Bipolar Stapedius Electrode with Parallel Penetrating Ends

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode configurations for measuring the stapedius muscle's action potential are invasive, difficult to place securely, and not suitable for chronic implantation due to complex handling and risk of tissue trauma during surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A bipolar stapedius muscle electrode configuration with parallel penetrating ends and an optional insulation layer, allowing for secure and reversible fixation without penetrating holes, facilitating easy placement and minimizing tissue trauma, using a compact design with a deformable fixation bar for stable signal recording.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing electrode configurations are used to measure stapedius muscle action potential, then measurement capability is achieved, but tissue trauma and complex handling occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestapedius muscle action potential measurementVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is divided into two separate electrodes (first electrode and second electrode) that can be independently positioned and fixed. This segmentation allows each electrode to be optimally placed on the stapedius muscle without requiring complex piercing or penetration, thereby reducing tissue trauma while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A fixation electrode is introduced as an intermediary element that secures the first and second electrodes in place without requiring them to penetrate the tissue. The fixation electrode acts as a mediator that provides stable positioning while avoiding direct tissue penetration, thus reducing trauma while enabling reliable measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If existing electrode configurations are used, then measurement is possible, but handling complexity increases during surgical operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuscle activity measurementVSAvoidelectrode placement and fixation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the electrode into two independent components with distinct fixation mechanisms, the surgical handling becomes simpler. Each electrode can be independently manipulated and fixed using the fixation electrode, reducing the complexity of manipulating a single complex piercing electrode structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation electrode is designed to be positioned and secured before the main measurement electrodes are fully integrated. This preliminary fixation action simplifies the overall surgical procedure by establishing a stable foundation first, making subsequent electrode placement and adjustment easier and more controlled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If piercing electrodes are used to access stapedius muscle, then measurement accuracy is improved, but risk of tissue damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaction potential detectionVSAvoidtissue trauma from piercing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation electrode serves as an intermediary that provides secure attachment without requiring the measurement electrodes to pierce the tissue. This intermediary approach allows for stable electrode positioning and reliable signal measurement while eliminating the harmful piercing action that would otherwise be required to access the stapedius muscle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The design converts the potential harm of tissue piercing into a benefit by using the fixation electrode to create a stable, trauma-free attachment system. The fixation electrode's positioning capability provides the same secure contact needed for measurement while avoiding the harmful penetration effect, thus converting a potentially harmful approach into a beneficial one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Enables secure, minimally invasive, and efficient measurement of stapedius reflex with reduced trauma and simplified surgical implantation, suitable for both intraoperative and chronic use, with improved handling and reduced risk of tissue damage.

Implementation Method 1

measuring the action potential generated upon a contraction of the stapedius muscle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2651501B1Evoked stapedius reflex threshold (ESRT) tile electrode

Publication Date: 2020.11.11 MED EL ELEKTROMEDIZINISCHE GERAETE GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(C)
Figure 3(A)~3(B)

AI summary

An electrode arrangement is described for sensing electrical activity in target tissue. An inner electrode has an elongate electrode body formed as a cylindrical section with an inner penetrating end for insertion into the stapedius muscle target tissue. An outer electrode fits over the inner electrode and an outer penetrating end for insertion into the target tissue. The two electrodes are joined together with their electrode bodies in parallel so that the penetrating ends of the electrodes penetrate in the same direction into the target tissue to sense electrical activity in the target tissue.