Fibrous Electrode for Deep Nerve Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art neurostimulation electrodes only activate a small percentage of nerve axons due to limited penetration of electrical signals, leading to reduced therapy efficacy and increased power requirements, which can result in battery life issues and incomplete patient response.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fibrous electrode with conductive fibers that penetrate the outer surface of the cranial nerve to reach the inner portion, allowing for deeper penetration of electrical signals and modulation of a larger population of nerve fibers, utilizing materials like carbon nanotubes or conductive graphite fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional neurostimulation electrodes are used to deliver electrical signals to the outer surface of the nerve, then the electrode structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but only a small percentage of nerve axons are activated due to limited penetration depth
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into multiple functional components: a circumferential body for outer surface contact and multiple longitudinal elements (fibers, spikes, or penetrable structures) that extend through the nerve tissue. This segmentation allows simultaneous stimulation of both superficial and deep nerve fibers, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and therapy efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode transitions from a two-dimensional surface contact design to a three-dimensional penetrable structure. The longitudinal elements extend in the radial dimension through the nerve, enabling electrical signal delivery to multiple depths simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows activation of deep nerve axons while maintaining outer surface contact, thereby improving therapy efficacy without excessive complexity.
2Productivity
If higher power electrical signals are used to activate more nerve axons, then therapy efficacy improves, but power requirements increase and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode divides the power delivery function across multiple independent longitudinal elements and the circumferential body. Each element can deliver electrical signals at lower power to its specific target zone, collectively achieving comprehensive nerve activation without requiring high power from a single source. This segmented approach reduces overall power requirements while maintaining therapy efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode provides localized electrical stimulation at multiple distinct locations along the nerve. Each longitudinal element and the circumferential body deliver tailored electrical signals to specific regions, optimizing current distribution and reducing the total power needed compared to a single high-power delivery point. This local quality approach improves energy efficiency while achieving thorough nerve activation.
3Reliability
If conventional electrodes are used on the outer surface of the nerve, then the risk of electrode dissolution is present, but using alternative materials or designs may increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode employs composite material construction, combining biocompatible and corrosion-resistant materials such as platinum, iridium oxide, or conductive polymers for the circumferential body and longitudinal elements. This composite approach enhances electrode stability and reduces dissolution risk in the physiological environment while maintaining structural integrity across different electrode components, balancing reliability with manageable complexity.
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
This approach enables the recruitment and modulation of a greater number of nerve fibers, potentially improving therapy efficacy, reducing power requirements, and increasing the safety by minimizing electrode dissolution in body fluids.
Implementation Method 1
The fibers are conductive and adapted to migrate beneath the outer surface of the cranial nerve to deliver an electrical signal to the inner portion of the cranial nerve
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system are provided for employing an electrode for delivering an electrical signal to a portion of a tissue of a patient's body. The electrode includes a first surface to electrically couple to the portion of an outer layer of the tissue. The electrode also includes a plurality of fibers or longitudinal elements coupled to the outer surface. The plurality of fibers or longitudinal elements are adapted to migrate to an interior portion of the tissue.