Implantable Electrode Positioning via Neural Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for implanting neural devices, such as spinal cord stimulators, face challenges in accurately positioning electrode arrays relative to neural pathways during surgery, particularly under general anesthesia, due to limited patient feedback and imprecise anatomical targeting, which can lead to complications like nerve damage and uneven stimulation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a temporary probe electrode to evoke and sense compound action potentials, allowing for precise positioning of the electrode array relative to the nerve by determining the optimal placement based on sensed neural responses, enabling accurate mediolateral, caudorostral, and dorsoventral positioning without relying on patient feedback or high-resolution imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If patient feedback is used to guide electrode array placement, then positioning accuracy is improved, but patient safety deteriorates due to risks of nerve damage from pressure during surgery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode positioning accuracyVSAvoidnerve damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a temporary probe electrode as an intermediary tool that indirectly assesses neural pathway location through compound action potential sensing, eliminating the need for direct pressure on the nerve while obtaining positioning information. The probe electrode serves as a mediator between the surgeon's positioning actions and the neural tissue, allowing assessment without harmful contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If anatomical markers are used for targeting, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to fluoroscopy resolution limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetargeting simplicityVSAvoidlead placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical imaging system (fluoroscopy) with an electrophysiological sensing system. Instead of relying on visual anatomical markers and image resolution, the system uses electrical field interactions to detect compound action potentials, substituting a mechanical imaging approach with an electrical sensing approach that provides higher precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If patient is temporarily awakened from general anesthesia, then information feedback is improved, but device complexity increases due to anesthesia management requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient feedback qualityVSAvoidanesthesia management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the neural tissue itself to provide the feedback information that would normally require patient awareness. The compound action potentials generated by neural pathways in response to probe electrode stimulation serve as automatic, objective feedback signals, replacing the need for subjective patient reporting and eliminating the complexity of managing patient consciousness during surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 allows for accurate and precise placement of electrode arrays during surgery under general anesthesia, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring balanced stimulation across both sides of the body, while improving the strength and duration of neural signals.

Implementation Method 1

applying electrical stimuli from one of the temporarily fixed probe electrode and the electrode array, to evoke compound action potentials on the nerve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

sensing, from at least one electrode of the other of the temporarily fixed probe electrode and the electrode array, the compound action potentials evoked by the stimuli

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompound action potential sensing: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250017505A1Implantable electrode positioning

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 SALUDA MEDICAL PTY LTD

AI summary

A method of surgically positioning an electrode array at a desired implantation location relative to a nerve. A temporary probe electrode is temporarily positioned adjacent to the nerve and at a location which is caudorostrally separate to the desired implantation location of the electrode array. The implanted position of the probe electrode is temporarily fixed relative to the nerve. During implantation of the electrode array, electrical stimuli are applied from one of the temporarily fixed probe electrode and the electrode array, to evoke compound action potentials on the nerve. Compound action potentials evoked by the stimuli are sensed from at least one electrode of the other of the temporarily fixed probe electrode and the electrode array. From the sensed compound action potentials a position of the electrode array relative to the nerve is determined.