Removable Electroporation Shield for Implantable Stimulation Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional implantable medical devices are vulnerable to damage from high voltages required for electroporation, necessitating separate devices for the procedure, which complicates implantation and increases risk to the recipient.

Innovation Solution

An electroporation shield is disposed between the stimulation electronics and electroporation electrodes to protect the stimulation electronics from high voltages during electroporation, allowing electroporation to be performed while the device is implanted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electroporation is performed using high voltages, then electroporation of cells is achieved, but stimulation electronics are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of stimulation electronicsVSAvoidhigh voltage damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An electroporation shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the electroporation electrodes and the stimulation electronics. The shield is electrically connected to the electroporation electrodes and positioned to physically block the high voltage field from reaching the stimulation electronics, thereby protecting them while allowing electroporation to proceed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the electroporation electrode region, the shield region, and the stimulation electronics region. This spatial segmentation allows the high voltage electroporation function to operate independently without damaging the sensitive stimulation electronics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If separate devices are used for electroporation and stimulation, then electroporation can be performed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectroporation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electroporation shield and stimulation electronics are integrated into a single implantable device. The shield serves dual purposes: protecting the stimulation electronics during electroporation and potentially serving as part of the stimulation system afterward, thereby reducing the need for separate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electroporation shield is designed to serve multiple functions: (1) protecting stimulation electronics during electroporation, (2) being electrically connected to electroporation electrodes for field generation, and (3) potentially functioning as part of the stimulation system after electroporation is complete

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate devices are used for electroporation, then electroporation is possible, but surgical risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectroporation capabilityVSAvoidsurgical risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the electroporation shield and stimulation electronics into a single implanted device, the number of surgical procedures is reduced. The shield is implanted simultaneously with the stimulation electronics, eliminating the need for a separate electroporation device implantation and subsequent removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 safe and efficient electroporation of cells in vivo by isolating stimulation electronics from high voltages, reducing the need for separate devices and minimizing surgical risks.

Implementation Method 1

an electroporation shield covering the one or more stimulation electrodes to electrically isolate the one or more stimulation electrodes from the one or more electroporation electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4200010B1Electroporation shield for implantable electrodes

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 COCHLEAR LIMITED

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AI summary

Presented herein is an electroporation shield configured to be removably coupled to an implantable stimulating assembly that includes one or more stimulation electrodes. The electroporation shield is coupled to stimulating assembly such that the electroporation shield electrically insulates the one or more of the stimulation electrodes from an electroporation electrical field generated by one or more electroporation electrodes coupled to the electroporation shield. The electroporation shield may be coupled to the stimulating assembly in a manner that facilitates removal of the electroporation shield and the one or more electroporation electrodes. After electroporation, without having to remove or reinsert the stimulating assembly, thereby exposing the one or more stimulation electrodes to the cells of the recipient for subsequent delivery of stimulation.