Transmembrane EMG Sensor for Non-Invasive Neuromuscular Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromyography (EMG) techniques face limitations, with invasive methods like needle EMG causing pain and tissue damage, and non-invasive surface EMG having limited spatial resolution and susceptibility to artifacts, making them inadequate for evaluating neuromuscular disorders, especially in sensitive areas and body cavities.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive transmembrane EMG sensor system using closely spaced, atraumatic electrodes that contact muscle tissue without penetrating the surface, allowing for accurate measurement of electrical activity and generation of EMG data, suitable for use in sensitive areas and body cavities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If needle EMG is used to obtain high spatial resolution and accurate EMG data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and harmful effects increase due to invasive tissue penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmembrane sensor as an intermediary device that records EMG signals through the tissue membrane without penetrating it. The sensor electrodes contact the membrane surface to capture electrical activity, serving as a mediator between the measurement system and the muscle tissue, thereby eliminating direct tissue penetration while maintaining signal acquisition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical needle insertion method with an electrical sensing approach. Instead of using a mechanical probe to penetrate tissue, the system uses voltage-sensitive electrodes that detect electrical signals through the membrane, substituting mechanical invasion with non-invasive electrical measurement
2Ease of operation
If surface EMG is used to avoid tissue penetration and reduce harmful effects, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limited spatial resolution and cross-talk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using closely spaced bipolar electrodes that create a localized measurement zone. The electrode spacing and configuration are optimized to focus the measurement on a specific local area of the muscle, improving spatial resolution by reducing the influence of adjacent muscles and minimizing cross-talk while maintaining non-invasive operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement system into multiple closely spaced bipolar electrode pairs, each capable of independently measuring EMG signals from specific local regions. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between adjacent muscle groups and improve spatial resolution without requiring invasive needle insertion
3Ease of operation
If conventional surface electrodes are used to assess muscle function, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to mechanical and electrical artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the tissue membrane as an intermediary barrier that, rather than being overcome by penetration, serves as the interface for signal acquisition. The electrodes record electrical activity through the membrane, which filters out some external interference while maintaining access to the underlying muscle signals, thereby improving signal reliability without compromising ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter of electrode-tissue interaction from penetration (needle EMG) or surface contact (conventional SEMG) to transmembrane contact. This parameter change allows the electrodes to be positioned directly against the membrane, improving signal-to-noise ratio and reducing artifacts while maintaining non-invasive operation
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 system provides high spatial resolution and accurate EMG data, enabling effective evaluation of neuromuscular function and diagnosis of conditions in areas previously difficult to assess, with reduced risk of tissue damage and improved signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
receiving electrical activity signal data corresponding to muscle tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods herein relate to electromyography (EMG) that may be used in diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications, including but not limited to electrophysiological study of muscles in the body relating to neuromuscular function and/or disorders. Sensor assemblies and methods are described herein for non-invasively generating an EMG signal corresponding to muscle tissue where the sensor may be positioned directly on a surface of the muscle tissue including any associated membrane (e.g., mucosal, endothelial, synovial) overlying the muscle tissue. A sensor assembly may include one or more pairs of closely spaced, atraumatic electrodes in a bipolar or multipolar configuration. The first and second electrodes may be applied against a surface of muscle tissue (that may include a membrane overlying the muscle) and receive electrical activity signal data corresponding to an electrical potential difference of the portion of muscle between the electrodes.