Moveable Electrode Neural Probe for Nerve Fiber Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neural probe devices have a short lifespan due to tissue encapsulation, dislocation, and deterioration, requiring invasive surgical replacement, which is risky and uncomfortable for patients.
Innovation Solution
A neural probe device with a housing and anchor to secure a nerve fiber, featuring moveable electrodes with projections that can penetrate the fiber for stimulation and sensing, and an optional reservoir for delivering growth factors or drugs through microfluidic channels, extending the device's lifespan and reducing mechanical trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional neural probe devices are used, then they can provide neural stimulation and sensing functions, but they deteriorate over time requiring invasive surgical replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is designed with moveable electrodes that can dynamically adjust their position relative to the nerve fiber. The electrodes can be retracted into and extended from the housing, allowing the device to adapt to tissue changes over time without requiring surgical replacement. This dynamic capability extends device lifespan while avoiding repeated invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array is divided into multiple independent electrodes that can be selectively actuated. Each electrode can be independently positioned and controlled, allowing the system to maintain functionality even as individual electrodes or portions of the device undergo tissue encapsulation or deterioration. This segmentation enables prolonged use without complete replacement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the nerve fiber is secured rigidly in the housing, then mechanical stability is improved, but tissue damage and dislocation risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with flexible, compliant walls that can accommodate nerve fiber movement and growth. The housing material and structure allow for controlled deformation without causing tissue damage, providing mechanical stability while minimizing harmful effects on the enclosed nerve fiber. This flexible containment extends device lifespan without requiring rigid fixation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrodes are disposed along the nerve fiber, then sensing and stimulation coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each electrode in the array is designed to perform both stimulation and sensing functions. The electrodes can be selectively actuated to penetrate the nerve fiber for stimulation or retracted for sensing, allowing a single electrode structure to serve multiple purposes. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive sensing and stimulation capabilities along the nerve fiber.
Data Source
AI summary
A neural probe device includes a housing configured to receive a nerve fiber of a subject and an anchor disposed within the housing and configured to fix the nerve fiber relative to the housing. The device further includes a plurality of actuatable, moveable electrodes disposed in the housing along a length of the nerve fiber, each moveable electrode comprising a plurality of projections containing one or more electrodes thereon, wherein actuation of the moveable electrode causes the moveable electrode to move generally transverse to a long axis of the nerve fiber and penetrate the nerve fiber with the plurality of projections. The device is also optionally configured to inject a growth factor into the nerve fiber to maintain the viability of the nerve fiber.