Steerable Delivery Assembly for Percutaneous Electrode Array Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode array deployment methods require large incisions and tissue removal, leading to trauma and increased risk of infection, and are limited by the need for precise placement of insertion cannulae, making it difficult to position the array over target tissue, especially when anatomical features or safety concerns restrict cannula placement.
Innovation Solution
A flexible core with an electrode array folded or rolled around it, encased in a sheath that can be steered and deployed through a smaller access cannula, allowing the array to unfold and position over target tissue using a steering assembly, enabling minimally invasive placement of a large surface area electrode array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large surface area electrode array is deployed using traditional methods, then the array can be positioned over target tissue, but large incisions and tissue removal are required, causing trauma and increasing infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is folded into a compact configuration that nests within a delivery catheter, allowing the large surface area array to be delivered through a small incision. The array is then deployed by unfolding it within the body, eliminating the need for large incisions while maintaining full array functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be folded relative to each other, enabling compact packaging within the delivery catheter. This segmentation allows the array to be compressed without damaging the electrodes or conductors, while maintaining electrical connectivity throughout the deployment process.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional deployment methods are used, then the electrode array can be placed, but precise positioning is limited by the need for accurate cannula placement, which is restricted by anatomical features and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
A delivery catheter serves as an intermediary device that allows the electrode array to be positioned remotely from the incision site. The catheter can be navigated through the body to reach target locations that would be difficult or unsafe to access directly, providing both precision and flexibility in array placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system incorporates steerable and flexible components that allow dynamic adjustment of the catheter path during insertion. This enables the operator to navigate around anatomical obstacles and adjust the final positioning of the electrode array to achieve optimal placement while avoiding sensitive structures.
3Length of moving object
If the electrode array is folded or rolled around a core, then it can be delivered through a smaller access cannula, but the array requires a steerable delivery system to position over target tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is folded in multiple dimensions to create a compact three-dimensional configuration that fits within the delivery catheter. This multi-dimensional folding allows the large surface area array to be compressed into a small volume without damaging the electrodes, enabling delivery through smaller cannulas.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery catheter incorporates self-steering capabilities through flexible materials and geometric designs that allow the catheter to navigate and position itself with minimal external manipulation. This reduces the complexity of the overall delivery system while maintaining the ability to reach target locations.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode array and a delivery assembly. The array is wrapped around a flexible core part of the delivery assembly. A sheath, also part of the delivery assembly, is disposed over the array and core. Steering cables extend through the core. Once the delivery assembly-encased array is inserted in the body, the combination is advanced to the tissue over which the array is to be deployed. By pulling on the steering cables the array and assembly are steered into position. Once the array is in position, the sheath is retracted, the array deploys over the target tissue.