Segmented Surface Electrode for Direct Current Tissue Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrodes for treating organic tissue using direct current face challenges in maintaining optimal current density, which can be too high and harmful or too low, leading to reduced therapeutic effect or tissue toxicity, and are prone to detachment due to movement, affecting treatment safety and efficacy.
Innovation Solution
The electrode design includes control elements for precise regulation of current density, with a first control element on each surface and a second control element for overall management, embedded in a flexible electrode carrier, and features a knitted or fabric structure with one-way valves to prevent liquid accumulation and ensure adherence to the tissue, allowing for safe and effective current delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct current is applied to treat organic tissue, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but current density may become too high causing tissue toxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode surface is divided into multiple segmented electrode surfaces, allowing independent control of current density at different locations. This segmentation enables precise localization of therapeutic current while preventing excessive current density in any single area, thereby avoiding tissue toxicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different electrode surfaces can be assigned different current densities based on local tissue requirements. The control elements enable independent regulation of current density for each electrode surface, allowing optimization of therapeutic effect in specific areas while maintaining safety in others.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If direct current is applied to treat organic tissue, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but current density may become too low reducing therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
Control elements are integrated into the electrode system to continuously monitor and regulate current density. These control elements adjust the applied current in real-time to maintain optimal current density levels, ensuring both safety and therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts electrical parameters (current density, voltage) based on tissue response and electrode-tissue contact conditions. This parameter optimization ensures maintained current density within the therapeutic window, preventing both under-dosing and over-dosing.
3Reliability
If electrode is made flexible to follow tissue movements, then detachment is reduced, but control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple independent or semi-independent segments that can move with tissue while maintaining individual control. This segmentation allows the electrode to conform to tissue movements without compromising the precision of current delivery to each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode uses flexible carrier structures and thin-film construction to accommodate tissue movements and heart wall deformations. These flexible structures maintain electrode-tissue contact while allowing the integrated control elements to continue precise current regulation.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple control elements are integrated into the electrode, then current density control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions (current regulation, voltage control, monitoring) are integrated into a unified control system within the electrode. This merging of functions into integrated control elements reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining precise current density control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control elements are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - regulating current density, monitoring electrode-tissue contact, and adapting to tissue movements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying the device while enhancing control capabilities.
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
This design maintains a predetermined current density, preventing tissue damage, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness while reducing the risk of electrode detachment, thus improving treatment safety and efficacy by ensuring consistent and controlled current delivery.
Implementation Method 1
features a knitted or fabric structure with one-way valves to prevent liquid accumulation and ensure adherence to the tissue
Implementation Method 2
control elements for precise regulation of current density, with a first control element on each surface and a second control element for overall management
Data Source
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Figure 7
AI summary
An electrode (10) for treating organic tissue by means of direct current, comprising an electrode holder (20), at least one electrically conductive electrode surface (30), which is let into the electrode holder (20), wherein the at least one electrode surface (30) is connected to at least one control element (400) and wherein the at least one control element (400) is connected to a control and energy supply unit by way of electrical lines (60, 70), wherein the at least one control element (400) is configured in such a way that each individual electrode surface (30) is actuable by the at least one control element (400) in such a way that a current density (J) provided within a predetermined interval for each one of the at least one electrode surfaces (30) can be maintained or that a current density (J) for each one of the at least one electrode surfaces (30) can be maintained around a predetermined value.