Injectable Electrode Curing to Tissue Contours
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioelectronic electrodes are limited by their inability to conform to the unique contours of bodily tissues, leading to poor fit and functionality, requiring invasive surgical procedures, causing trauma and inflammation, and resulting in inefficient electrical stimulation and chronic device failure due to encapsulation by connective tissue.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible electrode system that can be injected and molded to conform to the contours of bodily tissues, using a liquid mixture that cures to form a solid phase with low impedance, allowing for minimally invasive placement and improved mechanical and electrical adherence, reducing tissue trauma and enhancing chronic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If prior art electrodes are used with fixed shapes and sizes, then manufacturing is simplified, but they cannot conform to the unique contours of bodily tissues leading to poor fit and functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode material is transformed from a fixed solid state to a liquid or gelatable state during implantation, allowing it to change its physical parameters (viscosity, shape) to conform to the target tissue contours. The material is dispensed in a liquid or gelatable form and then gelled or solidified in situ to match the specific anatomical shape required.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is delivered through a catheter or needle in a liquid or gelatable form, utilizing fluid dynamics to transport the material to the target location. The liquid/gelatable state allows it to be pumped or injected through narrow catheters to hard-to-reach locations, then it gells or solidifies to form the required electrode shape.
2Strength
If prior art electrodes require invasive surgical procedures for placement, then secure mechanical attachment can be achieved, but tissue trauma and inflammation occur causing chronic device failure
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode material is delivered through a catheter or needle in a liquid or gelatable form, utilizing fluid dynamics to transport the material to the target location. The liquid/gelatable state allows it to be pumped or injected through narrow catheters to hard-to-reach locations, then it gells or solidifies to form the required electrode shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode material undergoes a phase transition from liquid or gelatable state to solid or gel state after implantation. This phase transition occurs in situ at the target location, allowing minimally invasive delivery while achieving secure mechanical attachment and electrical conductivity in the final solid/gel state.
3Ease of operation
If prior art electrodes are placed without conforming to tissue contours, then placement is easier, but electrical stimulation efficiency is reduced due to poor contact and encapsulation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode material is transformed from a fixed solid state to a liquid or gelatable state during implantation, allowing it to change its physical parameters (viscosity, shape) to conform to the target tissue contours. The material is dispensed in a liquid or gelatable form and then gelled or solidified in situ to match the specific anatomical shape required.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode material undergoes a phase transition from liquid or gelatable state to solid or gel state after implantation. This phase transition occurs in situ at the target location, allowing minimally invasive delivery while achieving secure mechanical attachment and electrical conductivity in the final solid/gel state.
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 system enables better electrical and mechanical adherence to tissues, reducing trauma and inflammation, allowing for more effective and durable neural stimulation with lower impedance values, facilitating easier placement in hard-to-reach locations without invasive surgery.
Implementation Method 1
capable of curing to a solid phase which is capable of retaining the shape of the contours of the target
Data Source
AI summary
A cured electrode comprising a mixture comprising conductive elements and a carrier which, upon injection into a body, cures from a liquid phase at a first time to a biocompatible solid phase at a second time at or on a target tissue within the body. The cured electrode is capable of being molded around contours of the target tissue so that, after curing, the cured electrode retains the contours of the target tissue. The cured electrode is capable of conducting electricity at a resistance of less than 10 ohm meters in the liquid or the solid phases. Carrier materials include hydgrogel, silicone, bone cement, cyanoacrylate, dental resin and a fibrin mix. The carrier material may also be used to anchor the cured electrode and provide great stability.