Self-Expanding Stent With Thin-Film Neural Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional neuroprosthesis and neuromodulation technologies face challenges in delivering electrodes to target biological structures without damage due to high stresses and strains, particularly in narrow vascular canals, leading to electrode damage or dislodgment.

Innovation Solution

A self-expanding stent with a thin-film neural interface is designed, featuring struts with hinges that allow the top portion to move relative to the base portion, enabling the stent to collapse for protection during delivery and expand for secure placement of electrodes at the target site, utilizing shape-memory materials like Nitinol for radial strength and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a high-density electrode is delivered to a target biological structure through narrow vascular canals, then the neural interface can be positioned at the target site, but the electrode is subjected to high stresses and strains that can result in damage or dislodgment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode integrityVSAvoidstresses and strains during delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stent is collapsed into a compressed configuration within a delivery catheter during delivery, protecting the neural interface from external stresses and strains. Once positioned at the target site, the stent self-expands to its expanded configuration, deploying the neural interface safely at the destination without exposing it to delivery-related mechanical damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The stent transitions from a static compressed state during delivery to a dynamic self-expanding state at the target site. The hinges enable the top portion to move relative to the base portion, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration based on operational phase (delivery vs. deployment), thereby protecting the neural interface during vulnerable delivery through narrow vascular canals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the stent is designed with movable top portions to protect the neural interface during delivery, then the neural interface is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases due to hinges and movable components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneural interface protectionVSAvoidstent structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stent is divided into multiple struts, each comprising a base portion and a top portion connected by hinges. This segmentation allows independent movement of the top portions relative to the base portions, enabling the protective compressed configuration during delivery while maintaining structural integrity. The modular segmented design achieves protection functionality without requiring an overly complex monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If the stent uses shape-memory materials like Nitinol for radial strength and flexibility, then the stent can self-expand and maintain structural integrity, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradial strengthVSAvoidstent fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The stent is constructed from shape-memory materials such as Nitinol, which combine elastic flexibility with superelasticity and shape memory properties. This composite material approach enables the stent to withstand the stresses of delivery in a compressed state, self-expand to a precise expanded configuration at the target site, and maintain radial strength to support the neural interface, thereby achieving both structural integrity and functional performance despite increased manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 self-expanding stent effectively protects the neural interface during delivery and securely deploys it at the target site, minimizing damage and ensuring stable contact with biological structures, while maintaining radial strength and biocompatibility.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing shape-memory materials like Nitinol for radial strength and flexibility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS11998733B1Self-expanding stent including a thin-film neural interface and method of delivering a thin-film neural interface using a self-expanding stent

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 VERILY LIFE SCIENCES LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a medical device, methods of making a medical device, and methods of delivering medical device. Particularly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a medical device having a self-expanding stent and a thin-film neural interface. The stent comprises a plurality of struts having a substantially elliptical or circular geometry arranged in series from a proximal end to a distal end of the stent, and a thin-film neural interface attached to the stent. Each strut of the self-expanding stent comprises a top portion and a base portion integrally connected with the top portion at a first connection point and a second connection point such that the top portion moves relative to the base portion. The self-expanding stent provides a retracted configuration to protect the thin-film neural interface during delivery, and an expanded configuration to deploy the thin-film neural interface.