Implantable Electrode Array With Dissolving Organic Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intracranial electrodes cause significant artifacts in MRI images, lead to cortical heating, and increase the strength of the magnetic field, making it difficult to integrate electrophysiological and imaging data, and pose risks during MRI-guided surgeries due to their conductive nature.
Innovation Solution
An implantable electrode array with an organic substrate that dissolves after implantation, featuring a conductive trace and connection pad formed using polymer thick film deposition, minimizing electromagnetic interference and allowing safe use with MRI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional intracranial electrodes are used, then electrophysiological recording and stimulation can be performed, but significant artifacts are generated in MRI images and cortical heating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the electrode from conventional metals to ferromagnetic materials with specific magnetic susceptibility properties. This parameter change allows the electrode to be magnetically attracted for secure positioning while minimizing RF-induced heating and MRI artifacts, thus resolving the contradiction between recording reliability and MRI safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction where ferromagnetic materials are combined with biocompatible coatings and conductive elements. This composite structure provides both the magnetic properties needed for secure positioning and reduced heating, while maintaining electrical conductivity for electrophysiological functions, thereby resolving the contradiction between functionality and safety
2Reliability
If conventional electrodes with conductive leads are used, then electrical signals can be transmitted, but the magnetic field strength increases significantly near the electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical and magnetic parameters of the electrode materials. By using ferromagnetic materials with specific permeability and conductivity characteristics, the electrode maintains signal transmission capability while reducing RF current induction and localized heating, thus resolving the contradiction between signal reliability and temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional conductive metal leads with magnetically-responsive structures that can be positioned and secured through magnetic attraction rather than mechanical anchoring. This substitution reduces the need for extensive conductive pathways that would otherwise increase magnetic field strength and heating risks
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard intracranial electrodes are implanted, then brain function mapping can be performed, but post-operative complications such as infection and neurological disorders occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material construction with biocompatible coatings on ferromagnetic core structures. This composite design provides both the magnetic properties needed for secure positioning and reduced heating, while the biocompatible surface layer minimizes inflammatory responses and infection risks, thereby resolving the contradiction between functional capability and post-operative safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes material parameters including surface chemistry, magnetic susceptibility, and thermal conductivity to simultaneously achieve secure magnetic positioning, minimal heating, and enhanced biocompatibility. These parameter changes reduce post-operative complications while maintaining brain mapping functionality
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
The electrode array reduces artifacts and heating risks, enabling simultaneous subdural electrocortical recording/stimulation and fMRI without distorting brain structures, facilitating longer-term use and improved brain-machine interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
an organic substrate material configured to be implanted into an in vivo environment and to dissolve after implantation into the in vivo environment and be absorbed by the in vivo environment
Implementation Method 2
a conductive trace formed between the electrode and the connection pad. The conductive trace includes a conductive ink
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode array (10) is configured for implantation into a subject. The electrode array (10) includes an organic substrate material (12) configured to be implanted into an in vivo environment and to optionally dissolve after implantation into the in vivo environment and be absorbed by the in vivo environment, and an electrode (14) mounted to the organic substrate material (12) and configured to acquire signals generated by the in vivo environment. The electrode array (10) includes a connection pad (20) mounted to the organic substrate (12), and a conductive trace (16) formed between the electrode (14) and the connection pad (2). The conductive trace (16) includes a conductive ink that is MRI-compatible.