Non-penetrating Nerve Stimulation Channel with Retaining Wall

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bioelectronics devices are limited in their ability to effectively interface with small nerve diameters, often requiring invasive penetration and being unsuitable for intact nerves, leading to inconsistent results and mechanical strain.

Innovation Solution

A non-penetrating bioelectronics apparatus with a channel structure and retaining wall that securely holds an intact nerve in place, allowing for nerve stimulation and monitoring while preventing mechanical strain, and can be fabricated using cost-effective microfabrication techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If invasive penetration is used to interface with nerves, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but mechanical strain and damage to the nerve occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical strain on nerve

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A non-penetrating interface structure with multiple electrodes arranged in a matrix pattern provides electrical contact with the nerve surface without mechanical penetration. The electrodes are positioned to establish reliable electrical pathways while maintaining a protective barrier between the device and the nerve tissue, eliminating mechanical strain associated with penetrating approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical penetration system with an electrical field-based interface. Multiple small electrodes distributed across the interface area create electrical contact through controlled fields rather than physical penetration, substituting mechanical interaction with electromagnetic interaction to eliminate mechanical damage while maintaining reliable signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If large nerve branches are used for device interface, then device stability is improved, but applicability to small nerves (diameter < 500 μm) is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidapplicability to small nerves

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The interface is segmented into multiple discrete electrodes arranged in a matrix pattern rather than a single large contact area. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to smaller nerve diameters by activating only the necessary subset of electrodes, while the overall matrix structure maintains stability through distributed contact points that can be configured to match the nerve size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the electrode matrix are configured with locally optimized properties to interface with nerves of varying sizes. The local electrode density, spacing, and activation patterns are adjusted according to the specific nerve diameter, allowing the same device structure to provide stable interfaces across a range of nerve sizes from small ( < 500 μm) to large branches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If cortical brain surface placement is used, then access to neural pathways is achieved, but inconsistent results occur due to regulation of multiple physiological functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to neural pathwaysVSAvoidresult consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device extracts and isolates specific nerve fascicles or neural pathways from the complex cortical brain surface environment. By targeting discrete peripheral nerves or specific nerve bundles rather than the general cortical surface, the device separates the desired neural pathway from the confounding influence of multiple physiological functions regulated at the cortical level, enabling more consistent and specific results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 apparatus enables reliable stimulation and monitoring of small, intact nerves without penetration, reducing mechanical strain and providing consistent results, while being removable and suitable for use in living patients.

Implementation Method 1

sending electrical signals from the electrodes to the nerve and/or receiving electrical signals from the nerve to the electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical signal transmission: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11577074B2Apparatus and method for nerve stimulation and/or monitoring

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 BOARD OF RGT THE UNIV OF TEXAS SYST

AI summary

In one aspect, an apparatus for stimulating and/or monitoring a nerve is described herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a top substrate layer, a bottom substrate layer in facing opposition to the top substrate layer, and a channel disposed between the top substrate layer and the bottom substrate layer. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of electrodes disposed on one or more interior surfaces of the channel. Additionally, the channel is defined by the top substrate layer, the bottom substrate layer, and a retaining wall extending at least partially between the top substrate layer and the bottom substrate layer. The retaining wall retains the nerve within the channel.