Brain Probe Nesting in Sulcus for Precise Neuronal Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring and stimulating neuronal activity in the brain face challenges in achieving precise, non-invasive data transmission without damaging brain tissue, limiting their effectiveness for therapeutic applications, especially in humans.
Innovation Solution
A probe with flat or point-shaped electrodes is designed to adapt to the brain's morphology, allowing it to reach neurons on both sides of the sulcus for recording and stimulation, reducing tissue injury and providing stable signal transmission by nesting into individual brain furrows, enabling access to deeper brain areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes penetrate the brain tissue to record neuronal activity, then measurement precision is improved, but tissue damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is inserted into the sulcus (groove) of the brain, nesting within the natural anatomical structure. This allows the electrodes to reach neurons on both sides of the sulcus without penetrating the brain tissue, thereby achieving precise measurement while avoiding tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sulcus acts as an intermediary structure that the probe utilizes to access deeper brain areas. By inserting into the sulcus, the probe can reach neurons that would otherwise be inaccessible without direct tissue penetration, serving as a natural conduit that eliminates the need for invasive electrode placement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electrodes are placed on the brain surface outside the skull, then tissue damage is avoided, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe extends into the third dimension by inserting into the sulcus, allowing electrodes to reach neurons on both sides of the groove. This dimensional approach enables the electrodes to be in the immediate vicinity of neurons without penetrating the brain tissue, achieving precision comparable to invasive electrodes while maintaining non-invasive placement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional surface electrodes are used, then accessibility to brain areas is limited, but device complexity remains manageable
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple electrodes arranged along its length, with each electrode capable of independently recording or stimulating neurons. This segmentation allows the single probe structure to access and interact with neurons on both sides of the sulcus, increasing adaptability while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a probe for data transmission between a brain and a data processing device. Said probe has a support with electrodes fitted thereto. Said electrodes can be made to electromagnetically interact with neurons of the brain for the purpose of detecting neuronal activity and/or the transmission of stimuli and can be coupled to the data processing device. The shape of the support can be adapted to an inner surface of the brain to such a degree that it can be inserted into the interior of a sulcus of the brain.