Anatomically-adapted epidural ventral electrode for the spinal cord lumbar enlargement

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to an anatomically adapted ventral epidural electrode for the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord. The electrode includes an electrode body with multiple contacts, and an external electrical stimulation generator connected to the electrode body. The electrode body is positioned for implantation into the ventral epidural region of the lumbar enlargement of the human spinal cord. This invention, by directly implanting the electrode into the ventral epidural region of the spinal cord to target and stimulate spinal motor neurons, avoids the energy diversion problem associated with dorsal indirect stimulation, thereby effectively activating target neurons at lower stimulation intensities and reducing side effects such as tingling and numbness in patients.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to an anatomically adapted ventral epidural electrode for spinal cord lumbar enlargement. Background Technology

[0002] Spinal cord nerve modulation technology is a cutting-edge technology for assisting in the recovery and regulation of lower limb motor function. Its core principle is to apply electrical stimulation to specific areas of the spinal cord through electrodes, thereby activating related neurons and influencing lower limb motor function.

[0003] Existing technologies, such as Chinese invention patent CN118662777A, disclose an implantable spinal cord nerve electrode for lower limb motor function recovery. This electrode provides an implantable spinal cord nerve electrode for lower limb motor function recovery, comprising: an electrode base plate; electrode contact patches, at least partially located on the surface of the electrode base plate, with several electrode contact patches arranged in a contact row. The extension direction of the contact row is parallel to the length direction of the electrode base plate, and the spacing between adjacent electrode contact patches in the same contact row forms an arithmetic sequence. This regular arrangement of the electrode contact patch density better reflects the fact that the human neuronal pools are sparsely distributed in the upper lumbar region of the spinal cord, but densely distributed in the lower lumbar region and sacral region. This allows for more targeted activation of the dorsal spinal nerve roots, increasing the accuracy and discrimination of stimulation.

[0004] As can be seen from the technical solutions proposed in the aforementioned invention patent documents, the solutions still have shortcomings. For example, the stimulation area of ​​the electrode contact patches in the above solutions is the dorsal side of the spinal cord. During the transmission of stimulation energy to the ventral motor neurons, it is diverted by a large number of sensory nerve fibers on the dorsal side. This not only requires increasing the stimulation intensity to effectively activate the motor neurons, but also easily causes patients to experience sensory abnormalities such as tingling and numbness. On the other hand, the indirect transmission method results in a significant lag in motor response, making it impossible to achieve real-time and precise motor control, and it is difficult to distinguish between "sensory activation" and "motor activation." Patients often experience the discomfort of "wanting to move but having an abnormal sensation." In addition, the electrode contacts are designed based on a general logic of "uniform distribution" or "gradual density change," without adapting to the axial and longitudinal anatomical characteristics of the ventral motor neurons of the spinal cord. This results in problems such as coverage deviation and functional confusion, making it impossible to achieve precise control of lower limb motor function. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an anatomically adapted ventral epidural electrode for spinal cord lumbar enlargement to solve the problems in the prior art.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention specifically provides the following technical solution:

[0007] An anatomically adapted ventral epidural electrode for spinal cord lumbar enlargement includes an electrode body with multiple contacts and an external electrical stimulation device connected to the electrode body. The electrode body is configured to be implanted into the ventral epidural region of the lumbar enlargement area of ​​the human spinal cord.

[0008] Based on a preferred embodiment of an anatomically adapted spinal cord lumbar enlargement epidural ventral electrode, the plurality of contacts are divided into uppermost segment, middle segment and tail segment along the length of the electrode body, and the overall width of the uppermost segment, middle segment and tail segment decreases downward along the length of the electrode body.

[0009] Based on a preferred embodiment of an anatomically adapted epidural ventral electrode for the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord, a plurality of the contacts are symmetrically distributed along the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord toward the conus medullaris.

[0010] Based on a preferred embodiment of an anatomically adapted epidural ventral electrode for the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord, the arrangement of the contacts corresponds to the anatomical distribution of the lumbar enlargement to the conus medullaris region of the human spinal cord.

[0011] Based on a preferred embodiment of an anatomically adapted ventral epidural electrode for spinal cord lumbar enlargement, the electrode body is provided with an adjustable fixation structure for fixing the electrode body to the ventral epidural aspect of the spinal cord lumbar enlargement.

[0012] Based on a preferred embodiment of an anatomically adapted spinal cord lumbar enlargement epidural ventral electrode, the fixation structure is a flexible wing-shaped structure, and the fixation points of the fixation structure can be adjusted along the length of the electrode body.

[0013] Based on a preferred embodiment of an anatomically adapted spinal cord lumbar enlargement epidural ventral electrode, the contacts are rectangular or elliptical metal, and multiple contacts are fixedly connected to an electrical stimulation generating device via independent wires.

[0014] Based on a preferred embodiment of an anatomically adapted epidural ventral electrode for spinal lumbar enlargement, the electrode body is made of a highly biocompatible flexible material, and the shape of the electrode body is adapted to the physiological curvature of the spinal lumbar enlargement region.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0016] 1. This invention directly implants electrodes into the ventral epidural space of the spinal cord to target and stimulate spinal motor neurons, avoiding the energy diversion problem of indirect stimulation from the dorsal side. This effectively activates target neurons at a lower stimulation intensity, reducing side effects such as tingling and numbness in patients.

[0017] 2. In this invention, the electrode directly activates the neuron, shortening the signal transmission delay and solving the problem of delayed motor response in traditional methods. This supports real-time control of lower limb movement and improves the accuracy of motor control.

[0018] 3. In this invention, the contact points are based on the anatomical characteristics of the lumbar enlargement region of the spinal cord to accurately cover the target motor neuron nuclei, avoiding functional confusion and coverage deviation, and improving the distinction between motor and sensory activation. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode body in this invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of the spinal cord in this invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the spinal cord divisions in this invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the nerve conduction process in this invention.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Anterior horn motor neuron of the spinal cord; 2. Posterior root of the spinal nerve; 3. Anterior root of the spinal nerve; 4. Sensory nerve fiber; 5. Motor nerve fiber; 6. Neuromuscular junction; 7. Muscle fiber; 8. Muscle; 9. Electrode body; 10. Uppermost segment; 11. Middle segment; 12. Caudal segment; 13. Fixed structure; a. Lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord; b. Conus medullaris of the spinal cord; VIII: Gamma neuron of the anterior horn of the spinal cord gray matter; IX: Alpha neuron of the anterior horn of the spinal cord gray matter. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] The concepts involved in this application will first be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following descriptions of various concepts are only for the purpose of making the content of this application easier to understand and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application; furthermore, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0027] Example

[0028] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present invention provides an anatomically adapted ventral epidural electrode for the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord, including an electrode body 9, a plurality of contacts on the electrode body 9, an electrical stimulation generating device externally connected to the electrode body 9, and the electrode body 9 being configured to be implanted into the ventral epidural region of the lumbar enlargement of the human spinal cord.

[0029] As a further explanation of this embodiment, in this embodiment, the electrode contact patch in the prior art uses the dorsal side of the spinal cord as the stimulation area, which is mainly composed of sensory neurons and nerve bundles, while motor neurons are located on the ventral side of the spinal cord. Since the stimulation area is separated from the area where the motor neurons are located, the stimulation signal needs to be indirectly transmitted to the ventral motor neurons via the dorsal nerve bundle. This leads to signal loss, that is, the dorsal sensory nerve fibers shun the stimulation energy, and the intensity needs to be increased to activate the motor neurons, which in turn causes sensory abnormalities such as tingling and numbness. It can also easily lead to regulatory lag, specifically, the indirect transmission delays the motor response, making it impossible to control the movement accurately in real time. It can also cause target blurring, making it impossible for patients to distinguish between sensory and motor activation, resulting in a poor patient experience. In this example, addressing the issues of insufficient precision control and numerous side effects caused by existing technologies due to "dorsal indirect stimulation" and "lack of universal anatomical adaptation," an anatomically adapted ventral epidural electrode for precise control of lower limb motor function is provided. This electrode directly targets and stimulates ventral motor neurons in the spinal cord. The electrode body 9 is designed based on the axial and longitudinal anatomical characteristics of the spinal cord. By directly stimulating the ventral epidural region of the spinal cord through the electrode body 9, precise and direct activation of motor neurons is achieved. This reduces the stimulation intensity for patients to avoid sensory abnormalities, shortens the motor response delay to achieve real-time control, accurately distinguishes target points to improve comfort, and avoids side effects. Ultimately, it achieves precise control of lower limb motor function, such as muscle strength grading and customized movement patterns.

[0030] As an advanced solution for an anatomically adapted spinal cord lumbar enlargement epidural ventral electrode, multiple contacts are divided into uppermost segment 10, middle segment 11 and tail segment 12 along the length of the electrode body 9, and the overall width of the uppermost segment 10, middle segment 11 and tail segment 12 decreases downward along the length of the electrode body 9.

[0031] Combination Figure 2As shown, the electrode body 9 directly targets the α and γ motor neurons in the VIII and IX laminae of the anterior horn of the ventral gray matter of the spinal cord. Electrical stimulation directly activates these motor neurons, and the signals are transmitted to the lower limb muscles via nerve fibers, thereby achieving precise control of lower limb motor function. In this process, the electrode body 9 acts as the output end of the electrical stimulation and is connected to an external electrical stimulation generating device, such as a pulse generator. Through treatment and contact activation schemes tailored to the individual patient's condition, a complete electrical stimulation control system is formed.

[0032] As an advanced solution for an anatomically adapted epidural ventral electrode for the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord, multiple contacts are symmetrically distributed along the lumbar enlargement towards the conus medullaris.

[0033] As an advanced solution for an anatomically adapted epidural ventral electrode for the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord, the arrangement of the contacts corresponds to the anatomical distribution of the lumbar enlargement to the conus medullaris region of the human spinal cord.

[0034] Combination Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the electrode body 9 adopts a longitudinal array arrangement, and each parameter is strictly determined based on the anatomical characteristics of the ventral gray matter of the spinal cord, which is symmetrically distributed from the lumbar enlargement to the conus medullaris and gradually narrows. This ensures that the contact points can achieve maximum anatomical adaptation with the motor neuron nuclei from the lumbar enlargement to the conus medullaris in the longitudinal direction, ensuring that the motor neuron nuclei of each segment are covered by the corresponding contact points.

[0035] As an advanced solution for an anatomically adapted ventral epidural electrode for spinal cord lumbar enlargement, the electrode body 9 is provided with an adjustable fixing structure 13, which is used to fix the electrode body 9 to the ventral epidural side of spinal cord lumbar enlargement.

[0036] Combination Figure 2 As shown, based on the anatomical characteristics of the spinal cord motor neurons' axial distribution in the spinal cord lamina, the electrode body 9 is equipped with contact points that precisely cover the α and γ motor neurons in the VIII and IX lamina of the anterior horn of the spinal cord gray matter. In the cross-section of the spinal cord, the contact points completely cover the VIII and IX lamina without exceeding the gray matter boundary. The contact points of the electrode body 9 correspond to the IX lamina (dominated by α motor neurons, regulating skeletal muscle contraction) and VIII lamina (dominated by γ motor neurons, regulating muscle spindle sensitivity) in each segment of the spinal cord, respectively, achieving precise axial targeting of motor neurons and enabling independent control of muscle strength and motor precision.

[0037] As an advanced solution for an anatomically adapted epidural ventral electrode for spinal cord lumbar enlargement, the fixation structure 13 is a flexible wing-shaped structure, and the fixation point of the fixation structure 13 can be adjusted along the length of the electrode body 9.

[0038] As an advanced solution for an anatomically adapted epidural ventral electrode for the spinal cord lumbar enlargement, the contacts are rectangular or elliptical metal, and multiple contacts are fixedly connected to the electrical stimulation generating device through independent wires.

[0039] As an advanced solution for an anatomically adapted epidural ventral electrode for the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord, the electrode body 9 is made of a highly biocompatible flexible material, and the shape of the electrode body 9 is adapted to the physiological curvature of the lumbar enlargement region of the spinal cord.

[0040] As a further explanation of this embodiment, the specific process of electrical stimulation in this invention is as follows: When the external electrical stimulation device generates an electrical signal with specific parameters such as specific frequency, intensity, and pulse width, it is transmitted through wires to various contact points in the electrode body 9 corresponding to different parts of the patient's spinal cord. Specifically, the spinal cords of different groups of people, such as adults, children, adolescents, and the elderly, have certain differences. In this invention, multiple contact points in the electrode body 9 need to be planned and deployed in advance according to the individual differences of the patient. This deployment method is to better address the individual differences of the patient for diagnosis and treatment. However, the deployment method and preoperative planning are not within the scope of protection of this application, so they will not be elaborated on here. Different contact points are designed according to their anatomical adaptation in the axial and longitudinal axes to electrically stimulate the α and γ motor neurons in the corresponding areas. The activated motor neurons transmit signals to the lower limb muscles through nerve fibers, triggering muscle contraction or regulating muscle state, thereby achieving precise control of lower limb motor function, such as muscle strength grading adjustment and movement pattern customization. The entire process does not require indirect signal transmission like traditional dorsal electrodes, reducing signal loss and response delay.

[0041] This invention directly targets the ventral motor neurons of the spinal cord, thus directly solving the problem of indirect stimulation by traditional dorsal electrodes. Specifically, by precisely covering the VIII and IX laminae of the anterior horn of the spinal cord gray matter through contact points, stimulation signals do not need to be transmitted through the dorsal nerve bundle. Therefore, there is no shunting loss of stimulation energy. Compared with traditional electrodes, only a lower stimulation intensity is needed to activate the target neurons, helping patients avoid sensory abnormalities such as tingling and numbness. At the same time, the direct activation pathway significantly shortens the motor response delay, enabling real-time control and precise differentiation between motor and sensory activation, matching the invention's objective of "precise control".

[0042] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the symmetrically varying contact spacing on the electrode body 9 of this invention is adapted to the characteristics of the spinal cord, which is "wide at the lumbar enlargement and narrow at the conus medullaris". The axial functional zones cover α and γ motor neurons, which not only solves the problem of "coverage deviation" of traditional electrodes, but also covers most of the target nuclei even if there is deviation, avoiding the risk of "functional confusion" and avoiding autonomic nerve nuclei. Through anatomical adaptation design, it can achieve the effects of muscle strength adjustment of 1-5 levels and joint movement precision control. While improving the control precision, it does not increase the cost, and fully achieves the invention goal of "precise control of lower limb motor function", which is both effective and practical.

[0043] The embodiments and / or implementation methods described above are merely preferred embodiments and / or implementation methods for implementing the technology of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods of the technology of the present invention in any way. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to other equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical means disclosed in the content of the present invention, but they should still be regarded as the technology or embodiments that are substantially the same as the present invention.

[0044] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the methods and core ideas of this application. The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that due to the limitations of written expression, while there are objectively infinite specific structures, those skilled in the art can make several improvements, modifications, or changes without departing from the principles of this application, and can also combine the above technical features in an appropriate manner. These improvements, modifications, changes, or combinations, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, should all be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An anatomically adapted ventral epidural electrode for spinal cord lumbar enlargement, comprising an electrode body (9), characterized in that, The electrode body (9) is provided with multiple contacts, and the electrode body (9) is externally connected to an electrical stimulation generating device. The electrode body (9) is configured to be implanted on the epidural ventral side of the lumbar enlargement area of ​​the human spinal cord. The multiple contacts are divided into an uppermost segment (10), a middle segment (11) and a tail segment (12) along the length of the electrode body (9), and the overall width of the uppermost segment (10), the middle segment (11) and the tail segment (12) decreases downward along the length of the electrode body (9); The multiple contact points are symmetrically distributed along the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord towards the conus medullaris; The arrangement of the contact points corresponds to the anatomical distribution of the human spinal cord from the lumbar enlargement to the conus medullaris. The electrode body (9) is provided with an adjustable fixing structure (13), which is used to fix the electrode body (9) to the ventral side of the lumbar tumescent epidural space of the spinal cord.

2. The anatomically adapted ventral epidural electrode for spinal cord lumbar enlargement according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing structure (13) is a flexible wing-shaped structure, and the fixing point of the fixing structure (13) can be adjusted along the length direction of the electrode body (9).

3. The anatomically adapted ventral epidural electrode for spinal cord lumbar enlargement according to claim 1, characterized in that: The contacts are rectangular or elliptical metal, and multiple contacts are fixedly connected to the electrical stimulation generating device via independent wires.

4. The anatomically adapted ventral epidural electrode for spinal cord lumbar enlargement according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrode body (9) is made of a highly biocompatible flexible material, and the shape of the electrode body (9) is adapted to the physiological curvature of the spinal cord lumbar enlargement region.

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