Resorbable Carrier for Implantable Electrode Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microfabricated electrode arrays lack mechanical robustness for insertion into body tissue and are often constrained by their carriers, limiting their ability to move freely within tissue.
Innovation Solution
A resorbable carrier made from bioresorbable materials like polyglycolide or polylactide, which provides structural support for the electrode arrays and allows them to move freely, while also being biocompatible and capable of controlled resorption, potentially aiding in tissue regeneration and drug delivery through fluidic channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional carrier is used to support the electrode arrays, then the electrode arrays gain mechanical robustness for insertion into body tissue, but the electrode arrays are constrained and cannot move freely in the tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed to transition from a rigid state during insertion to a flexible state after implantation. The carrier includes a flexible portion that allows the electrode arrays to bend and move freely within the tissue while maintaining structural support during insertion. This dynamic property resolves the contradiction by providing strength when needed and flexibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is divided into distinct segments: a rigid portion for insertion and a flexible portion for post-implantation movement. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally - the rigid portion provides mechanical robustness during insertion, while the flexible portion enables free movement within tissue after implantation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional carrier remains implanted with the electrode arrays, then structural support is maintained, but the ability of the electrode arrays to interface with tissue is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier transitions from a rigid supportive structure to a flexible interface structure. The flexible portion of the carrier is designed to bend and conform to tissue surfaces, enabling the electrode arrays to maintain reliable electrical and mechanical contact with the tissue while still receiving structural support from the carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier includes a flexible portion that can be configured as a thin, compliant structure. This flexible shell allows the electrode arrays to press against and interface with tissue surfaces effectively, while the carrier material provides sufficient structural support to maintain the electrode array configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a resorbable carrier is used, then the electrode arrays can move freely and interface effectively with tissue, but the carrier must be designed to resorb at a controlled rate
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier material's resorption rate is controlled by adjusting parameters such as material composition, molecular weight, crystallinity, and environmental conditions. By changing these parameters, the carrier can be designed to resorb at a controlled rate that matches tissue healing and integration processes, enabling free movement of electrode arrays while managing the resorption complexity.
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 the electrode arrays to be inserted and move freely within tissue, facilitating their interaction and allowing for controlled resorption and potential therapeutic delivery, enhancing their functionality and compatibility with the body.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier is resorbable into tissue after a period of time... The resorbable carrier is preferably made from a bioresorbable polymer... capable of controlled resorption, potentially aiding in tissue regeneration
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable device for body tissue, including an electrical subsystem that flexes within and interfaces with body tissue and a carrier that operates in the following two modes: provides structural support for the electrical subsystem during implantation of the device in body tissue and allows flexing of the electrical subsystem after implantation of the device in body tissue. The implantable device is preferably designed to be implanted into the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, muscle, or any other suitable anatomical location. The implantable device, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.