Flexible Electrode Bundle with Anchoring Barbs for Tissue Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical electrodes face challenges in retaining their position within soft tissues like the brain and spinal cord over extended periods due to dislocation caused by tissue movements and damage during insertion, and they lack effective anchoring mechanisms to prevent displacement.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel electrode bundle with electrically conducting elements and anchoring elements that function as barbs, allowing for secure anchoring within soft tissues by forming a sharp angle and distributing withdrawal forces over a larger tissue volume, and are designed to be flexible and coated with non-conductive materials for improved insertion and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stiff electrodes are used for recording and stimulation, then electrical signal transmission is improved, but tissue damage and dislocation risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple independent channels, each with its own flexible wire and anchoring elements. This segmentation allows each channel to be independently positioned and anchored, reducing the overall stress on any single electrode structure and minimizing tissue damage while maintaining electrical signal transmission capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible coated wires instead of rigid electrodes. The flexible coating allows the electrode to adapt to tissue movements and curvature, reducing mechanical stress and tissue damage, while the conductive properties maintain electrical signal transmission. The flexible nature also enables better integration with the surrounding tissue architecture.
2Measurement precision
If electrodes are inserted deep into soft tissue, then access to target structures is improved, but retention and positioning stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Anchoring elements are pre-attached to the flexible wires before insertion. These anchoring elements are designed to engage with tissue structures at the target depth, ensuring that once the electrode reaches the desired position, it remains securely anchored. This preliminary preparation of anchoring mechanisms ensures both positioning accuracy and retention stability at deep tissue locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coated wire acts as an intermediary between the external control system and the deep tissue target. It transmits electrical signals while its flexibility allows it to navigate and be positioned accurately in deep tissue environments. The anchoring elements on this flexible wire then serve as mediators to secure the electrode at the target location, combining positioning capability with retention stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrodes are implanted simultaneously, then multi-channel recording and stimulation capability is improved, but complexity of insertion and positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode channels are merged into a single integrated assembly where each flexible wire with anchoring elements is bundled together. This combining approach allows simultaneous insertion of multiple electrodes through a single procedure, reducing overall insertion complexity while maintaining multi-channel recording and stimulation capabilities. The bundled structure enables coordinated positioning and anchoring of all channels.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode bundle for implantation in soft tissue comprises two or more electrodes aligned in parallel. Each electrode comprises an electrode element, an anchoring element joined to the electrode element at a portion intermediate between the front end and the rear end thereof and a means bundling the electrodes disposed between the anchoring element and the rear end. The anchoring element forms an angle α from 0° to 6° with the electrode element and extends in the direction of the rear end thereof. Also disclosed is a stack of electrode bundles, methods for insertion of the bundle and the stack into soft tissue, and their uses.