Intravascular Wire Electrodes for Deep Brain Wave Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring brain waves, such as subdural EEG and SEEG, are highly invasive and difficult to use over extended periods due to the need for opening the cranium, and stent-based techniques face issues with operability and blood clot risks.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus using intravascular devices with electrodes on a wire member, which are easily deliverable to cerebral blood vessels, minimizing contact with the vessel wall and reducing the risk of adverse events, allowing for prolonged use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If subdural EEG or SEEG methods are used to measure deep brain waves with high precision, then measurement precision is improved, but the invasiveness increases requiring cranium opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrain wave measurement precisionVSAvoidinvasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses blood vessels as an intermediary pathway to deliver electrodes to deep brain regions without opening the cranium. The electrode is delivered through a catheter inserted into the blood vessel, utilizing the existing vascular system as a safe conduit to reach the target measurement location deep within the brain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical surgical approach (cranium opening) with a minimally invasive endovascular approach. Instead of physically accessing the brain through surgical incision and craniotomy, the electrode is delivered through the bloodstream using catheter-based techniques, substituting a less invasive mechanical pathway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If stent-based techniques are used for intravascular electrode delivery, then ease of operation is improved, but friction with catheter during delivery increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode delivery easeVSAvoidfriction force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible catheter with a thin profile to deliver the electrode through the blood vessel. The catheter's flexible and slender design allows it to navigate the vascular system with minimal friction and resistance, enabling smooth delivery of the electrode to the target location without the high friction forces associated with stent-based approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If stent with expansive force is used, then electrode retention against vessel wall is improved, but risk of blood clots increases due to wide area contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode retentionVSAvoidblood clot risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing retention only at the specific electrode contact point rather than along the entire vessel wall. The electrode is designed to contact the vessel wall locally at its distal tip where measurement is needed, while the rest of the catheter remains within the vessel lumen without contacting the wall, thus minimizing thrombogenic surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses partial action by applying retention force only where necessary (at the electrode tip) rather than along the entire length of the device. The electrode makes partial contact with the vessel wall sufficient for stable positioning and signal acquisition, avoiding excessive contact that would increase blood clot risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Measurement precision

If cranium opening is performed for subdural EEG, then measurement precision is improved, but procedure complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrain wave measurement precisionVSAvoidprocedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the blood vessel system as an intermediary pathway to bypass the need for cranium opening. By navigating the catheter through the vascular system to reach deep brain regions, the procedure avoids complex neurosurgical steps involving craniotomy, dural opening, and direct brain surface access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables precise and non-invasive measurement of brain waves from deep brain regions with high sensitivity and efficiency, suitable for identifying epilepsy foci and treating disorders like epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.

Implementation Method 1

electric activity of nearby nerve tissue can be sensed or stimulated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4282463B1Apparatus used to detect or stimulate activity of nerve tissue

Publication Date: 2025.11.26 EPSILON MEDICAL

Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5

AI summary

This apparatus (1) comprises at least one intravascular device (10), (20) that is disposed in a blood vessel of an organism and that is equipped with at least one electrode (11), (12), (21), (22) for detecting or stimulating the activity of nerve tissue positioned outside the blood vessel nearby, the electrodes (11), (12), (21), (22) being provided on a wire member.