Microelectrode Grid With Movable Flap for Surgical Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophysiological grids do not provide continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring (cIONM) due to electrode interference with the surgical field, limiting their ability to monitor nerve health during surgeries, and existing single-channel electrodes lack spatial mapping capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A microelectrode grid with a flexible substrate and movable flap design, allowing continuous monitoring by maintaining contact with the organ while providing access for surgical tools, featuring thousands of channels for real-time electrophysiological feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional ECoG grid is used to measure electrophysiological activity, then functional mapping capability is provided, but the electrode blocks the surgical field and prevents continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The ECoG grid is divided into multiple independent segments or modules that can be selectively positioned. This segmentation allows different portions of the grid to serve different functions simultaneously - some areas for recording while leaving other areas accessible for surgical operations, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and surgical accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid incorporates movable or adjustable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration during surgery. The electrode array can be repositioned, expanded, or contracted to provide recording coverage while maintaining clear access to the surgical field as needed, enabling both continuous monitoring and unobstructed surgical manipulation.
2Reliability
If individual electrodes are manually placed for continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring, then nerve preservation is improved, but spatial mapping capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of individual monitoring electrodes with the capabilities of a grid array. By integrating multiple electrodes into a unified ECoG grid structure, the system simultaneously provides the continuous monitoring reliability of individual electrode placement and the spatial mapping capability inherent to grid configurations, achieving both nerve preservation and functional localization.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECoG grid is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a continuous neuromonitoring system for nerve preservation and a spatial mapping tool for functional localization. The grid's multifunctional design allows it to adapt to different surgical needs, providing real-time physiological feedback while maintaining the ability to map functional boundaries in three-dimensional space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If handmade ECoG grids with contact pressing and wire soldering are used, then flexibility is achieved, but scalability to large numbers of contacts and tight spacing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual mechanical assembly processes (contact pressing and wire soldering) with automated fabrication techniques such as photolithography, electroplating, and laser welding. This substitution enables the mass production of ECoG grids with hundreds or thousands of contacts at tight spacings while maintaining flexibility through advanced materials and manufacturing processes, overcoming the scalability limitations of handmade grids.
Data Source
AI summary
A microelectrode grid for continuous interoperative neuromonitoring includes a flexible substrate and a plurality of low impedance electrochemical interface materials on conducting metal pads on the substrate. The metal pads are interconnectable to stimulation/acquisition electronics through metal lead interconnects forming stimulation and recording channels and eventually to bonding pads. The interconnects are insulated with dielectric. A flap within the substrate is movable away from the remainder of the substrate while at least some of the metal pads on the remainder of the substrate can remain in contact with an organ when the flap is moved away from the remainder of the substrate.