Microelectrode Device With Deployable Flexible Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neural recording and neurostimulation devices face challenges in achieving highly localized and efficient electrical stimulation of neurological targets, particularly in deep brain structures, due to limitations in electrode design and deployment mechanisms, which can lead to tissue damage and reduced accuracy in targeting specific neural regions.
Innovation Solution
The development of a microelectrode device with deployable flexible pins enclosed within an elongated probe shaft, featuring a protective housing to reduce friction and prevent delamination, and a translation system with miniature motors for controlled deployment and retraction, allowing for precise positioning and stimulation of neurological targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible pins are deployed through windows in the elongated shaft, then neural recording and stimulation can be performed at multiple locations, but friction between the pins and shaft can cause delamination and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
A protective tube is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible pins and the elongated shaft. This protective tube reduces friction during pin deployment, preventing delamination of the pins while enabling their deployment through the windows to multiple neural locations.
2Manufacturing precision
If deployable legs with conductive electrodes are used, then localized neural stimulation can be achieved, but complex deployment control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs deployable legs that can be dynamically extended and retracted to precise depths. Each leg's position is independently controllable through a translation system, allowing dynamic adjustment of electrode placement depth and location to achieve precise neural stimulation while maintaining a compact form when retracted.
3Measurement precision
If multiple flexible pins are deployed to different depths, then targeted stimulation of specific neural regions can be achieved, but independent control of each pin is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the neural stimulation function across multiple independent flexible pins, each capable of independent deployment to different depths. This segmentation allows precise targeting of specific neural regions at different depths while maintaining individual control over each pin's position and function.
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
This solution enables highly localized and efficient neural recording and stimulation by reducing tissue trauma and improving the accuracy of targeting specific neural regions, enhancing the precision and safety of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a specifically manufactured protective housing can be coupled to at least a portion of the elongated probe shaft. During deployment of the flexible pins, the protective housing of the microelectrode device reduces friction between the flexible pins and the probe shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are microelectrode devices to provide localized neural recording or neural stimulation to a neurological target. The device includes a plurality of electrodes disposed along the shafts of deployable flexible pins. The deployable flexible pins are enclosed within an elongated probe shaft and can be expanded from their enclosure. Additionally, a specifically manufactured outer housing can be coupled to at least a portion of the elongated probe shaft. During deployment of the flexible pins the outer housing of the microelectrode device reduces friction between the flexible pins and the probe shaft and reduces delamination of the flexible pins during deployment.