Implantable Illuminating Device with Segmented Optical Fiber Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable illumination devices for localized brain illumination face challenges such as medical risks, tissue lesions, and manufacturing complexity, with previous solutions being inflexible and difficult to implement safely.
Innovation Solution
An implantable illumination device with a flexible, elongated probe architecture featuring a stimulation optical fiber coated with multiple concentric layers, including a radio-opaque tube, and an atraumatic distal end, designed for easy manufacturing and safe implantation, using bio-compatible materials to minimize risks and ensure effective treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple single-layer protective structure is used for the optical fiber, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the mechanical protection and sealing are insufficient for safe brain implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is divided into multiple distinct layers: an inner protective sheath (Parylene-C) for chemical inertness and biocompatibility, and an outer silicone rubber coating for mechanical protection and flexibility. This segmentation allows each layer to fulfill specific protective functions that a single layer cannot achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a composite material structure combining Parylene-C (a biocompatible polymer) with silicone rubber (a mechanically robust elastomer). This composite approach integrates the chemical stability of Parylene-C with the mechanical durability and flexibility of silicone rubber, achieving both ease of manufacture and high reliability.
2Strength
If the optical fiber retains its full protective sheath along the entire length, then the fiber is better protected, but the device becomes less flexible and harder to implant safely
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheath (Parylene-C) is selectively removed from the distal portion of the optical fiber where flexibility is most needed for implantation, while being retained on the proximal portion where structural integrity is important. This local modification allows the fiber to be both protected where needed and flexible where required.
3Reliability
If a complex multi-layer architecture with varying cross-sections is used, then the device provides better mechanical protection and sealing, but the manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The Parylene-C protective sheath is applied to the optical fiber before the silicone rubber coating is added. This preliminary action allows the inner protective layer to be in place before the outer mechanical protection layer is applied, simplifying the overall manufacturing sequence while achieving reliable multi-layer protection.
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 device provides safe, flexible, and effective localized illumination of the brain, reducing medical risks and improving manufacturing ease, while maintaining mechanical protection and sealing, suitable for neuroprotection and optogenetic applications.
Implementation Method 1
a stimulation optical fiber comprising a core, a coating and a protective sheath
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to an implantable illuminating device designed to be implanted in a living being in order to illuminate an area of said living being in a localised manner, said device comprising a probe (1), the architecture being characterised in that it consists of: an optical fibre comprising a core (10), a coating (11) and protective cladding (12); and an envelope (13, 130); said architecture comprising: a plurality of successive segments along the longitudinal axis thereof, each segment having a section (Sc to S4 or Sc to S30) with a plurality of concentrically superimposed layers, in which each segment comprises a section with a plurality of superimposed layers, which is different from the section of each adjacent segment.