Injectable Wire Electrode Structure for Tissue Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable electrodes face issues with dispersion and reduced efficacy due to particle-based designs, lack of control over glue flow, and irritation of bodily tissues, while surgical interventions are traumatic and costly.
Innovation Solution
An injectable wire structure electrode, composed of ultra-thin wires that are spooled, flattened, rolled, or braided, maintains mechanical strength and flexibility, allowing precise placement and integration with target tissues, minimizing dispersion and irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If particle-based electrode design is used, then injectability is achieved, but mechanical strength and structural integrity deteriorate due to particle dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an ultra-thin flexible polymer coating (e.g., Parylene) to encapsulate the metal wire, creating a flexible shell that protects the wire while maintaining injectability. This thin film structure provides mechanical strength without compromising the ability to be injected through a needle.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode combines metal wire (for conductivity) with polymer coating (for flexibility and biocompatibility) to create a composite structure. This composite material approach achieves both mechanical strength from the metal and flexibility/injectability from the polymer.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid implantable electrodes are used, then structural stability is improved, but tissue irritation and inflammation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The ultra-thin flexible polymer coating conformally encapsulates the wire, creating a soft interface with tissue that reduces mechanical irritation while maintaining structural stability. The flexibility of this thin film allows it to move with tissue without causing inflammation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the electrode surface by applying a thin coating that modifies surface properties (roughness, compliance, biocompatibility) to reduce tissue irritation while maintaining overall structural stability through the wire core.
3Ease of operation
If micron-sized conductive particles mixed in glue are used, then injectability is achieved, but control over glue flow before curing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the conductive material from a particle-glue mixture and uses a solid metal wire instead. This eliminates the need for glue flow control while maintaining injectability through the flexible, compacted wire structure that can be pushed through a needle without requiring fluid rheology control.
4Ease of manufacture
If particle-based electrode is used, then initial placement is simplified, but long-term efficacy deteriorates due to particle dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using loose particles that can dissipate, the patent inverts the approach by using a continuous wire structure that is then compacted. This inverted structure maintains the simplicity of injection while preventing dissipation, as the continuous wire cannot scatter or dissipate like particles.
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 wire structure electrode provides high conductivity, biocompatibility, and long-term efficacy by maintaining mechanical shape, reducing encapsulation thickness, and promoting tissue integration, enabling chronic energy transmission without systemic side effects.
Implementation Method 1
The folded wire structure is highly conductive for a given form energy
Implementation Method 2
The wire structure electrode has a roughened and porous surface
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.