Microelectrode Catheter Navigating Subarachnoid Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neural interface technologies are invasive, pose significant surgical risks, require anti-coagulants, and are limited in accessibility to deep brain and spinal structures due to the tortuous nature of blood vessels, restricting their use and reversibility.
Innovation Solution
A cortical subarachnoid and intraventricular brain interface device comprising an external transmitter, an implantable pulse generator, and a microelectrode catheter that navigates through the subarachnoid and ventricular spaces, utilizing magnetoelectric film for wireless power and data transfer, allowing for minimally invasive access to the brain and spinal cord without damaging existing tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If endovascular neural interfaces are implanted in blood vessels, then less invasive implantation is achieved, but the approach is limited by the small size and tortuous nature of blood vessels making many cortical, subcortical, and spinal targets inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces as an intermediary pathway between the implantation site and neural targets. Instead of navigating through blood vessels, the catheter is routed through the CSF-filled subarachnoid space and ventricular system, which provides a more accessible and less restrictive pathway to reach various brain and spinal cord regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the fluid-filled nature of CSF spaces to enable catheter navigation. The catheter is advanced through the liquid CSF medium in the subarachnoid space and ventricles, leveraging the fluid's properties to facilitate smooth passage to targets that would be inaccessible through solid tissue or tortuous vessels.
2Reliability
If traditional penetrating electrodes are used to access deep brain structures, then direct neural interface is achieved, but invasive surgeries such as craniotomies and burr holes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible catheter with a thin, compliant structure that can be advanced through the CSF spaces without requiring rigid surgical access. The flexible catheter navigates the curved pathways of the subarachnoid space and ventricles, eliminating the need for craniotomies or burr holes while maintaining the ability to deliver electrodes to deep brain structures.
3Ease of operation
If endovascular neural interfaces are implanted, then minimally invasive access is achieved, but anti-thrombotic medications are required and devices are not easily removed due to endothelialization
Solution Approach 1:
By using CSF spaces as an intermediary pathway instead of blood vessels, the patent avoids contact with the vascular endothelium. This eliminates the endothelialization process that would otherwise prevent device removal, allowing for easier explantation while maintaining minimally invasive access. The CSF environment does not promote the same type of tissue ingrowth as blood vessels.
4Reliability
If deep brain stimulation is performed with traditional methods, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but surgical risks are significant and patient recovery time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible catheter enables minimally invasive access to deep brain structures without requiring large incisions or craniotomies. This reduces surgical trauma, bleeding, and tissue damage, leading to shorter hospital stays and faster patient recovery while maintaining the ability to deliver effective deep brain stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Using the CSF spaces as a pathway reduces the need for direct penetration through brain tissue and skull bone. This intermediary approach minimizes surgical risks including infection, hemorrhage, and neurological damage, thereby reducing both immediate surgical risks and extended recovery periods.
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 faster patient recovery, reduces surgical risks, and provides versatile access to neural structures, allowing for chronic and reversible implantation, suitable for therapies like epilepsy monitoring and deep brain stimulation without the need for anti-coagulants.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing magnetoelectric film for wireless power and data transfer
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to neural interface devices and methods that accesses the subarachnoid space to enable minimally invasive modulation and recording of neural structures. Exemplary embodiments may comprise an implantable pulse generator and a microelectrode catheter. In particular embodiments, the microelectrode catheter comprises one or more stimulating and recording electrodes. Exemplary embodiments may also include methods comprising performing a lumbar puncture to access the spinal subarachnoid space and advancing microcatheter through the spinal subarachnoid space.