Conductive-Frame Neural Electrodes for Low-Noise Signal Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices face challenges in effectively separating extracellular neural signals from ambient noise sources while being implantable in various cranial locations, such as cranial vessels, subarachnoid space, or cranial extravascular locations, without introducing additional noise or size constraints.
Innovation Solution
The use of a conductive frame with insulating layers and metallic components, where the frame serves as a reference or active electrode, coupled with a signal analyzer to determine voltage signals, allowing for improved noise separation and signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large-sized reference electrode is placed remotely from the recording electrode, then neuronal signal amplitudes are boosted, but additional noise is picked up along the conduction pathway and around the reference electrode vicinity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reference electrode and recording electrode into a single integrated implantable device structure. The conductive frame serves as both the reference electrode and structural support, while recording electrodes are positioned on the same frame, eliminating the need for separate remote reference electrode placement and its associated conduction pathway noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an insulating layer as an intermediary between the conductive frame (reference electrode) and the recording electrodes. This insulating layer prevents direct electrical coupling while maintaining mechanical support, thereby isolating the reference electrode from picking up neural signals and reducing noise interference
2Device complexity
If a reference electrode is placed too close to the recording electrode, then the device structure is simplified, but the reference electrode may inadvertently pick up the target neural signal
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer acts as a mediator that allows the reference and recording electrodes to be in close physical proximity while preventing electrical coupling. This enables simplified device structure with integrated electrodes while maintaining signal recording accuracy by blocking the reference electrode from picking up neural signals
3Measurement precision
If the reference electrode size is increased to boost signal, then signal strength is improved, but physical limitations are encountered in cranial vessel and subarachnoid space implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reference electrode function with the structural conductive frame of the implantable device. By using the frame itself as the reference electrode, the system achieves adequate signal strength without requiring a large dedicated reference electrode, thus fitting within the constrained cranial vessel and subarachnoid space volumes
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the implantable device, acts as the reference electrode for neural signal recording, and maintains the mechanical integrity of the device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate large reference electrode, enabling implantation in confined cranial spaces
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
This configuration enhances the ability to record neural signals with reduced noise interference, enabling improved control of limbs for individuals with neuromuscular or neurological disorders, and facilitates stimulation of intracorporeal targets.
Implementation Method 1
a first conductive element electrically coupled to at least part of the conductive frame, and a second conductive element electrically coupled to the at least one metallic component
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for recording bio-signals and/or stimulating tissue. In one aspect, an implantable medical device is disclosed comprising a conductive frame, one or more insulating layers disposed on the conductive frame, and at least one metallic component affixed to the one or more insulating layers. A first conductive element can be electrically coupled to at least part of the conductive frame and a signal analyzer and a second conductive element can be electrically coupled to the at least one metallic component and the signal analyzer. The signal analyzer can be configured to determine a voltage signal using the conductive frame as the reference electrode and the at least one metallic component as the active electrode. Alternatively, the signal analyzer can also determine a voltage signal using the conductive frame as the active electrode and the at least one metallic component as the reference electrode.