Wireless Implant for Spinal Cord Injury Using Flexible Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable stimulation devices for spinal cord injury (SCI) patients are bulky, lack flexibility in stimulation patterns, and have limited spatial resolution, making them inefficient for motor function recovery.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, multi-channel implant with a small package size that can adaptively adjust stimulation patterns in real-time based on individual physiological states, incorporating high-density stimulation and a flexible epidural electrode to minimize neuroinflammatory responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If commercial implants use fixed-frequency sinusoidal signal injection for impedance estimation, then impedance measurement is achieved, but the information obtained is limited and not suitable for large transient voltage stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from fixed-frequency sinusoidal signals to broadband impulse signals, enabling the system to capture impedance characteristics across a wide frequency range. This parameter change allows comprehensive impedance information to be obtained from a single measurement, resolving the contradiction between measurement simplicity and information completeness.
2Manufacturing precision
If high-density stimulators are used to achieve high spatial resolution stimulation, then stimulation efficacy is improved, but the implant package size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (stimulation, impedance measurement, telemetry, power management) into a single integrated implantable device. By combining these functions and using high-density electrode arrays with shared circuitry, the system achieves high spatial resolution while controlling the overall package size through functional integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the electrode array is integrated within the implant housing, and the stimulation circuitry is embedded within the same package. The high-density electrodes are arranged in a compact configuration that nests multiple electrode contacts within a small volume, achieving high spatial resolution without proportionally increasing package size.
3Reliability
If rigid electrodes are used for stimulation, then electrical contact is achieved, but mechanical mismatch causes neuroinflammatory responses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible printed circuit board (FPC) technology to create electrodes that can conform to the curved surface of the spinal cord. The flexible substrate allows the electrode array to adapt to tissue contours while maintaining stable electrical contact, eliminating the mechanical mismatch that would cause neuroinflammation from rigid electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static rigid electrode contacts to dynamic flexible electrodes that can adapt their shape and position. The flexible electrodes can dynamically conform to tissue movement and deformation, maintaining reliable electrical contact while reducing mechanical stress and inflammatory responses associated with rigid structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless implant and associated system for motor function recovery after spinal cord injury, and more particularly a multi-channel wireless implant with small package size. The wireless implant can further be used in various medical applications, such as retinal prostheses, gastrointestinal implant, vagus nerve stimulation, and cortical neuromodulation. The system also includes a method and its implementation to acquire the impedance model of the electrode-tissue interface of the implant.