Tight Bipole Electrode Array for Nerve Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining nerve proximity during surgical procedures are imprecise and often damage tissue due to uncontrolled electrical current, limiting their ability to accurately guide surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of devices with tight bipole pairs that produce controlled electrical broadcast fields to stimulate adjacent neural tissue, allowing for precise determination of nerve location through monitoring neural stimulation responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical current is applied from an electrode to evoke neural response, then nerve proximity can be detected, but the broadcast field is uncontrolled and current density is excessive causing tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The single electrode is segmented into multiple electrode segments arranged in an array. Each segment can be independently controlled to generate localized electrical fields, replacing the uncontrolled broadcast field of a single electrode with multiple controlled, localized fields that minimize tissue damage while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
Each electrode segment generates an electrical field localized to its immediate vicinity rather than broadcasting current throughout the tissue. This localizes the electrical stimulus to only where needed for detection, preventing excessive current density and tissue damage in surrounding areas
2Reliability
If large current densities are applied to depolarize nerves, then neural stimulation can be achieved, but tissue damage occurs and measurement precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple segments that can be activated individually or in combinations. This allows the system to achieve reliable neural stimulation by activating only the segments nearest to the nerve, distributing the current load and avoiding excessive current density that would cause tissue damage
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying full current across the entire electrode surface, only partial segments are activated at any given time. This partial action achieves the necessary neural stimulation threshold locally while keeping overall current density within safe limits to prevent tissue damage
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used to stimulate tissue, then detection capability is improved, but the broadcast field remains uncontrolled and spatial resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is segmented into multiple independently controllable elements arranged in a structured pattern. This segmentation enables precise spatial resolution by determining which specific segments detect neural responses, while the structured arrangement maintains manageable device complexity through systematic organization
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode segments can be dynamically activated and deactivated based on real-time detection needs. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt the active electrode configuration to the specific anatomical location and depth of the nerve being sought, improving spatial resolution without requiring all segments to be permanently active
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
Enables accurate and precise localization of nerves during surgical procedures, reducing tissue damage and improving the accuracy of medical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
one or more bipole pairs that can be excited by the application of a current or voltage to produce a bipole field between the anode(s) and cathode(s)
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are devices, systems and methods for determining if a nerve is nearby a device or a region of a device. In general, a device for determining if a nerve is nearby a device includes an elongate body having an outer surface with one or more bipole pairs arranged on the outer surface. Bipole pairs may also be referred to as tight bipoles. The bipole pairs may be arranged as a bipole network, and may include a cathode and an anode that are spaced relatively close together to form a limited broadcast field. In general, the broadcast filed is a controlled or “tight” broadcast field that extends from the bipole pair(s). Methods of using these devices and system are also described.