Flexible SEEG Electrode Bonding for Multi-Channel Single-Cell Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing SEEG technology is limited by volume, channel count, and electrode site size, preventing accurate EEG data acquisition and electrical stimulation at the single-cell level, and lacks extendibility for other functions.

Innovation Solution

A flexible electrode apparatus is attached to the SEEG electrode without adhesives, comprising a multi-layer structure with insulating layers, wire layers, and electrode sites, allowing for multi-channel, single-cell-level precise EEG signal acquisition and electrical stimulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If adhesive is used to attach flexible electrode to SEEG electrode, then attachment strength is improved, but SEEG electrode size and surgical process are affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidSEEG electrode size and surgical process
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible electrode structure utilizes its own mechanical properties (flexibility and conformability) to achieve attachment to the SEEG electrode without requiring external adhesives. The electrode's design allows it to wrap around and secure to the SEEG electrode through its inherent physical characteristics, making the attachment process self-sufficient and avoiding additional materials that would complicate the device or surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If SEEG electrode is used for basic positioning, then surgical simplicity is maintained, but functional versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible electrode is designed to provide multiple functions including EEG signal acquisition, electrical stimulation, and potential integration with other therapeutic or diagnostic modalities. By incorporating these diverse functionalities into a single flexible electrode structure that can be attached to the SEEG electrode, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated devices, thus improving versatility while managing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If traditional electrode structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision for single-cell level is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle-cell level precisionVSAvoidelectrode structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible electrode employs thin-film construction that enables it to conform closely to the SEEG electrode surface and achieve fine spatial resolution for single-cell level measurements. The flexible nature of the thin film allows it to adapt to curved surfaces and maintain intimate contact, which is critical for high-precision electrical signal acquisition at the cellular level, while the thin-film technology itself provides a manufacturable solution for achieving this precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 firm attachment of the flexible electrode to the SEEG electrode without affecting its size or surgical process, expanding its functions to include multi-channel, single-cell-level precise EEG signal acquisition and electrical stimulation.

Implementation Method 1

causing the SEEG electrode to be in contact with and attached to a root portion of the flexible electrode in pure water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

baking the assembly to enhance adhesion between the SEEG electrode and the flexible electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250364154A1Flexible electrode apparatus for bonding with SEEG electrode and method for manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2025.11.27 CENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN BRAIN SCI & INTELLIGENCE TECH CHINESE ACAD OF SCI
  • US20250364154A1 patent drawing
  • US20250364154A1 patent drawing
  • US20250364154A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A flexible electrode apparatus for bonding with a SEEG electrode includes: at least one wire electrode which is implantable and flexible, wherein each wire electrode includes: a wire located between a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer of the flexible electrode; and an electrode site located on the second insulating layer and electrically coupled to the wire via a through hole in the second insulating layer, wherein the at least one wire electrode is configured to be affixed to the SEEG electrode and is in contact with a biological tissue after the SEEG electrode is implanted.