Endovascular Stent Electrode Array with Segmented Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endovascular implantable devices face challenges due to high electrical resistance in their circuit conductive traces, making them unsuitable for bi-directional sensing and stimulation, and the manufacturing process is complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
An endovascular-stent-based electrode array is developed, featuring stent woven wires with insulated and conductive segments, allowing for reduced electrical resistance and improved bi-directional functionality, while simplifying the manufacturing process using mature stent weaving methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multilayer deposition based on nanotechnology is used to manufacture cerebrovascular implantable device, then the device can provide bi-directional function of sensing and stimulation, but the electrical resistance of the circuit conductive trace becomes much higher than stimulation requirement limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the conductive trace by using traditional wire drawing processes to create thicker traces (50-200 μm) compared to MEMS deposition (10 μm width × 500 nm to 20 μm height). This parameter change in dimensions directly reduces electrical resistance while maintaining the bi-directional sensing and stimulation functionality through proper electrode integration on the stent structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If MEMS process is used to manufacture stent-based electrodes, then the device can achieve precise structure, but the manufacturing process becomes extremely difficult and costly with limited scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manufacturing process into two independent parts: (1) manufacturing the stent framework using traditional, scalable wire drawing and forming processes, and (2) integrating electrodes separately onto the stent structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and manufactured using proven, cost-effective techniques, avoiding the need for complex integrated MEMS processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a universal stent structure that can serve multiple functions: providing mechanical support for the blood vessel, serving as the framework for electrode integration, and enabling both sensing and stimulation capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Strength
If thick structured Ni-Ti alloy framework is obtained by deposition, then the framework can provide sufficient mechanical strength, but it becomes difficult to achieve thickness of 50 μm or more at current process level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the deposition-based mechanical framework creation with traditional mechanical wire drawing and forming processes. These established mechanical processes can reliably produce Ni-Ti alloy frameworks with thicknesses of 50 μm or more, achieving the required mechanical strength without the thickness limitations of current deposition technology.
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 solution effectively reduces the electrical resistance of the circuit, enabling reliable nerve signal sensing and stimulation, while also lowering production costs and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive segment is configured to perform at least one of: delivering a stimulation pulse to a nerve surrounding the human tissue
Implementation Method 2
sensing an electrical signal from the nerve surrounding the human tissue
Implementation Method 3
the insulated segment is configured to be electrically insulated from other stent woven wires of the stent woven wires and a human tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an endovascular-stent-based electrode array, a method for manufacturing the same, and an electrical stimulation system. The endovascular-stent-based electrode array includes a stent woven from stent woven wires. The stent woven wires include at least one first metal woven wire, each respective first metal woven wire includes an insulated segment and a conductive segment axially arranged, the insulated segment is electrically insulated from other stent woven wires and a human tissue, and the conductive segment is configured to perform at least one of: delivering a stimulation pulse to a nerve surrounding the human tissue, and sensing an electrical signal from the nerve surrounding the human tissue. A proximal end of the respective first metal woven wire is configured to be electrically connected to an external device, and a distal terminal end of the respective first metal woven wire is electrically insulated from the human tissue.