Implantable Optical Electrode with Passive Fluid Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current neuroscience techniques require multiple surgical procedures to combine neural stimulation, optogenetic manipulation, and bioactive agent delivery, complicating spatial co-localization and increasing the risk of complications.

Innovation Solution

An implantable optical electrode with a thin film electrode array, integrated light source, and passive bioactive agent delivery module, allowing for simultaneous optical stimulation, electroporation, and neurosensing in a single surgical procedure, reducing the need for multiple implants and surgeries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate surgical procedures are used to implant neural stimulation, optogenetic manipulation, and bioactive agent delivery components, then each component can be independently optimized and implanted, but the spatial co-localization becomes more difficult and the risk of complications increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction of surgical complicationsVSAvoidintegration of multiple components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate surgical procedures into a single integrated implantable device that simultaneously provides neural stimulation, optogenetic manipulation, and bioactive agent delivery. The device integrates electrodes, light sources, and passive fluid delivery modules into one unified structure that can be implanted in a single procedure, thereby reducing surgical complications while maintaining the ability to independently control each function through separate leads and control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The implantable device is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating electrodes for electrical stimulation, light sources for optogenetic manipulation, and passive fluid delivery modules for bioactive agent delivery. This universal device can perform multiple neural modulation functions simultaneously or sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple separate implants while providing comprehensive therapeutic capabilities through a single surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate implants are used for neural stimulation and optogenetic manipulation, then each implant can be independently controlled, but the spatial co-localization of components becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial co-localization of componentsVSAvoidnumber of separate implants

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate implants into a single integrated device with precisely positioned components. The electrodes, light sources, and fluid delivery modules are co-located within the same implantable structure, ensuring accurate spatial alignment relative to target neural tissue. This unified design eliminates the challenges of coordinating multiple separate implants while maintaining independent controllability through separate leads and control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If multiple surgical procedures are performed to deliver biologics and implant stimulators, then each procedure can be optimized independently, but the overall treatment complexity and risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of treatment deliveryVSAvoidsurgical risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple surgical procedures into a single integrated implantation that simultaneously delivers biologics through passive fluid modules and implants stimulation/optical components. This unified approach reduces the number of surgical interventions required, thereby minimizing surgical risks and complications while maintaining the ability to independently optimize each therapeutic modality through separate control systems and delivery mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables accurate and efficient delivery of biologic agents and optical stimulation while minimizing surgical procedures, improving spatial co-localization and reducing complications by integrating multiple functions into a single implantable unit.

Implementation Method 1

passive bioactive agent delivery module associated with the thin film electrode array

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

passive fluid delivery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConcentration gradient:

Implementation Method 3

light source associated with the thin film electrode array configured to deliver light to targeted tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical stimulation:

Implementation Method 4

thin film electrode array including a plurality of electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10493297B2Neuromodulation transfection system with passive fluid delivery

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 NEURONEXUS TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

An implantable optical electrode having a thin film electrode array including a plurality of electrodes, a light source associated with the thin film electrode array, and a passive bioactive agent delivery module associated with the thin film electrode array. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the array and a neural interface system with passive fluid delivery.