Cannula-Traction Assembly for Precise Flexible Neural Electrode Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for implanting flexible neural electrodes suffer from imprecision and operability issues, leading to potential displacement and misplacement during the implantation process, which affects the efficacy of neural signal recording and stimulation.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary implantation assembly comprising a cannula and a traction member with a locking-unlocking mechanism that stabilizes the flexible neural electrode during implantation, ensuring precise positioning and ease of operation, allowing for accurate placement without displacement post-implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flexible neural electrodes are used to enable accurate neural signal recording and stimulation, then the electrodes can conform to brain tissue and improve signal quality, but the low rigidity causes bending and deformation during implantation, reducing positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into two distinct segments: a flexible implantable portion for neural interaction and a rigid delivery portion for precise positioning. The flexible portion contains the electrode sites and conforms to brain tissue, while the rigid portion provides structural support during implantation and includes positioning features like anchoring holes. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A delivery device acts as an intermediary tool during implantation. The delivery device includes a penetration member with a lumen that guides the electrode, and a wire that engages with the anchoring hole to pull the electrode through. This intermediary mechanism enables precise control of the flexible electrode during the implantation process without requiring the electrode itself to be rigid.
2Ease of operation
If pre-implantation curing is applied to induce rigidity for easier handling, then the electrodes become easier to manipulate during implantation, but the curing-to-softening transition alters the configuration of the implantable segment, affecting relative positioning to target sites
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into two distinct segments: a flexible implantable portion for neural interaction and a rigid delivery portion for precise positioning. The flexible portion contains the electrode sites and conforms to brain tissue, while the rigid portion provides structural support during implantation and includes positioning features like anchoring holes. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the electrode have different mechanical properties tailored to their specific functions. The implantable portion is made flexible with low rigidity to conform to brain tissue and minimize damage, while the delivery portion is made rigid to provide structural support during handling and implantation. This local differentiation of material properties allows the electrode to be both easy to operate with and precise in positioning.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid auxiliary implantation approach is used to prevent bending and deformation, then implantation stability is improved, but the precise relative positioning of electrodes to implant sites becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into two distinct segments: a flexible implantable portion for neural interaction and a rigid delivery portion for precise positioning. The flexible portion contains the electrode sites and conforms to brain tissue, while the rigid portion provides structural support during implantation and includes positioning features like anchoring holes. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for rigid mechanical support of the entire electrode with a targeted mechanical engagement system. Instead of making the whole electrode rigid, a wire engages with an anchoring hole in the rigid delivery portion and uses tension to pull the flexible implantable portion through the delivery device, substituting distributed mechanical rigidity with localized mechanical engagement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application provides an auxiliary implantation assembly, kit and system for flexible neural electrode, comprising: a cannula having a longitudinal cavity, and the tube wall at the distal end of the cannula is configured to form a contact area larger than a first threshold to realize the pressing and limiting against the distal part in a case where the cannula is fixed and contacts the distal part of the flexible neural electrode; and a traction member extending in the longitudinal direction, the distal end of which is formed with a traction part and is configured to form a first physical connection mechanism with the proximal end of the cannula, the first physical connection mechanism is switchable between a locked state and an unlocked state by means of the proximal operation of the traction member. Wherein, in the locked state, the traction part penetrates out of the distal end of the cannula, and the penetrated traction part is configured to form a second physical connection mechanism with the distal part of the flexible neural electrode, and in the unlocked state, the traction member is movable in the longitudinal direction along the cavity of the cannula, the second physical connection mechanism is configured to separate in a case where a proximal force is applied to the traction member.