Integrated Brain Navigation Lead for Real-Time Mapping and Stimulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brain stimulation systems require separate navigation and stimulation leads, prolonging implantation procedures and increasing the risk of errors, which can reduce treatment efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A brain navigation lead with integrated micro- and macro-electrode contacts allows simultaneous electrical activity mapping and electric field application, eliminating the need for lead replacement during implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microelectrode array is used for recording neural signals, then spatial resolution and neural signal recording capability are improved, but the device becomes susceptible to mechanical damage, corrosion, and contamination that compromises reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces macro-electrode contacts as intermediary elements that interface between the microelectrode array and external navigation systems. These macro contacts serve as protective mediators that prevent direct exposure of the fragile microelectrode array to mechanical damage, corrosion, and contamination while still enabling reliable neural signal recording and navigation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible lead structure with insulating coatings and protective sheaths that envelop the microelectrode array. This flexible protective shell approach allows the delicate microelectrodes to be protected from mechanical damage and environmental contamination while maintaining the necessary electrical functionality for neural recording and navigation.
2Ease of operation
If the lead is made flexible to facilitate navigation, then ease of operation is improved, but the lead becomes more susceptible to mechanical damage and structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite material structures combining flexible polymers with reinforcement elements and protective coatings. This composite approach enables the lead to achieve both flexibility for navigation and sufficient structural integrity to resist mechanical damage, creating a material solution that simultaneously satisfies conflicting requirements for flexibility and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates protective coatings, insulating layers, and cushioning structures along the lead that prevent mechanical damage before it occurs. These protective measures are built into the lead structure in advance, allowing the lead to be manipulated flexibly during navigation while the protective layers absorb or deflect mechanical stresses that could otherwise damage the lead or its components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If macro-electrode contacts are added to the lead, then compatibility with navigation systems is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the macro-electrode contacts to serve multiple functions: they provide electrical connection for neural signal recording, enable compatibility with external navigation systems, and act as structural elements for lead manipulation. This multi-functionality approach reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving enhanced adaptability and versatility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A brain navigation device, comprising: a lead with an elongated lead body; at least one macro-electrode contact positioned on an outer surface on the lead; wherein the at least one macro-electrode contact is located at the distal part of said lead; and wherein the at least one macro-electrode contact is configured to be used during lead navigation.