TEER Channel Electrode Layout for Misalignment-Stable Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing channel devices for measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) suffer from variations in measurement results due to misalignment of electrodes and fluctuations in contact area, leading to inconsistent current density distribution.
Innovation Solution
The channel device features a design with overlapping working and reference electrodes positioned to span the measurement chamber, ensuring consistent voltage application even with lid misalignment, and includes channels for liquid exchange to stabilize the measurement environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a catheter is advanced through a tortuous anatomy to reach a target location, then the catheter can access distant or hard-to-reach vessels, but the catheter may become twisted or kinked which compromises blood flow and treatment efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple articulated segments that can independently flex and rotate. Each segment contains flow channels that maintain patency even when the catheter is twisted or bent, allowing the catheter to navigate tortuous anatomy without compromising blood flow or treatment efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter incorporates rotational capability around its longitudinal axis, adding a rotational dimension to the navigation options. This allows the catheter to twist and orient itself in three-dimensional space to reach target vessels while maintaining proper alignment of flow channels and avoiding kinks that would compromise flow
2Productivity
If a flow channel device is deployed to treat a target location, then blood flow can be restored or enhanced, but the device may interfere with normal blood flow or create turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channels are strategically positioned and sized to match the local anatomical characteristics of the target vessel. The device provides localized flow enhancement exactly where needed while maintaining natural flow patterns in adjacent regions, minimizing turbulence and interference with normal hemodynamics
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the natural blood pressure gradient and flow dynamics to drive perfusion through the flow channels. Rather than resisting normal blood flow, the device harnesses the existing pressure differential to enhance flow to the target tissue, converting the potential harm of pressure-related turbulence into beneficial perfusion pressure
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a flow channel device is implanted to provide long-term blood flow enhancement, then treatment durability is improved, but the device may thrombose or become occluded over time
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channels are designed to maintain continuous blood flow throughout the device structure, preventing stasis that would lead to thrombus formation. The geometry and positioning of the flow channels ensure that blood continuously traverses the entire device, eliminating pockets where clots could develop and maintaining long-term patency
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel geometry is designed with smooth, uniform transitions and consistent dimensions throughout the device length. This homogeneous design minimizes areas of flow separation, recirculation, or turbulence that could promote thrombus formation, ensuring uniform blood flow characteristics that reduce thrombosis risk over time
Data Source
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AI summary
A technique capable of reducing variations in measurement results of electrical resistance due to the assembly accuracy of a channel device is provided. A first lid member (21) closes an upper opening of a measurement chamber (100) of an intermediate member (10). An upper working electrode (61) is disposed on a surface of the first lid member (21). The upper working electrode (61) includes a first upper working portion (611) and a second upper working portion (612). A dimension (L11) from a second edge (611E) of the first upper working portion (611) to a first edge (612E) of the second upper working portion (612) is greater than the width (W1) of the measurement chamber (100). A distance (L12) between the first upper working portion (611) and the second upper working portion (612) as measured in a width direction is smaller than the width (W1) of the measurement chamber (100).