Implantable Electrode Device With Barrier Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for long-term, continuous monitoring of neurological disorders like epilepsy rely on incomplete patient-maintained seizure diaries and surface-mounted EEG devices, which are aesthetically and comfortably limiting for patients.
Innovation Solution
An implantable electrode device with a flexible, electrically isolating polymer carrier, an impermeable barrier layer, and conductive metal components, designed for long-term brain activity monitoring, featuring a strip-like shape and specific surface features to ensure mechanical stability and ease of removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surface-mounted EEG devices are used for long-term monitoring, then continuous brain activity monitoring is achieved, but patient comfort and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible polymer carrier with thin-film conductive traces and electrodes that can conform to the curved surface of the head. The flexible construction allows the device to be mounted on the scalp without causing discomfort or aesthetic issues, while maintaining continuous monitoring capability through stable electrode-skin contact.
2Ease of operation
If the electrode device is made flexible for implantation, then patient comfort is improved, but mechanical stability and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes a composite structure combining a flexible polymer carrier with embedded conductive metal traces and electrode elements. This composite construction provides both the required flexibility for implantation and sufficient mechanical strength to maintain structural integrity during long-term use. The polymer matrix distributes mechanical stresses while the embedded conductive elements maintain electrical connectivity.
3Ease of operation
If the device is made thin for comfort, then patient comfort is improved, but manufacturing precision and material thickness control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film fabrication techniques to create uniformly thin conductive layers and electrode structures on the flexible polymer carrier. The thin-film construction method ensures consistent thickness and material properties across the device, maintaining both patient comfort and manufacturing precision through controlled deposition processes.
4Measurement precision
If the contact surface is made small for precision, then measurement precision is improved, but signal strength and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device features electrodes with optimized contact surfaces that balance precision and signal strength. Each electrode is designed with appropriate dimensions and geometry to provide focused contact with the skin for precise localization while maintaining sufficient surface area for reliable signal acquisition. The conductive traces are routed to optimize signal transmission from each electrode contact point.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4d
AI summary
The present invention relates to an implantable electrode device comprising a carrier made of a polymer material, wherein the carrier is flexible and electrically isolating, at least one measurement electrode formed by an electrically conducting pad located on the carrier, wherein the electrically conducting pad has a contact surface, at least one electrically conducting trace, and at least one electrically conducting terminal, wherein the trace electrically connects the measurement electrode and the terminal. Implantable electrode devices of this type are not suitable to remain implantable over a long time. In order to provide an implantable electrode device which may remain in a patient's body the present invention suggest to further develop the implantable electrode such that the implantable electrode device further comprises a barrier layer enclosing the carrier by covering all surfaces thereof, wherein the contact surface of the conducting pad is exposed to an outside environment, and wherein a surface of the electrode device on a side on which the measurement electrode is located has a maximum valley depth or a maximum peak height between the contact surface of the measurement electrode and a meanline of the surface of the electrode device excluding the measurement electrodes being equal to or smaller than 60 micrometres or wherein a surface of the electrode device on a side on which the measurement electrode is located has a maximum valley depth or a maximum peak height between the contact surface of the measurement electrode and a meanline of the surface of the electrode device excluding the measurement electrodes being larger than 60 micrometres and wherein the maximum linear extension of the contact surface is equal to or less than 100 micrometres.