Integrated Catheter Depth Electrode for Concurrent Fluid and Electrical Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brain-insertable catheter and depth electrode devices require multiple insertions into brain tissue for both fluid management and electrical monitoring/stimulation, which is risky and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A catheter assembly with an outer flexible tube having a principal lumen for fluid transfer and a secondary lumen for a depth electrode with spaced electrical contacts, allowing concurrent electrical sensing and fluid flow, with a removable depth electrode for continued fluid flow after sensing is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate catheter and depth electrode insertions are performed for fluid management and electrical monitoring, then both functions can be achieved, but the number of insertions increases and procedural risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a catheter and depth electrode into a single integrated assembly. The catheter includes a lumen for fluid management while a depth electrode with electrical contacts is positioned within or alongside the lumen, allowing both fluid drainage and electrical monitoring functions to be performed through one insertion procedure, thereby reducing procedural risk and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated catheter-electrode assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the catheter portion manages CSF fluid drainage while the depth electrode portion provides electrical monitoring and stimulation capabilities. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices and insertions, improving procedural safety and efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are inserted for concurrent fluid management and electrical monitoring, then both functions are available, but the invasiveness and procedural risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the catheter and depth electrode into a single integrated device that can be inserted through one procedure. The catheter provides fluid management while the integrated depth electrode provides electrical monitoring and stimulation, allowing concurrent functions to be achieved without multiple insertions, thereby reducing invasiveness and procedural risk
Solution Approach 2:
The depth electrode is positioned within or alongside the catheter lumen in a nested configuration. This nesting allows both devices to occupy the same anatomical space without requiring separate insertion paths, reducing the number of punctures needed and minimizing tissue trauma while maintaining both fluid management and electrical monitoring capabilities
Data Source
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AI summary
A catheter assembly (10) for intracranial treatment of a patient for facilitating concurrent electrical sensing and fluid flow is provided and includes an outer flexible tube (12) having a proximal end (22), a principal lumen (14) extending therealong to the proximal end, and at least one radial aperture (16) through the wall communicating with the lumen as well as a secondary lumen (18) adjacent to the tube outer-wall surface (20) and extending therealong. The catheter assembly including a depth electrode (24) within the secondary lumen, extending along the length thereof. The depth electrode having electrical contacts (26) exposed to brain tissue along the flexible tube.