Braided Multi-Electrode EMG Needle for Single-Insertion Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electromyography (EMG) techniques require highly skilled professionals for the reliable acquisition and interpretation of data, leading to inconsistent and time-consuming procedures.
Innovation Solution
A braided needle with a base needle configured for EMG and multiple wires braided around its exterior surface, allowing for the transmission of multiple electrical signals and enabling multichannel analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional single-channel EMG needles are used, then the procedure requires multiple insertions to collect sufficient diagnostic data, but this increases patient pain and procedure time
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is segmented into multiple independent recording channels (at least 2 channels) with separate electrodes positioned at different locations along the needle shaft. This segmentation allows simultaneous collection of EMG signals from multiple muscle depths and orientations through a single insertion, eliminating the need for repeated insertions while maintaining diagnostic reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point recording to multi-point spatial recording by positioning electrodes at different longitudinal positions along the needle shaft. This dimensional expansion along the needle axis enables simultaneous sampling of EMG signals from different muscle fiber orientations and depths, providing comprehensive diagnostic data from one insertion
2Reliability
If multiple EMG insertions are performed to ensure diagnostic accuracy, then data completeness improves, but procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-channel needle with spatially distributed electrodes enables simultaneous acquisition of EMG signals from multiple muscle regions through a single insertion. This parallel data collection approach maintains diagnostic accuracy by capturing diverse muscle fiber activity patterns while reducing procedure time by eliminating sequential insertions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple recording functions into a single integrated needle device. By merging at least two independent recording channels with separate electrode pairs into one needle shaft, the system achieves comprehensive diagnostic coverage equivalent to multiple separate insertions but executes them simultaneously through a single procedure
3Reliability
If skilled professionals perform EMG interpretation, then diagnostic quality improves, but operator dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle incorporates locally optimized electrode configurations at specific positions along the shaft, with each electrode pair designed to capture specific muscle fiber orientation patterns. This localized functional differentiation provides structured, multi-dimensional data that reduces interpretation subjectivity and lowers dependency on operator expertise while maintaining diagnostic quality
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 braided needle simplifies EMG data acquisition, providing consistent and rapid data collection with improved signal reliability, reducing the need for multiple insertions and associated pain.
Implementation Method 1
disposing a plurality of interaction sites on the plurality of wires via an ablation process
Data Source
AI summary
A braided needle is provided herein. The braided needle includes base needle configured for electromyography. The braided needle also includes a plurality of wires braided around an exterior surface of the base needle and along a length of the base needle, the plurality of wires being configured to transmit multiple electrical signals in connection with a biological material, the plurality of wires being further configured for electromyography.