Cranial Prosthetic Perforated Plate for Electrode Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrotherapy devices for treating brain tumors, such as glioblastoma multiforme, face limitations including weak electrical field strength at the treatment site, cumbersome and conspicuous external devices, skin irritation, and poor patient compliance due to the need for continuous external stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A cranial prosthetic with a perforated plate and interconnecting channels for recessing leads, featuring a plurality of holes equidistant from a central point, allows for the secure implantation of multiple electrodes around the tumor or tumor resection cavity, thereby enhancing electrical field strength and uniformity, and reducing the need for external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If transducers are affixed to the scalp for external electrotherapy, then electrical fields can be delivered to the patient's head, but the electrical field strength at the treatment site becomes exponentially weaker than at the skin surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrotherapy function from external scalp-mounted transducers and relocates it to an implanted cranial prosthetic device. The prosthetic contains electrode arrays that can be positioned directly over the tumor resection cavity, eliminating the signal attenuation problem by placing electrodes close to the treatment site rather than on the scalp surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The cranial prosthetic serves as an intermediary structure between the external world and the brain tissue. It provides a stable platform for mounting electrode arrays and positioning them precisely over the tumor cavity, mediating the delivery of electrical fields from external power sources to the target tissue without the signal loss associated with direct scalp application.
2Strength
If a large heavy battery is used to generate sufficient electrical field strength at the treatment site, then effective treatment can be achieved, but patient independence and mobility are impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from external battery power to an implanted self-contained power source within the cranial prosthetic. By moving the battery into the cranial cavity space, the system eliminates the need for external battery packs, allowing patients to move freely without carrying heavy equipment while maintaining sufficient electrical field strength through direct positioning of electrodes over the tumor cavity.
3Reliability
If transducers are affixed to the scalp for continuous electrotherapy, then treatment efficacy can be improved, but severe skin irritation and resultant pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the source of skin irritation by extracting the electrode-array-holding function from external scalp transducers and relocating it to an implanted cranial prosthetic. The electrodes are positioned within the cranial cavity or on the inner surface of the prosthetic, completely eliminating contact with the scalp skin and thus preventing irritation and pain while maintaining treatment reliability.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If transducers are affixed to the scalp requiring head shaving every two days, then continuous treatment can be maintained, but patient quality of life is greatly impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by implanting the cranial prosthetic device during surgery, which permanently establishes the electrode arrays in position. This eliminates the need for repeated daily application and removal of transducers and eliminates the requirement for head shaving, ensuring treatment continuity while dramatically improving patient quality of life through a one-time surgical procedure rather than ongoing daily maintenance.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
This specification generally relates to cranial prosthetics and their use in therapy. More specifically the specification relates to a cranial prosthetic, which comprises a perforated plate, wherein the perforations comprise a plurality of holes substantially equidistant from a central point. One such cranial prosthetic comprises a curved perforated plate (1), wherein the perforations comprise four holes (2) substantially equidistant from a central point. The plate also comprises an additional hole at the centre point (3), detachable screw/suture fixing tabs (4) for attaching the cranial prosthetic to the cranium via screws/sutures, detachable securing means consisting of flaps (6) that secure the electrode when closed, and indentations in the form of channels (7) suitable for recessing extension leads with at least one exit point (15), which connect individual electrodes to the main lead. Removable protective caps (5) may be placed over the detachable securing means when closed.