Flexible Brain Electrode with Deep Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brain electrodes, such as cerebral cortex electrodes, face challenges in signal recording and stimulation due to material defects and structural limitations, and lack the capability to simultaneously monitor surface and deep neural signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flexible electrode for the brain is designed with a cortical attachment portion and deep implantation portions, featuring a multilayer structure with insulating layers and a wire layer, allowing for simultaneous recording and stimulation of both surface and deep neural signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional rigid electrodes are used for brain recording and stimulation, then structural stability is maintained, but tissue trauma increases and long-term stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible thin film structures for the electrode substrate, allowing the electrode to conform to the brain surface and reduce mechanical mismatch. This flexibility minimizes tissue trauma while maintaining structural integrity through the engineered thin film composition and design.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode utilizes composite material structures combining flexible substrates with conductive elements and insulating layers. This composite approach enables the electrode to achieve both flexibility for reduced tissue damage and structural stability for long-term operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If single-layer electrode structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the capability to simultaneously monitor surface and deep neural signals is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple functional layers with distinct purposes: flexible substrate, conductive traces, insulating layers, and electrode contact points. This segmentation enables simultaneous surface and deep signal monitoring while maintaining manufacturability through standardized layer-by-layer fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode design transitions from planar to three-dimensional configurations with elevated contact points that can reach deep neural structures while the base remains on the brain surface. This dimensional approach enables multi-depth monitoring without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If traditional electrode materials are used, then material availability is maintained, but signal recording precision and stimulation effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode employs composite material structures combining flexible substrates with conductive elements and insulating layers. This composite approach enables the electrode to achieve both flexibility for reduced tissue damage and structural stability for long-term operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a flexible electrode for a brain and a method for manufacturing the same. Provided is a flexible electrode for the brain, which comprises a cortical attachment portion that can be implanted into the brain, and one or more deep implantation portions, the cortical attachment portion having a sheet-like structure capable of covering and being flattened to fit against at least a portion of a cerebral cortex after implantation, and the deep implantation portions being configured to be implanted into a deep region of the brain and bent relative to the cortical attachment portion after implantation, wherein the deep implantation portions and the cortical attachment portion each comprise one or more electrode sites, each of the electrode sites being electrically coupled to one of wires in the wire layer and being in contact with the brain after the flexible electrode is implanted into the brain.