Transparent Electrode Array for MRI-Compatible Deep Brain Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deep brain stimulation electrodes cause image distortion in magnetic resonance imaging due to their opaque metal composition, which can interfere with accurate positioning and diagnosis, and have limitations in mechanical strength and electrical conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A deep brain stimulation transparent electrode array is developed, comprising a biocompatible dielectric substrate with metal electrode sites and a carbon-based interconnector, along with an optional optical fiber, designed to minimize image distortion and enhance electrical current carrying capacity while maintaining transparency and mechanical flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional opaque metal electrodes are used, then electrical conductivity and mechanical strength are ensured, but MRI image distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining carbon fiber (low magnetic susceptibility) for the electrode shaft to minimize MRI distortion, with metal materials (high electrical conductivity and strength) for electrode sites and connection terminals. This composite approach allows each material to perform its optimal function: carbon fiber reduces image artifacts while metal components ensure reliable electrical connections and mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the electrode are assigned different material properties according to their specific functional requirements. The shaft uses carbon fiber for MRI transparency, while electrode sites use metal for high conductivity, and connection terminals use metal for structural reliability. This localized material optimization resolves the contradiction by matching material properties to local functional demands.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If carbon fiber is used to reduce MRI image distortion, then magnetic susceptibility is reduced, but mechanical strength and electrical connection reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode combines carbon fiber shaft (providing MRI transparency) with metal reinforcement elements at critical stress points (electrode sites and connection terminals). This composite structure maintains mechanical strength and connection reliability while preserving the low magnetic susceptibility of carbon fiber for reduced MRI distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
Metal materials are strategically placed only at locations requiring high mechanical strength and electrical conductivity (electrode sites and connection terminals), while the majority of the shaft remains carbon fiber to minimize MRI artifacts. This localized metal reinforcement resolves the strength contradiction without compromising overall MRI transparency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If carbon fiber is used to minimize MRI distortion, then image artifacts are reduced, but electrical conductivity and current carrying capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode uses carbon fiber for the shaft to maintain MRI transparency, while metal materials are used at electrode sites and connection terminals to ensure high electrical conductivity and adequate current carrying capacity. This composite approach allows the system to achieve both low MRI distortion and sufficient power transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Metal materials with high electrical conductivity are concentrated at the electrode sites where current is applied to brain tissue and at connection terminals where electrical connections are made. The carbon fiber shaft serves primarily as a mechanical support with adequate but not optimal conductivity, resolving the contradiction by optimizing conductivity only where absolutely necessary.
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 electrode array effectively conducts deep brain electrical stimulation and brain wave detection with reduced MRI image distortion, improved current transmission, and the ability to observe optical signals, enhancing the accuracy of neurological procedures and minimizing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
an interconnector extended from each electrode site so as to be connected to each contact, wherein each electrode site is made of a metal material, and the interconnector is made of a carbon material
Implementation Method 2
The phenomenon of image distortion in MRI occurs because the magnetic susceptibility of metal materials is significantly greater than that of biological tissue and in vivo moisture (H2O)
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of electrode sites arranged on one side of the substrate... each electrode site is made of a metal material
Implementation Method 4
The deep brain stimulation transparent electrode array may further include an optical fiber bonded to a lower side of the substrate
Implementation Method 5
Respective junction parts between the electrode sites and the interconnector may be subjected to thermal annealing or current annealing
Implementation Method 6
Respective junction parts between the electrode sites and the interconnector may be subjected to thermal annealing or current annealing
Data Source
AI summary
A deep brain stimulation transparent electrode array and a neural signal detection method using the same are proposed. The deep brain stimulation transparent electrode array includes a biocompatible dielectric substrate, a plurality of electrode sites arranged on one side of the substrate, a plurality of electrically conductive contacts arranged on the other side of the substrate, and an interconnector extended from each electrode site so as to be connected to each contact. The deep brain stimulation transparent electrode array is capable of conducting deep brain electrical stimulation and brain wave detection while minimizing image distortion in magnetic resonance imaging, and accuracy of the deep brain electrical stimulation and the brain wave detection may be increased by enhancing ability to carry electric current and minimizing the image distortion in the magnetic resonance imaging.