Deep Brain Probe with Quantum Dot Array for Neural Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Deep brain stimulation techniques face challenges in achieving successful outcomes due to subjective patient feedback and inconsistent probe placement, which affects the accuracy of neural tissue stimulation.

Innovation Solution

A deep brain sensing and stimulation probe equipped with sensing electrodes, a quantum dot array, and stimulation electrodes, utilizing electron transport mechanisms to detect catecholaminergic neurons and glial cells, and an algorithm for optimizing probe placement based on impedance measurements to ensure precise neural tissue interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional deep brain stimulation probe placement is used, then the procedure is simple, but the placement accuracy and stimulation effectiveness are poor due to subjective patient feedback

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe placement accuracyVSAvoidprobe structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated probe structure: sensing electrodes for detecting neural signals, quantum dot arrays for electron transport-based detection of catecholaminergic neurons, and stimulation electrodes for delivering electrical stimuli. This merging enables objective measurement of probe placement accuracy through electron transport detection while maintaining a unified device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces subjective patient feedback mechanisms with objective electron transport-based detection. The quantum dot array detects catecholaminergic neurons through electron transport mechanisms, providing an objective, measurable indicator of correct probe placement that eliminates reliance on subjective patient responses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If patient feedback is used to determine successful probe placement, then the procedure is straightforward, but the feedback is subjective and unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement verification reliabilityVSAvoidneural tissue detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces subjective patient feedback with objective electron transport-based detection. The quantum dot array detects catecholaminergic neurons through electron transport mechanisms, providing an objective, measurable indicator of correct probe placement that eliminates reliance on subjective patient responses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces quantum dots as an intermediary detection mechanism between the probe and neural tissue. The quantum dots facilitate electron transport detection of catecholaminergic neurons, serving as a mediator that translates biological neural characteristics into measurable electrical signals for reliable placement verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If electron transport mechanisms are used for neural tissue detection, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to quantum dot array integration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneural tissue detection precisionVSAvoidquantum dot array integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The quantum dot array serves multiple functions: detecting catecholaminergic neurons through electron transport, verifying probe placement accuracy, and potentially stimulating neural tissue. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, offsetting the complexity increase with functional consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables precise placement of the probe, allowing for effective detection and stimulation of neural tissue, improving the reliability and efficacy of deep brain stimulation by utilizing electron transport mechanisms and impedance-based algorithms.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing electron transport mechanisms to detect catecholaminergic neurons and glial cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron transport: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

an algorithm for optimizing probe placement based on impedance measurements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance measurement: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20240188877A1Magnetic integrated circuit with chiral filtering

Publication Date: 2024.06.13 ROURK CHRISTOPHER J

AI summary

An electrode for neural sensing and stimulation comprising a first electrode disposed on a probe and a second electrode disposed on the probe, wherein a voltage or impedance is sensed using the first electrode and second electrode.