Segmented Nerve Cuff Electrode With Helical Wire Interconnections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nerve cuff electrodes fail to maintain durability when used on large nerve trunks due to repeated creasing, wrinkling, and breaking during compression cycles, leading to ineffective pain management for peripheral nerve pain.
Innovation Solution
A nerve cuff electrode with segmented platinum contacts connected by durable and biocompatible stainless steel wires in a helical and non-helical configuration, embedded in a silicone sheet, allowing for repeated deformations without breaking and providing enhanced durability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard continuous nerve contact strips are used, then the electrode can provide continuous contact with the nerve trunk, but the electrode disintegrates or breaks after repeated compression cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous nerve contact strip is divided into multiple segmented contacts connected by flexible wires. This segmentation allows each segment to move independently during compression cycles, preventing stress concentration and breaking that occurs in continuous strips. The segmented design maintains electrical connectivity while accommodating mechanical deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible wires connecting the segmented contacts are configured in helical (curved) portions rather than straight lines. This curvature provides mechanical flexibility and elasticity, allowing the wire to absorb compression stresses through elastic deformation of the helix rather than breaking. The helical configuration acts as a mechanical spring that accommodates repeated compression cycles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode is made flexible to accommodate nerve movement, then the electrode can maintain contact during compression, but the wire interconnections break due to repeated creasing and wrinkling
Solution Approach 1:
The wire interconnections include helical (curved) portions that provide mechanical flexibility. The helical configuration allows the wire to bend and deform elastically during compression cycles without creasing or breaking. This curvature acts as a mechanical spring that absorbs repetitive stress while maintaining electrical connectivity between segmented contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire configuration changes from straight to helical, fundamentally altering the mechanical properties. The helical shape provides elastic compliance and fatigue resistance, allowing the wire to accommodate repeated compression deformations. This parameter change transforms the wire from a rigid connector into a flexible, durable interconnection that withstands millions of compression cycles.
3Strength
If segmented contacts are used instead of continuous strip, then the stress on contacts is decreased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nerve contact interface is segmented into multiple discrete contacts rather than a continuous strip. This segmentation distributes mechanical stress across multiple points and allows independent movement of each segment, reducing stress concentration. The segmented design is connected by flexible wires that maintain electrical connectivity while accommodating mechanical deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented contacts are embedded in a flexible non-conductive material substrate that allows the structure to bend and deform during compression. This flexible embedding protects the segmented contacts and wire interconnections from breaking while maintaining the segmented configuration's stress-distributing advantages.
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 electrode achieves significantly increased durability, lasting up to 1,000,000 compression cycles, and provides immediate pain relief by blocking action potentials in peripheral nerves with high-frequency electrical stimulation, reducing pain in patients with chronic and acute conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the wire configured as helical portions separated by non-helical portions... The helical portions permit repeated electrode deformations, e.g., creases, wrinkles, and/or breaks, without breaking
Implementation Method 2
a conductive lead capable of operatively connecting a waveform generator to at least one of the plurality of nerve contact segments
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~4
AI summary
A durable nerve cuff electrode for achieving block of an action potential in a large diameter nerve.