Bioresorbable Intracranial Pressure Sensor with Wireless Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable medical devices for measuring intracranial pressure are prone to adverse immune responses, infections, and require periodic extraction or removal surgeries, and existing bioresorbable pressure sensors face issues with electrode dissolution and wireless data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A bioresorbable intracranial pressure sensor using a doped silicon substrate with interdigitated electrodes, a deformable diaphragm, and a sealing layer, capable of wireless data transmission and designed to prevent immediate electrode dissolution, utilizing standard microfabrication technology and porous silicon materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional non-resorbable materials are used for implantable medical devices, then device durability and structural integrity are improved, but adverse immune responses, chronic inflammation, and infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from non-resorbable to resorbable materials, allowing the device to degrade over time into biocompatible byproducts. This resolves the contradiction by sacrificing long-term structural integrity for reduced immune response and elimination of chronic inflammation risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs resorbable materials that are gradually broken down and absorbed by the body over time. The device is designed to degrade into harmless byproducts that are naturally eliminated, eliminating the need for surgical removal and reducing long-term infection risks while maintaining functionality during the monitoring period.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If resorbable materials are used for implantable pressure sensors, then adverse immune responses are reduced, but electrode dissolution and device failure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into separate functional components: the sensor element, electrodes, and encapsulation layer. Each component is made from materials with different resorbability rates, allowing the sensor to maintain functionality while the encapsulation degrades at a controlled rate to prevent premature electrode dissolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a protective encapsulation layer to the electrodes before implantation. This preliminary protective action prevents direct contact between the resorbable electrode material and bodily fluids, delaying dissolution until after the sensor has completed its monitoring function.
3Reliability
If wired connection is used for data transfer, then power and data transmission are reliable, but infection risk increases and patient movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection with a wireless communication system. The sensor transmits data and power wirelessly through the skin using electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for penetrating wires that create infection pathways and restrict patient movement.
4Ease of manufacture
If standard microfabrication technology is used, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but sealing of resorbable electrodes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material structures that are compatible with standard microfabrication processes. The encapsulation layer is formed using conventional deposition and patterning techniques, creating a sealed structure that protects the resorbable electrodes while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The sensor provides reliable, long-term intracranial pressure measurement without the need for extraction surgery, reduces infection risk, and maintains functionality by sealing the electrodes and using wireless communication, with enhanced sensitivity and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable diaphragm
Implementation Method 2
Some studies have utilized piezoresistive properties of silicon nano membrane for measurement of pressure
Implementation Method 3
Various forms of silicon, such as silicon nano membrane, silicon nano ribbons, silicon oxides/nitrides and porous silicon, have been known for their bioresorbable properties
Implementation Method 4
at least one sealing layer for sealing the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A novel bioresorbable intracranial pressure sensor fabricated using readily available bioresorbable materials which are compatible with standard microfabrication technology is provided. The intracranial pressure sensor can also stay operational for a relevant time scale and can transfer data wirelessly.