Segmented Implantable Electrode Assembly for Safe Nerve Tissue Interaction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional implantable electrodes face challenges in safe placement and removal, often causing tissue injury and infection, with fibrosis making it difficult to remove the electrode assembly without damaging the target tissue.
Innovation Solution
The electrode assembly features a flexible sheath and a retainer that can be easily opened and closed, allowing the electrode to be detached from the retainer and sheath, minimizing tissue damage during removal, and the flexible sheath can be left in place, reducing the risk of injury and infection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional cuff electrode assembly is used to attach to the nerve, then the electrode can stimulate and record from the target tissue, but it is challenging to apply the cuff without causing nerve injury
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is divided into separate components: an electrode, a lead wire, and a cuff. The cuff is further segmented into multiple segments that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the electrode to be attached to the nerve while the cuff segments can be opened and closed separately, reducing the risk of nerve injury during application and removal.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the traditional cuff electrode assembly is left in place for long-term use, then continuous stimulation and recording can be performed, but fibrosis develops making removal difficult and potentially causing permanent nerve damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff is divided into multiple detachable segments that surround the nerve. Each segment can be independently removed from the nerve after implantation. This segmentation allows the electrode to remain implanted for long-term use while enabling safe removal of individual cuff segments if fibrosis or infection occurs, preventing permanent nerve damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode and lead wire are designed to be extractable from the cuff segments. If infection or fibrosis occurs, the electrode can be removed from the cuff and extracted from the body while leaving the cuff segments in place, or the cuff segments can be individually removed without damaging the nerve or target tissue.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cuff is tightly secured to the nerve for stable electrode positioning, then reliable stimulation and recording are achieved, but the risk of nerve injury during application and removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently adjusted and secured around the nerve. This segmentation provides stable electrode positioning while reducing the risk of nerve injury, as each segment can be applied and removed separately rather than requiring forceful manipulation of a single tight-fitting cuff.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode assembly includes a retainer, a flexible sheath, and an electrode. The retainer may include a plurality of clasping arms. The retainer is movable to an open position and a closed position. The flexible sheath is positioned below a lower surface of the retainer. The flexible sheath is at least partially surrounded by the clasping arms of the retainer. The retainer is able to hold the flexible sheath around a target tissue when the retainer is in the closed position. The electrode is configured for conducting electrical signals to or from the target tissue. The electrode is connected to at least one of the retainer and the flexible sheath. The retainer is able to hold the electrode in electrical communication with the target tissue when the retainer is disposed around the target tissue in the closed position.