Miniaturized Implantable Electrochemical Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable devices face issues such as high local temperatures and foreign body capsule formation, which can lead to tissue death and hinder device operation, and current miniaturized electrochemical sensors are not fully integrated, limiting their effectiveness and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method for fabricating a fully integrated miniaturized implantable device by monolithically integrating electronic systems, coils, and electrochemical sensors on a substrate, using separate metal layers and vias to connect components, enabling wireless communication and power extraction while minimizing size and power dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power is provided from external sources to implantable devices, then the device can operate, but local temperature increases around the implantable device
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable device is divided into separate functional modules (sensor module, transmitter module, power management module) that can be independently optimized. The sensor module measures biological indicators while the transmitter module communicates with external devices, allowing power delivery to be segmented and controlled to minimize heat generation in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses periodic transmission cycles where the sensor takes measurements during low-power intervals and transmits data during designated communication windows. This periodic operation allows the device to remain in a low-power state most of the time, significantly reducing average temperature while still providing continuous monitoring capability.
2Loss of information
If transmission of information from the implantable device is increased, then data communication improves, but local temperature around the implantable device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless electromagnetic communication. The implantable device uses inductive coupling or RF transmission to communicate with external receivers, eliminating the need for physical wires that would conduct heat and reduce the mechanical complexity of the system while improving data transmission capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the implantable device size is reduced, then foreign body response is minimized, but integration of all components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor, transmitter, power management, and signal processing functions into a single integrated implantable module. By combining these functions that were previously separate, the device size is reduced to minimize foreign body response while maintaining all necessary capabilities through functional integration on a compact platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested structure where smaller functional components are integrated within larger structural elements. The sensor electrodes are patterned on the same substrate as the circuit board, and the transmitter antenna is integrated into the device housing, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall device size while maintaining functionality.
4Reliability
If wired systems are used for continuous glucose monitoring, then power delivery is reliable, but infection and irritation risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces transcutaneous wired connections with wireless inductive coupling or RF communication. The implantable device receives power and transmits data through electromagnetic fields that penetrate the skin, eliminating the need for wires that pass through the skin barrier and thereby eliminating the infection and irritation risks associated with wired systems.
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 solution allows for reliable, miniaturized implantable devices that reduce foreign body response, minimize infection risks, and provide efficient power delivery, enabling accurate and long-term biological indicator measurement with reduced tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
a coil, the coil being configured to provide the wireless communication link
Implementation Method 2
to extract power for the implantable device from the wireless communication link
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A fully integrated small size implantable sensing device is described, which can include a sensor and an electronic circuit to interface with the sensor and communicate with an external device. Various fabrication methods for the sensing device are described, including provision of wells, created using same fabrication technology as the electronic circuit, to contain electrodes of the sensor and corresponding functionalization chemicals. Such implantable sensing device can be used for a variety of electrochemical measuring applications within a living body as well as actuation by injecting a current into the living body.