Programmable Electrode Switching for EEG and Cortical Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high channel-count neurophysiological systems face complexities due to separate controls for sensing and stimulation, multiple cables causing electrical noise, and manual interventions for ground connections, which hinder reliability and maneuverability during procedures like cortical stimulation mapping.
Innovation Solution
A neuromonitoring system with a programmable switch matrix that integrates sensing and stimulation modalities, allowing any electrode or combination of electrodes to function as a common reference or ground, and automatically adjusts in case of disconnection, enabling versatile operation with minimal manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate controls are used for sensing and stimulation, then each function can be independently optimized, but device complexity increases and maneuverability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensing and stimulation controls into a single integrated device with a unified control interface. The device includes multiple input channels for sensing and stimulation output channels, all managed through one system with a single set of control electronics, eliminating the need for separate control devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional independence through software configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device can perform multiple functions through a single platform. The same device can conduct electroencephalography sensing, cortical stimulation mapping, and other neurophysiological procedures by configuring different electrode combinations and modes through software, making the device universal for various neurological applications without requiring separate specialized equipment.
2Reliability
If multiple cables are used for separate controls, then each function has dedicated connections, but electrical noise increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single cable assembly to connect the integrated device to the patient electrodes, eliminating multiple separate cables. This unified connection approach reduces the number of potential noise sources at connection points, minimizes electromagnetic interference between separate signal paths, and improves overall signal integrity by reducing the complexity of the cable infrastructure.
3Productivity
If manual intervention is required for ground connections, then flexibility is maintained, but productivity decreases and operational reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically identifies and configures ground electrode connections without requiring manual user intervention. The control system includes automated detection and configuration capabilities that select appropriate ground electrodes and establish connections through software control, eliminating the need for operators to manually configure ground connections and improving both productivity and operational consistency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electrodes are fixed for specific functions, then setup is simplified, but adaptability decreases when procedures change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic electrode configuration through software-controlled switching. The device can reassign electrodes to different functions (sensing, stimulation, ground) dynamically during procedures by changing software settings, allowing the same physical electrode array to adapt to different neurological applications and procedural requirements without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array is designed to serve multiple functions through a single physical placement. By using software-controlled switching, any electrode can be assigned to sensing, stimulation, or ground functions as needed, making the electrode configuration highly adaptable to different procedures while avoiding the complexity of multiple dedicated electrode sets.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated switch matrix for a medical device system used for long-term monitoring of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and mapping of the brain through cortical stimulation is configured to switch functions of various electrodes associated with the system in response to user needs. The programmable switch matrix is integrated in an EEG recording device and allows for connecting any patient electrode(s) to a ground circuit, connecting any patient electrode to a common reference, connecting a selected common reference to any or all recording device(s) in the system and, connecting any patient electrode(s) to anode and/or cathode outputs of a neurostimulator for multi-contact cortical stimulation.