Neural Interface With Skull-Mediated Monitoring for Chronic Brain Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurological monitoring and intervention technologies are limited by their inability to provide continuous, long-term, global cerebral function assessment without invasive surgeries and significant surgical risks, and they lack effective solutions for chronic monitoring of brain activity.
Innovation Solution
A neural interface system with an implantable sensor device and transmitter that records physiologic parameters above the skull, providing continuous monitoring and allowing for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of neurological disorders, including brain-machine interface functionality and dynamic therapy adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If scalp electrodes are used for monitoring, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates after two to three weeks due to requiring daily re-pasting and becoming uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adhesive-based electrode system with a magnetic attachment system. The headwearable device uses magnets to securely hold electrodes against the scalp, eliminating the need for daily re-pasting and adhesive-related discomfort while maintaining stable contact for continuous monitoring over extended periods.
2Measurement precision
If intracranial electrodes are used for monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to extensive surgery and direct contact with the brain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the skull as an intermediary medium for signal transmission. By placing electrodes on the scalp and using the skull as a transmission medium for neural signals, the system achieves intracranial-level measurement precision without requiring direct intracranial electrode contact, thereby eliminating craniotomy and associated surgical risks.
3Measurement precision
If focal intracranial recordings are used, then measurement precision is improved for local areas, but adaptability deteriorates as there is no solution for chronic monitoring of global brain activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal headwearable platform that can simultaneously perform multiple functions: focal intracranial-like recordings through scalp electrodes, global brain activity monitoring through multiple sensor arrays, and various types of neural stimulation. This multi-functional design enables both localized high-resolution monitoring and comprehensive global assessment in a single device.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided herein are neural interface systems for a patient, the systems comprising an implantable sensor device and an external processing device. The implantable sensor device comprises: an implantable lead assembly for implantation above the skull and below the skin of the patient, and for recording physiologic parameter information of the patient; and an implantable transmitter for receiving the physiologic parameter information from the implantable lead assembly and for transmitting patient data that is based on the physiologic parameter information. The external processing device receives the patient data from the implantable transmitter. Methods of provided a neural interface are also described.