Wireless Implantable EEG System with Double-Sided Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current EEG systems for monitoring neurological signals are invasive, uncomfortable, and prone to inaccuracies due to artifacts from muscle movements and other sources, limiting their ability for chronic and accurate seizure prediction.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, implantable EEG system with double-sided electrodes positioned under the scalp to independently detect neurological signals and artifacts, allowing for minimal interference and accurate signal processing, and a closed-loop therapy system for providing appropriate treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If scalp EEG electrodes are used to record neurological signals, then continuous monitoring is possible, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to artifacts from muscle movements and inability to measure through dead skin layer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic dead skin layer by creating a small puncture through the scalp using a needle electrode, allowing direct contact with the underlying tissue. This removes the barrier that prevents accurate signal measurement while enabling continuous monitoring through the implanted electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle electrode acts as an intermediary that penetrates the dead skin layer to establish direct electrical contact with the viable tissue beneath. This intermediary structure enables accurate neurological signal recording by bridging the gap between the external recording device and the brain's electrical activity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If electrodes are applied on the scalp for chronic monitoring, then continuous data collection is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to unstable electrode-tissue interface after multiple days
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into a disposable needle component that penetrates the scalp and a reusable recording device. The needle electrode with its sharp tip is designed for single-use insertion to create a stable interface, while the main recording unit can be removed and replaced, allowing chronic monitoring without long-term implantation complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle electrode performs preliminary action by creating a small puncture and establishing the electrode-tissue interface before the actual monitoring begins. This preliminary insertion ensures proper positioning and stable contact from the start of monitoring, preventing interface degradation over time.
3Measurement precision
If battery-powered wired EEG systems are implanted for cortical recording, then accurate neurological signals are obtained, but device complexity increases requiring craniotomy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The implanted needle electrode transmits neurological signals wirelessly to an external receiver, eliminating the need for complex wired connections, batteries, and extensive craniotomy procedures while maintaining accurate cortical signal recording.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode uses a thin, flexible needle structure that can be easily inserted through the scalp without requiring large incisions or complex surgical procedures. This thin-film approach simplifies the implantation process while maintaining the ability to record accurate cortical signals.
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 continuous, accurate monitoring and prediction of neurological events like seizures with reduced patient discomfort and risk, improving the reliability of seizure detection and prevention.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to independently detect signals transmitted from opposite sides of the sensor, the sensor having a top electrode disposed on a top side of an electrically insulating material and a bottom electrode disposed on a bottom side of the same electrically insulating material
Implementation Method 2
The external device is to be worn or carried outside the patient's body and includes a processing unit for: (i) providing power to the internal device
Data Source
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AI summary
An electro-encephalography system includes an internal device for implantation below a scalp and above a skull of a patient, and an external device to be worn or carried outside the patient's body. The internal device includes a first electrode for receiving neurological signals originating from the patient's brain and a second electrode for receiving artifacts originating from sources other than the patient's brain. The external device includes a processing unit for receiving data from the internal device, mitigating the effects of the artifacts, and determining a neurological state of the patient. A therapy device is included to provide a therapy to the patient based on the patient's neurological state.