Cylindrical Multi-Channel Electrode for Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vestibular implants face challenges in stimulating the fibers of the vestibular nerve due to the need for precise placement of multi-channel electrodes close to the nerve fibers, which is hindered by the rigidity of planar electrodes and the destabilizing effect of conventional electrode lead connections.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical multi-channel electrode with dispersed contacts on the bottom end surface and a smaller electrode lead connected at the top end surface, made of resilient silicone, allowing for flexible adaptation to the electrode well and minimizing drag forces, along with optional ground electrodes and insertion limiters for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a planar electrode is used to stimulate nerve fibers, then the electrode can be manufactured with standard processes, but the electrode cannot adapt to the curved surface of the electrode well and has suboptimal contact with nerve fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode body is designed with a cylindrical shape having a curved surface that matches the curvature of the electrode well. This curved geometry allows the electrode to conform to the anatomical surface, maximizing contact with the nerve fibers while maintaining manufacturability through standard cylindrical molding processes.
2Device complexity
If the electrode lead is connected to the side of the electrode body, then the connection is simplified, but the lead creates drag forces that destabilize the electrode during insertion and limits how closely the electrode can be positioned to the nerve tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode lead connection is moved from the lateral dimension (side of the electrode body) to the axial dimension (top end surface). This dimensional change allows the lead to exit through the top of the electrode body, eliminating lateral drag forces during insertion and enabling closer positioning to the nerve tissue without mechanical interference.
3Reliability
If the electrode contacts are placed close to the nerve fibers for effective stimulation, then stimulation efficacy is improved, but the risk of channel cross-talk and bone damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode contacts are dispersed across the curved surface of the cylindrical electrode body, with each contact positioned at specific locations optimized for stimulating particular nerve fiber groups. This local quality approach allows close proximity to nerve fibers for effective stimulation while distributing the electrical fields to minimize cross-talk between adjacent channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode body includes an insertion limiter with protrusions that physically limit how closely the electrode can be positioned to the nerve tissue during insertion. This beforehand cushioning mechanism prevents excessive compression of the nerve fibers and reduces the risk of bone damage while still allowing sufficient proximity for effective stimulation.
4Measurement precision
If multiple electrode contacts are used to stimulate different nerve fiber locations, then stimulation precision is improved, but the device complexity and risk of cross-talk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode body is segmented into multiple discrete electrode contacts distributed across its curved surface, with each contact capable of independently stimulating specific nerve fiber groups. This segmentation allows precise control over which nerve fibers are stimulated while maintaining a relatively simple cylindrical overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode contacts are arranged in three-dimensional space along the curved surface of the cylinder rather than being confined to a single plane. This spatial distribution across the curved surface enables precise stimulation of different nerve fiber locations while minimizing cross-talk through optimized geometric separation of the contacts.
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
Enables effective stimulation of small nerve fibers with reduced risk of channel cross-talk and bone damage, allowing for optimal contact with nerve cells and improved surgical placement.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode body may be made of a resilient silicone material
Implementation Method 2
Electrode contacts are dispersed across the bottom end surface to provide electrical interaction with nearby auditory nerve tissue
Data Source
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Figure 3(A)~3(D)
AI summary
An implantable multi-channel electrode is described. An ear implant electrode with a cylinder shaped electrode body has opposing top and bottom end surfaces. Electrode contacts are dispersed across the bottom end surface to provide electrical interaction with nearby auditory nerve tissue.