Transvascular Brain Electrode Deployment for Deep-Brain Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brain stimulation and neural sensing methods face challenges in accessing and stimulating specific brain regions with minimal collateral damage, as they require invasive surgeries and struggle with the spatial limitations of the vascular network, leading to risks such as bleeding, stroke, infection, and collateral tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A transvascular approach using a catheter system with a steerable navigation device and expandable structures to deploy electrodes through the venous system, allowing precise targeting and minimization of tissue damage by navigating through the venous network to access deep brain structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional transcranial approach is used to implant electrodes, then electrodes can be positioned in target brain regions, but surgical risks and collateral tissue damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the electrode array into multiple independently controllable electrodes that can be selectively activated. This allows precise stimulation of specific neural pathways while avoiding adjacent sensitive structures, thereby reducing collateral tissue damage while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by enabling independent control of individual electrodes within the array. Each electrode can be activated or deactivated based on the specific therapeutic requirements, allowing localized neural modulation without affecting surrounding tissues, thus reducing harmful collateral effects.
2Measurement precision
If multiple surgical attempts are made to position electrodes correctly, then electrode positioning may be achieved, but surgical risks and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs pre-programmed stimulation patterns and real-time feedback mechanisms that guide electrode positioning during a single surgical procedure. The system can adjust stimulation parameters and provide feedback to confirm proper positioning without requiring multiple surgical attempts, thereby reducing procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback systems that monitor neural responses during electrode implantation. This feedback allows the surgeon to verify correct positioning immediately and adjust if necessary, eliminating the need for multiple trial procedures and reducing overall surgical complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vascular network pathways are used for access, then minimally invasive approach is achieved, but spatial limitations restrict access to certain brain regions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the three-dimensional architecture of the vascular network, allowing the electrode array to be delivered through available vascular pathways and then deployed in multiple directions. This dimensional approach enables access to brain regions that would otherwise be unreachable through standard vascular routes, combining minimally invasive access with broad regional coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic electrode array that can be reconfigured after delivery through the vascular system. The electrodes can be extended, repositioned, or reoriented to access different brain regions, providing adaptability and versatility while maintaining the minimally invasive vascular access approach.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for transvascular placement of electrodes on a surface of a brain or in deep brain structures for the purpose of neuromodulation. The device can comprise a delivery catheter comprising a lumen. The device can comprise a piercing assembly extending through the delivery catheter, wherein the piercing assembly comprises a piercing assembly catheter and a needle. The device can comprise one or more electrodes configured to contact the brain tissue; and wherein the piercing assembly catheter comprises an opening in a wall thereof such that when the delivery catheter and the piercing assembly catheter are positioned within a vessel, the needle extends through the opening to puncture a vessel wall.