, and achieve electrical stimulation of the brain cortex.
[0093] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive, parallel, or combined manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and reference can be made to the common and similar parts between the various embodiments. For the devices disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple. For relevant parts, refer to the description of the methods.
[0094] It should be noted that in the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are 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, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting this application. When a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be a centrally located component.
[0095] It should also be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such article or device. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the article or device comprising the aforementioned elements.
[0096] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is intended to enable one skilled in the art to implement or use the present application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is intended to conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A brain cortex stimulation device, characterized in that: include: a generating module, wherein the generating module generates a stimulation signal in response to a control signal; a stimulation module, the stimulation module being electrically connected to the generating module and in contact with the cerebral cortex of the stimulation target, and the stimulation module being configured to transmit the stimulation signal to the cerebral cortex of the stimulation target to achieve electrical stimulation of the cerebral cortex of the stimulation target; The stimulation module includes at least one column arranged along a first direction, each column of the stimulation module includes a wire and a plurality of stimulation contacts electrically connected to the wire, the wire extends along a second direction, and the plurality of stimulation contacts located on the same wire are arranged along the second direction; the wire is electrically connected to the generating module, the target area of the stimulation contact contacts contacts the brain cortex of the stimulation target, and the stimulation signal is sequentially transmitted to the brain cortex of the stimulation target via the wire and the target area of the stimulation contact; the first direction and the second direction intersect; Among the multiple stimulation contacts located on the same wire, there is a gap between two adjacent stimulation contacts.
2. The brain cortex stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that The stimulation contact extends along the second direction and is a columnar electrode having an opening, and the opening passes through the stimulation contact along the second direction; Wherein, along the second direction, the projection shape of the stimulation contact is an ellipse with an opening, and the target area of the stimulation contact is the opposite side to the side where the opening is located.
3. The brain cortex stimulation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Along the first direction, the size of the opening ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm, inclusive; The long radius of the ellipse of the stimulation contact ranges from 0.3 mm to 1 mm, including the endpoint values; the short radius of the ellipse of the stimulation contact ranges from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, including the endpoint values.
4. The brain cortex stimulation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The stimulation module further includes an auxiliary film layer, wherein the auxiliary film layer is formed on the stimulation contact and is composed of nanoparticles having conductive ability; Wherein, the auxiliary film layer covers the target area of the stimulation contact.
5. The brain cortex stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along the second direction, among the multiple stimulation contacts located on the same wire, the distance between two adjacent stimulation contacts ranges from 1 mm to 3 mm, including the endpoint values; The diameter of the wire ranges from 0.03 mm to 0.1 mm, including the end points.
6. The brain cortex stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stimulation modules include a column arranged along the first direction.
7. The brain cortex stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stimulation module comprises a plurality of columns extending along the first direction, with a gap between two adjacent columns; Wherein, along the second direction, the lengths of the multiple columns are different, and the stimulation contacts are of a first preset shape; or Along the second direction, a portion of the multiple columns have the same length, and another portion has different lengths, and the stimulation contacts have a second preset shape; or Along the second direction, the lengths of the multiple columns are the same, and the stimulation contacts are in a third preset shape; The first preset shape, the second preset shape and the third preset shape are different.
8. The brain cortex stimulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device further comprises a molded body, the molded body comprising a first portion, wherein a portion of the stimulation module excluding the target area of the stimulation contacts is enclosed in the first portion of the molded body; If the stimulation modules include a row arranged along the first direction, the projection shape of the first portion of the molded body along the second direction is an ellipse or a rectangle.
9. The brain cortex stimulation device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The generating module includes a power supply unit and a circuit sealing body, and a signal transmission unit and a generating unit located in the circuit sealing body and arranged on a circuit board; The power supply unit is a wireless power supply unit, and the power supply unit is electrically connected to the circuit board and is used to supply power to the circuit board; The signal transmission unit receives the control signal and transmits the control signal to the generation unit, the generation unit generates the stimulation signal based on the control signal, and the generation unit is also electrically connected to the wire to transmit the stimulation signal to the stimulation contact; The molded body also includes a second part, the generating module is placed on the dura mater of the stimulation target, the power supply unit is wrapped by the second part of the molded body, the side of the circuit sealing body facing the brain cortex is wrapped by the second part of the molded body, and the side facing away from the brain cortex is exposed to the second part of the molded body.
10. The brain cortex stimulation device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The material of the stimulation contact is any one of platinum, gold, platinum-iridium alloy, titanium and stainless steel; The material of the wire is platinum-iridium alloy or nickel-cobalt alloy, and the area of the wire other than the area in contact with the stimulation contact is coated with an insulating layer; The molded body is made of medical silicone; The material of the circuit sealing body is titanium-gold alloy.