Injectable Wire Electrode Structure for Stable Tissue Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrodes for transmitting energy within the body face challenges such as dispersion of particles leading to reduced efficacy and difficulty in full removal, along with systemic side effects and traumatic implantation procedures.
Innovation Solution
An injectable wire structure electrode designed to be highly conductive and mechanically strong, composed of ultra-thin wires compacted into a small volume for minimally invasive placement, with a roughened and porous surface to enhance biocompatibility and charge injection capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If micron-sized conductive particles are mixed into a flowable curable glue for minimally invasive injection, then the electrode can be injected through a needle, but the particles can dissipate or be moved after immune defenses and fibrous tissue intervene, reducing efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into ultra-thin wire sections that are compacted together, allowing the segmented structure to be injected through a needle while maintaining structural integrity. The segmentation enables flexibility for injection while preserving the continuous conductive pathway for reliable energy transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode combines ultra-thin highly conductive wire material with a compacted structured configuration, creating a composite structure that integrates the mechanical properties needed for injection with the electrical properties needed for reliable energy transmission, preventing particle dispersion issues.
2Reliability
If traditional implantable electrodes are used, then they can provide stable energy transmission, but the implantation surgery through open cut downs is traumatic and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode uses ultra-thin wire structures that can be flexed and compacted into a small volume for injection through a needle, eliminating the need for traumatic open cut down surgery while maintaining the stability and reliability of energy transmission associated with traditional implantable electrodes.
3Strength
If rigid electrodes are used to maintain mechanical strength, then structural integrity is achieved, but tissue irritation increases and fibrotic encapsulation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode parameters are changed by using ultra-thin wire dimensions and compacted configurations that reduce mechanical rigidity to minimize tissue irritation and fibrotic encapsulation, while the material selection and structural design maintain sufficient mechanical strength for stable energy transmission.
4Reliability
If highly conductive materials are used to transmit energy efficiently, then charge injection capacity increases, but the wire diameter increases reducing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode transitions from a traditional solid rod geometry to a compacted structured configuration of ultra-thin wires, changing the dimensional arrangement to achieve high charge injection capacity through increased surface area while maintaining flexibility through the thin wire construction and compacted structure.
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 injectable wire structure electrode achieves high conductivity and mechanical strength, maintaining efficacy over extended periods with minimal systemic side effects and easy removal, while promoting biocompatibility and tissue integration.
Implementation Method 1
transmit energy within the body at a higher conductivity for this energy than for surrounding tissues
Implementation Method 2
overlapping loops create a highly conductive pathway for transmission of energy
Data Source
AI summary
An injectable wire structure electrode can assimilate with surrounding tissues after injection, inducing in-growth of blood vessels, collagen and other tissue. Assimilation secures the electrode to the tissue without sutures and prevents relative motion which can lead to inflammation and scarring. Associated methods of manufacturing and injection are disclosed, as well as systems including a dermal multiplexer for power delivery.