Microelectrode Water-Soluble Coat Dissolution for Tissue Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microelectrodes used in soft tissue, particularly in the CNS, face challenges such as high local current densities leading to tissue damage and impedance issues due to surface irregularities and biological material accumulation, which complicates their insertion and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A microelectrode design featuring a flexible, electrically insulating polymer coat surrounding an electrically conducting electrode body, with a water-soluble first coat that dissolves upon insertion to create a fluid-filled interstice, reducing heat exposure to tissue and preventing biological material contact, while maintaining electrical conductivity and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electrode surface is enlarged to reduce impedance, then electrode impedance is reduced, but the risk of tissue damage from high local current densities increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode impedanceVSAvoidtissue damage from high current density

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A water-soluble first coat is applied as an intermediary layer between the electrode body and the tissue. This coat dissolves upon insertion to create a fluid-filled interstice that acts as a thermal barrier, shielding the tissue from heat generated by high current densities while allowing the electrode surface to be enlarged for impedance reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the first coat from solid to dissolved by utilizing water solubility. The coat transitions from a protective solid layer during insertion to a dissolved state that creates a fluid barrier, enabling the electrode to operate with reduced impedance while protecting tissue from thermal damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a hard matrix is used to provide support during implantation, then ease of implantation is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to tissue movements are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implantationVSAvoidflexibility to tissue movements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The water-soluble first coat is applied to the electrode body before insertion to provide a flexible, biocompatible interface. This preliminary coating enables easy insertion into soft tissue while maintaining flexibility during operation, eliminating the need for a hard matrix

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the solubility parameter of the first coat material to change its properties during implantation. The coat remains intact during insertion for protection and flexibility, then dissolves to create a fluid-filled interstice that maintains flexibility and adaptability to tissue movements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the electrode is made resiliently flexible to follow tissue movements, then tissue damage from displacement is reduced, but mechanical strength and stability during insertion are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue damage from displacementVSAvoidmechanical strength during insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The water-soluble first coat acts as an intermediary protective layer that provides mechanical protection and flexibility during insertion. It shields the electrode body from tissue damage while maintaining the flexibility needed to follow tissue movements during operation

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

The solution significantly reduces the risk of tissue damage from high current densities and maintains electrode functionality by shielding tissue from heat and biological interference, allowing for effective insertion and operation within soft tissues.

Implementation Method 1

a water-soluble first coat that dissolves upon insertion to create a fluid-filled interstice

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution:

Implementation Method 2

shielding tissue from heat and biological interference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

electrically conducting electrode body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11090483B2Medical microelectrode, method for its manufacture, and use thereof

Publication Date: 2021.08.17 NEURONANO AB

AI summary

A proto microelectrode from which a micro electrode is formed in situ upon insertion into soft tissue comprises a flexible oblong electrode body of electrically conducting material having a front end and a rear end. The electrode body having a metal or a metal alloy or an electrically conducting form of carbon or an electrically conducting polymer or a combination thereof. A first coat of a water soluble and/or swellable and/or degradable material is disposed on the electrode body and extends along is at least over a distal portion thereof. A second coat of electrically insulating, water insoluble flexible polymer material is disposed on the first coat. The second coat comprises one or more through openings at or near its front end. Also disclosed is a corresponding micro electrode and a method of manufacture.