Deformable Guide Tube for Multifocal Neural Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for implanting neural stimulation and recording electrodes in 3D arrangements for treating neurological disorders result in significant tissue damage and suboptimal placement of electrodes, leading to inefficient recording and stimulation.

Innovation Solution

A stereotactical multifocal recording and stimulation device with a selectively deformable guide tube and electrode subassembly that allows for dynamic rearrangement of electrode contacts in 3D space, enabling precise placement and efficient recording and stimulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional straight electrodes and conventional implantation methods are used, then multiple electrodes can be implanted through several trajectories, but significant tissue damage occurs along the trajectories

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to implant electrodes at multiple fociVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the electrode implantation process by using a single guide tube with multiple deployable electrode subassemblies. Each electrode subassembly can be independently deployed to different targets along the same trajectory, eliminating the need for multiple separate trajectories and reducing tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple electrode subassemblies are nested within a single guide tube structure. The guide tube contains multiple electrode subassemblies that can be sequentially or simultaneously deployed to different locations, allowing multifocal electrode placement through a single insertion point and trajectory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional depth electrodes are used, then electrodes can be implanted through multiple trajectories, but the contacts cannot be repositioned after implantation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixed spatial arrangementVSAvoidelectrode contact placement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode subassembly incorporates a deployable mechanism that allows electrode contacts to be dynamically repositioned from a retracted state to a deployed state. This dynamic capability enables precise placement of electrode contacts at target locations after the guide tube has been positioned, and allows for repositioning if initial placement is suboptimal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide tube is positioned and stabilized at the target site before the electrode subassemblies are deployed. This preliminary positioning action allows for subsequent precise deployment of electrode contacts at the desired locations, ensuring accurate placement while maintaining the ability to adjust if needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrodes are implanted through several trajectories with different orientations, then 3D arrangement of electrodes is achieved, but the complexity of the implantation procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3D electrode arrangement capabilityVSAvoidimplantation procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide tube is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate and deploy multiple electrode subassemblies to different locations in 3D space. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for multiple separate electrodes and implantation procedures, simplifying the overall implantation process while maintaining 3D arrangement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250161689A1Stereotactic Multifocal Recording And Stimulation Device And Methods Of Use

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

AI summary

A neural stimulation and recording electrode assembly includes a selectively deformable guide tube. The guide tube includes a plurality of sequentially coupled connecting structures, wherein each connecting structure of the plurality of connecting structures has a respective central axis, and wherein at least one of the plurality of connecting structures is selectively deformable relative to the central axis of a sequential connecting structure of the plurality of connecting structures such that the central axis of the selectively deformable connecting structure is angularly oriented relative to the central axis of the sequential connecting structure. The electrode assembly further includes an electrode subassembly having a central axis and a plurality of electrode contacts that are configured for selective radial movement about and between a retracted position and a deployed position, wherein in the deployed position, and relative to the central axis, each electrode contact is spaced radially outwardly from the retracted position.