Microelectrode Hemoglobin Sensor for DBS Target Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microelectrode recording techniques for deep brain stimulation (DBS) lack the ability to accurately distinguish between neuronal activity and noise, leading to subjective interpretation and potential errors in target localization, particularly in identifying intracerebral hematomas during surgeries, which can result in adverse effects and inefficiencies in DBS lead implantation.
Innovation Solution
A microelectrode equipped with electrochemical or biological biosensors, such as iron or hemoglobin sensors, integrated along its length to detect specific analytes indicative of hematomas, combined with a method of analyzing extracellular action potentials using circular statistics and power spectral density analysis to automate the identification of anatomical locations and filter out noise, enabling precise localization and discrimination of neuronal signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional microelectrode recording techniques are used, then the procedure is simple and widely applicable, but the ability to distinguish neuronal activity from noise is poor, leading to subjective interpretation and potential errors in target localization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditional electrical recording capabilities with optical sensing technologies by integrating optical waveguides and fluorescent tracers into the microelectrode assembly. This merging of electrical and optical measurement systems enables simultaneous recording of action potentials and calcium indicators, providing complementary information that improves the distinction between neuronal activity and noise while maintaining the microelectrode's simplicity and wide applicability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent calcium indicators as intermediary substances that convert intracellular calcium concentration changes into optical signals. These indicators act as mediators between the electrical activity and the detection system, providing an additional layer of information that helps distinguish true neuronal activity from artifacts and noise, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly complicating the overall device structure.
2Measurement precision
If CT scans are performed to identify hematomas, then accurate detection of intracerebral bleeding is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and interrupts surgical flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the microelectrode system to detect hematomas independently during the surgical procedure itself, without requiring external CT scanning equipment. By incorporating optical sensors and fluorescent tracers that can directly visualize blood and hemorrhage, the system performs self-diagnosis of complications like intracerebral hematomas in real-time, eliminating the need for time-consuming postoperative or intraoperative CT scans and thereby reducing surgical time loss while maintaining accurate detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical CT scanning process with an optical detection system integrated into the microelectrode. Instead of using X-rays and complex imaging machinery, the system uses fluorescent tracers and optical waveguides to directly visualize and detect hematomas through optical signals, providing real-time information during surgery without the time delay and infrastructure requirements of CT scanning.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated along the microelectrode, then the ability to detect analytes and localize anatomical structures is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the microelectrode into functional segments, with different portions dedicated to specific sensing tasks. The tip region contains electrical recording elements for action potential detection, while proximal regions incorporate optical waveguides and fluorescent tracer delivery mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system coherence, improving anatomical localization accuracy through multi-modal sensing without creating unmanageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the microelectrode as a multi-functional platform that can simultaneously perform electrical recording, optical imaging, chemical sensing, and anatomical localization. By integrating multiple sensor types (electrical contacts, optical waveguides, fluorescent tracers) into a single unified device, the system achieves enhanced measurement precision across multiple parameters while avoiding the need for separate devices, thereby managing complexity through consolidation rather than multiplication of independent systems.
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
The solution enhances the accuracy and efficiency of DBS lead implantation by objectively identifying neuronal activity and distinguishing it from noise, reducing the risk of misplacement and complications, and allowing for remote expertise to optimize DBS therapy access.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrochemical or biological biosensor disposed within or on the body
Implementation Method 2
The microelectrode further includes one or more sensors for detecting hemoglobin or iron
Implementation Method 3
microelectrodes for recording extracellular action potentials
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are microelectrodes and methods of localizing and targeting the same. The microelectrodes include electrochemical or biological sensors, an array of electrical contacts along a long axis of the microelectrode, or both. The methods of localizing and targeting use statistical manipulations to reduce the errors inherent in spike train analyses.