Injectrode for Simultaneous Chemical and Electrical Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro-cannula devices are limited in their ability to deliver chemical and electrical stimulation across neural circuits due to their limited functionality, scalability issues, and side effects associated with systemic drug administration, which hinders precise modulation of neural circuit activity in treating circuit-based disorders.
Innovation Solution
The development of an injectrode system that includes first and second fluid reservoirs, a manifold, and a delivery tube with conduits for simultaneous chemical and electrical stimulation, allowing precise delivery of drugs and electrical therapy to targeted neural circuits while minimizing tissue damage and side effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If single lumen micro-cannula devices are used, then structural integrity and high aspect ratio are achieved, but functionality is limited to administering one fluid at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple independent lumens (first lumen for chemical delivery, second lumen for electrical stimulation) within a single micro-cannula structure. This allows each lumen to perform its specific function independently while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-cannula device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - chemical delivery through the first lumen and electrical stimulation through the second lumen - making it a universal device capable of both pharmacological and electrical interventions in neural circuits.
2Device complexity
If single lumen devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but switching solutions requires expelling dead-volume leading to overdosing or drug delivery beyond targeted region
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates chemical and electrical delivery pathways into distinct lumens, eliminating the dead-volume problem associated with switching solutions in single lumen devices. Each lumen can be independently controlled without requiring complete expulsion of previous contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold acts as an intermediary component that receives multiple input lines and distributes them to separate lumens in the micro-cannula. This allows precise control of each fluid pathway independently, preventing cross-contamination and overdosing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices with multiple lumens and on-board electrodes are developed, then diverse functionality is achieved, but aspect ratio is limited and scalability to larger models is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functional elements (multiple lumens, electrodes, tetrodes) into a single integrated micro-cannula structure. This consolidation maintains a high aspect ratio while providing diverse functionality, enabling scalability to larger animal models and potential clinical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-cannula is designed as a universal platform that can simultaneously perform chemical delivery, electrical stimulation, and signal recording through its multiple lumens and onboard electrodes, making it scalable across different model sizes.
4Quantity of substance
If systemic drug administration is used, then broad coverage is achieved, but drug tolerance and side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device delivers drugs locally to specific neural circuits through the micro-cannula lumens rather than systemically. This localized delivery achieves the necessary therapeutic coverage at the target site while minimizing exposure to other tissues, thereby reducing side effects and drug tolerance.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for delivering chemical and electrical stimulation across one or more neural circuits. The systems, devices, and methods can also be used for sensing and recording specific neural activity. In certain embodiments, a system includes first and second fluid reservoirs, a manifold, and a delivery tube. The manifold may include first and second chambers therein. The first chamber may be in fluid communication with the first reservoir, and the second chamber may be in fluid communication with the second reservoir. The delivery tube may include a first conduit in fluid communication with the first chamber, a second conduit in fluid communication with the second chamber, and a third conduit configured to house an electrode therein. In this manner, a distal tip of the delivery tube is configured to be positionable adjacent to the one or more neural circuits for providing chemical and electrical stimulation thereto.