Flexible Circuit Electrode Array for Retinal Prosthesis Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blind individuals often lack normal circadian rhythms due to impaired light perception, which affects melatonin production, and existing visual prosthetics are bulky and inadequate for providing effective simulated vision.
Innovation Solution
A visual prosthesis system comprising a flexible circuit electrode array with a retinal prosthesis implanted under the sclera, using platinum electrodes and a timer-controlled electrical driver to stimulate visual neurons, thereby mimicking natural light exposure patterns to regulate melatonin levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible circuit electrode array is used, then layer adhesion is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of multiple layers including a first substrate, first polymer layer, second polymer layer, and second substrate. Each layer serves a specific function: the polymer layers provide adhesion and flexibility, while the substrates provide structural support. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by achieving strong layer adhesion through the polymer intermediates while managing manufacturing complexity through a systematic multi-layer fabrication process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes flexible polymer layers (first polymer layer and second polymer layer) as thin films between rigid substrates. These polymer shells provide both adhesion and flexibility, allowing the electrode array to conform to curved surfaces while maintaining strong bonding. This approach improves layer adhesion through the flexible polymer interface while the thin-film nature helps manage overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If electrodes are placed close to visual neurons, then stimulation effectiveness is improved, but risk of neuronal compression increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible polymer layers as thin-film interfaces between the electrode array and the retina. These flexible polymer shells allow the electrodes to be positioned close to visual neurons for effective stimulation while the thin-film nature and flexibility prevent mechanical compression of the neurons. The polymer layers act as a compliant interface that transmits electrical signals effectively without imposing rigid mechanical constraints on the underlying neural tissue.
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
The system effectively increases melatonin levels at night, normalizing circadian rhythms in blind patients, as demonstrated by significant melatonin level increases in patients with retinitis pigmentosa post-implantation.
Implementation Method 1
Neural tissue can be artificially stimulated and activated by prosthetic devices that pass pulses of electrical current through electrodes on such a device. The passage of current causes changes in electrical potentials across visual neuronal membranes, which can initiate visual neuron action potentials
Implementation Method 2
A flexible circuit electrode array for improving circadian rhythms, comprising an insulating polymer layer; at least one trace containing a base conducting layer, an intermediate conducting layer and a top conducting layer, embedded in said insulating polymer layer
Data Source
AI summary
Present invention is a method of improving circadian rhythms in blind people by stimulation the visual neural system. Ideally a retinal prosthesis of the type used to restore vision can be used to restore normal circadian rhythms. Additionally, brightness on the prosthesis can be increased in the morning and decreased in the evening to stimulate normal Circadian rhythms. Alternatively, if a retinal prosthesis is not preferable, the retina can be stimulated externally, during the day and not at night. While such eternal stimulation can not produced artificial vision, it can stimulate normal circadian rhythms.