An electrode array includes a fan-shaped substrate member. The fan-shaped substrate member includes a dielectric material and that has a triangular portion with a convexly curved base from which a first side and an opposite second side extend to a truncated apex that includes a concavely curved surface. An elongated lead member includes the dielectric material and extends from the base adjacent to a selected one of the first side and the second side. The elongated lead member is contiguous with the fan-shaped substrate member. Each of a plurality of wires is embedded in the fan-shaped substrate member and the elongated lead member. Each of a corresponding plurality of electrodes is electrically coupled to a different one of the plurality of wires. Each of the corresponding plurality of electrodes includes an exposed surface.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
downloadable computer software in the field of neuroanalysis for acquiring, reporting and displaying electrophysiological data, and for controlling instruments used to acquire, report, and display electrophysiological data
Medtronic Bakken Research Center B.V. (Netherlands)
NeuroNexus Technologies Inc. (USA)
Inventor
Toader, Emil
Martens, Hubert Cécile François
Decré, Michel Marcel Jose
Budzelaar, Franciscus Paulus Maria
Blanken, Pieter Gerrit
Anderson, David James
Abstract
A method and system are provided for determining a relation between stimulation settings for a brain stimulation probe and a corresponding V-field. The brain stimulation probe comprises multiple stimulation electrodes. The V-field is an electrical field in brain tissue surrounding the stimulation electrodes. The method comprises sequentially applying a test current to n stimulation electrodes, n being a number between 2 and the number of stimulation electrodes of the brain stimulation probe, for each test current at one of the n stimulation electrodes, measuring a resulting excitation voltage at m stimulation electrodes, m being a number between 2 and the number of stimulation electrodes of the brain stimulation probe, from the stimulation settings and the measured excitation voltages, deriving a coupling matrix, an element in the coupling matrix reflecting an amount of electrical impedance between two of the stimulation electrodes, and using the coupling matrix for determining the relation between the stimulation settings and the corresponding V-field.
An optical electrode having a plurality of electrodes, including a recording electrode having a roughened surface and an optical light source configured to emit light, wherein at least a portion of the light impinges on the recording electrode. Also disclosed are methods of producing an optical electrode and an opto-electronic neural interface system.
A neural probe comprising an array of stimulation and/or recording electrodes supported on a tape spring-type carrier is described. The neural probe comprising the tape spring-type carrier is used to insert flexible electrode arrays straight into tissue, or to insert them off-axis from the initial penetration of a guide tube. Importantly, the neural probe is not rigid, but has a degree of stiffness provided by the tape spring-type carrier that maintains a desired trajectory into body tissue, but will subsequently allow the probe to flex and move in unison with movement of the body tissue.
A method for providing a neural interface system. At least one primary metallization layer is deposited on a substrate. The primary metallization layer has a thickness. A monolayer of nanospheres is deposited in a substantially uniform distribution. The nanospheres contact an upper surface of the primary metallization layer. The upper surface of the primary metallization layer not contacted by the nanospheres is treated to form a plurality of undulating structures having a substantially uniform arrangement. The treating comprises etching recesses part-way through the thickness of exposed portions of the primary metallization layer from the upper surface thereof.
An implantable device for body tissue, including an electrical subsystem that flexes within and interfaces with body tissue and a carrier that operates in the following two modes: provides structural support for the electrical subsystem during implantation of the device in body tissue and allows flexing of the electrical subsystem after implantation of the device in body tissue. The implantable device is preferably designed to be implanted into the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, muscle, or any other suitable anatomical location. The implantable device, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.
Systems and methods for ruggedized neural probes are provided. Such probes may be adapted for penetrating tissue. An exemplary ruggedized penetrating electrode array system includes an elongate shank having one or more electrodes disposed on at least one exterior surface thereof and a backend structure. A proximal end of the elongate shank is secured to the backend structure. The exemplary array system further includes an elongate carrier secured to the backend structure and extending away from the backend structure toward the distal end of the elongate shank, the elongate carrier being more rigid than the elongate shank. Methods for fabricating such an array system are also provided.
Systems and methods for ruggedized neural probes are provided. Such probes may be adapted for penetrating tissue. An exemplary ruggedized penetrating electrode array system includes an elongate shank having one or more electrodes disposed on at least one exterior surface thereof and a backend structure. A proximal end of the elongate shank is secured to the backend structure. The exemplary array system further includes an elongate carrier secured to the backend structure and extending away from the backend structure toward the distal end of the elongate shank, the elongate carrier being more rigid than the elongate shank. Methods for fabricating such an array system are also provided.
A medical electrode array system comprising a thin-film substrate, a plurality of electrode contacts disposed on the thin-film substrate, and a plurality of traces. The plurality of electrode contacts is configured to provide electrical contact points. The plurality of traces is electrically connected to the plurality of electrode contacts. A electrode contact of the plurality of electrode contacts has a dedicated trace of the plurality of traces that provides electrical connectivity to the electrode contact. The thin-film substrate is configured to flex to maintain continuous contact with contours of patient anatomy. The plurality of traces includes flexible spring-like portions to add flexibility to the thin-film substrate.
A medical electrode array system comprising a thin-film substrate, a plurality of electrode contacts disposed on the thin-film substrate, and a plurality of traces. The plurality of electrode contacts is configured to provide electrical contact points. The plurality of traces is electrically connected to the plurality of electrode contacts. A electrode contact of the plurality of electrode contacts has a dedicated trace of the plurality of traces that provides electrical connectivity to the electrode contact. The thin-film substrate is configured to flex to maintain continuous contact with contours of patient anatomy. The plurality of traces includes flexible spring-like portions to add flexibility to the thin-film substrate.
A neural probe comprising an array of stimulation and/or recording electrodes supported on a tape spring-type carrier is described. The neural probe comprising the tape spring-type carrier is used to insert flexible electrode arrays straight into tissue, or to insert them off-axis from the initial penetration of a guide tube. Importantly, the neural probe is not rigid, but has a degree of stiffness provided by the tape spring-type carrier that maintains a desired trajectory into body tissue, but will subsequently allow the probe to flex and move in unison with movement of the body tissue.
A three-dimensional neural probe electrode array system is described. Planar probes are microfabricated and electrically connected to flexible micro-machined ribbon cables using a rivet bonding technique. The distal end of each cable is connected to a probe with the proximal end of the cable being customized for connection to a printed circuit board. Final assembly consists of combining multiple such assemblies into a single structure. Each of the two-dimensional neural probe arrays is positioned into a micro-machined platform that provides mechanical support and alignment for each array. Lastly, a micro-machined cap is placed on top of each neural electrode probe and cable assembly to protect them from damage during shipping and subsequent use. The cap provides a relatively planar surface for attachment of a computer controlled inserter for precise insertion into the tissue.
A61B 5/04 - Measuring bioelectric signals of the body or parts thereof
H01R 43/26 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
An optical electrode having a plurality of electrodes, including a recording electrode having a roughened surface and an optical light source configured to emit light, wherein at least a portion of the light impinges on the recording electrode. Also disclosed are methods of producing an optical electrode and an opto-electronic neural interface system.
Medtronic Bakken Research Center B.V. (Netherlands)
NeuroNexus Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
Toader, Emil
Martens, Hubert Cécile François
Decré, Michel Marcel Jose
Budzelaar, Franciscus Paulus Maria
Blanken, Pieter Gerrit
Anderson, David James
Abstract
A method and system are provided for determining a relation between stimulation settings for a brain stimulation probe and a corresponding V-field. The brain stimulation probe comprises multiple stimulation electrodes. The V-field is an electrical field in brain tissue surrounding the stimulation electrodes. The method comprises sequentially applying a test current to n stimulation electrodes, n being a number between 2 and the number of stimulation electrodes of the brain stimulation probe, for each test current at one of the n stimulation electrodes, measuring a resulting excitation voltage at m stimulation electrodes, m being a number between 2 and the number of stimulation electrodes of the brain stimulation probe, from the stimulation settings and the measured excitation voltages, deriving a coupling matrix, an element in the coupling matrix reflecting an amount of electrical impedance between two of the stimulation electrodes, and using the coupling matrix for determining the relation between the stimulation settings and the corresponding V-field.
An implantable electrode system of is disclosed that includes a conductive electrode layer, an interconnect coupled to the electrode layer, an insulator that insulates the interconnect, and an anchor that more securely fixes the electrode layer in place. This structure is particularly useful with the electrode layer being a neural interface that is configured to provide either a recording or stimulating function. A method for forming such an implantable electrode system includes forming an interconnect over a base layer, forming an anchoring structure over the base layer, depositing an insulating material layer over the interconnect structure and over the anchoring structure, exposing a portion of the interconnect structure, forming an electrode layer over the insulating layer, the electrode layer contacting the exposed portion of the interconnect structure.
Improved low-cost, highly reliable methods for increasing the electrochemical surface area of neural electrodes are described. A mono-layer of polymeric nanospheres is first deposited on a metallization supported on a dielectric substrate. The nanospheres self-assemble into generally repeating lattice forms with interstitial space between them. Then, the geometric surface area of the metallization material is increased by either selectively etching part-way into its depth at the interstitial space between adjacent nanospheres. Another technique is to deposit addition metallization material into the interstitial space. The result is undulation surface features provided on the exposed surface of the metallization. This helps improve the electrochemical surface area when the treated metallizations are fabricated into electrodes.
Electrodes, namely, electrodes for medical therapeutic applications, used in deep brain applications, requiring surgical placement; electrodes for medical research, used in deep brain applications, requiring surgical placement
The neural interface system of one embodiment includes a cylindrical shaft, a lateral extension longitudinally coupled to at least a portion of the shaft and having a thickness less than a diameter of the shaft, and an electrode array arranged on the lateral extension and radially offset from the shaft, including electrode sites that electrically interface with their surroundings. The method of one embodiment for making the neural interface system includes forming a planar polymer substrate with at least one metallization layer, patterning on at least one metallization layer an electrode array on a first end of the substrate, patterning conductive traces on at least one metallization layer, rolling a portion of the substrate toward the first end of the substrate, and securing the rolled substrate into a shaft having the first end of the substrate laterally extending from the shaft and the electrode array radially offset from the shaft.
H05K 1/11 - Printed elements for providing electric connections to or between printed circuits
A61B 1/07 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements using light-conductive means, e.g. optical fibres
H05K 3/10 - Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which conductive material is applied to the insulating support in such a manner as to form the desired conductive pattern
The implantable electrode system of the preferred embodiments includes a conductor, an interconnect coupled to the conductor, an insulator that insulates the interconnect, and an anchor that overlaps a peripheral edge of the electrode layer. The anchor is mechanically interlocked with the insulator. This structure is particularly useful with the electrode layer being a neural interface that is configured to provide either a recording and stimulating function.
An implantable device for body tissue, including an electrical subsystem that flexes within and interfaces with body tissue and a carrier that operates in the following two modes: provides structural support for the electrical subsystem during implantation of the device in body tissue and allows flexing of the electrical subsystem after implantation of the device in body tissue. The implantable device is preferably designed to be implanted into the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, muscle, or any other suitable anatomical location. The implantable device, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.
A three-dimensional neural probe electrode array system is described. Planar probes are microfabricated and electrically connected to flexible micro-machined ribbon cables using a rivet bonding technique. The distal end of each cable is connected to a probe with the proximal end of the cable being customized for connection to a printed circuit board. Final assembly consists of combining multiple such assemblies into a single structure. Each of the two-dimensional neural probe arrays is positioned into a micro-machined platform that provides mechanical support and alignment for each array. Lastly, a micro-machined cap is placed on top of each neural electrode probe and cable assembly to protect them from damage during shipping and subsequent use. The cap provides a relatively planar surface for attachment of a computer controlled inserter for precise insertion into the tissue.
A61B 5/04 - Measuring bioelectric signals of the body or parts thereof
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
H01R 43/26 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A three-dimensional neural probe electrode array system is described. Planar probes are microfabricated and electrically connected to flexible micro-machined ribbon cables using a rivet bonding technique. The distal end of each cable is connected to a probe with the proximal end of the cable being customized for connection to a printed circuit board. Final assembly consists of combining multiple such assemblies into a single structure. Each of the two-dimensional neural probe arrays is positioned into a micro-machined platform that provides mechanical support and alignment for each array. Lastly, a micro-machined cap is placed on top of each neural electrode probe and cable assembly to protect them from damage during shipping and subsequent use. The cap provides a relatively planar surface for attachment of a computer controlled inserter for precise insertion into the tissue.
H01R 43/00 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
A61B 5/04 - Measuring bioelectric signals of the body or parts thereof
H01R 43/26 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A neural probe system having a single guide tube that is inserted into neural tissue and from which a number of neural probes can be deployed is described. Each probe is deployable into tissue along a desired trajectory. This is done by supporting the electrode array on a spring tape-type carrier that maintains axial stiffness once the neural probe has deployed out a channel in the guide tube. That way, a target neural tissue is bounded by an increased number of neural probes while minimizing trauma to surrounding body tissue.
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
A61B 5/04 - Measuring bioelectric signals of the body or parts thereof
A61N 1/36 - Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation, e.g. heart pace-makers
MEDTRONIC BAKKEN RESEARCH CENTER B.V (Netherlands)
NEURONEXUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (USA)
Inventor
Toader, Emil
Martens, Hubert Cécile François
Decré, Michel Marcel Jose
Budzelaar, Franciscus Paulus Maria
Blanken, Pieter Gerrit
Anderson, David James
Abstract
A method and system are provided for determining a relation between stimulation settings for a brain stimulation probe and a corresponding V-field. The brain stimulation probe comprises multiple stimulation electrodes. The V-field is an electrical field in brain tissue surrounding the stimulation electrodes. The method comprises sequentially applying a test current to n stimulation electrodes, n being a number between 2 and the number of stimulation electrodes of the brain stimulation probe, for each test current at one of the n stimulation electrodes, measuring a resulting excitation voltage at m stimulation electrodes, m being a number between 2 and the number of stimulation electrodes of the brain stimulation probe, from the stimulation settings and the measured excitation voltages, deriving a coupling matrix, an element in the coupling matrix reflecting an amount of electrical impedance between two of the stimulation electrodes, and using the coupling matrix for determining the relation between the stimulation settings and the corresponding V-field.
A waveguide neural interface device including: a neural device implantable in tissue and including an array of electrode sites that electrically communicate with their surroundings, in which the array of electrode sites includes at least one recording electrode site; and a waveguide, coupled to the neural device, that carries light along a longitudinal axis and includes a light directing element that redirects the carried light from the waveguide to illuminate selectively targeted tissue, in which at least a portion of the redirected light is directed laterally away from the longitudinal axis and the recording electrode site is configured to sample illuminated tissue. A method for assembling a waveguide neural interface device is also described.
The method of the preferred embodiments includes the steps of providing a base having a frame portion and a center portion; building a preliminary structure coupled to the base; removing a portion of the preliminary structure to define a series of devices and a plurality of bridges; removing the center portion of the base such that the frame portion defines an open region, wherein the plurality of bridges suspend the series of devices in the open region defined by the frame; and encapsulating the series of devices. The method is preferably designed for the manufacture of semiconductor devices, and more specifically for the manufacture of encapsulated implantable electrodes. The method, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.
A test system for medical devices that does not require physical contact with an electrical site along a conductive path is described. Not having to physical contact an electrical site while performing an electrical continuity test avoids potential damage to the site. The test system includes a fluidic channel that dispenses an electrolytic solution onto a first electrical site on the conductive path. A light source irradiates the first site to thereby induce a photoelectrochemical (PEC) effect at an interface thereof. The PEC effect produces a change in both the potential (i.e., voltage) and current carrying ability in the conductive path. That voltage or current is measured at a second site to determine whether there is electrical continuity or discontinuity between the sites on the conductive path.
G01R 27/28 - Measuring attenuation, gain, phase shift, or derived characteristics of electric four-pole networks, i.e. two-port networksMeasuring transient response
G01R 31/02 - Testing of electric apparatus, lines, or components for short-circuits, discontinuities, leakage, or incorrect line connection
An improved deformable carrier or connector for an implantable neural interface device is described. The neural interface device comprises a carrier supporting at least one electrode array. The carrier comprises a tubular sidewall extending from a proximal carrier portion to a distal carrier portion. At least one deformable segment is provided in the carrier sidewall. The deformable segment is more pliable than the remainder of the carrier sidewall to preferably move in response to forces imparted on the carrier and the electrode array by the shifting forces in body tissue. The deformable segment takes the form of a thinned sidewall segment or a slitted wall segment.
An improved deformable carrier or connector for an implantable neural interface device is described. The neural interface device comprises a carrier supporting at least one electrode array. The carrier comprises a tubular sidewall extending from a proximal carrier portion to a distal carrier portion. At least one deformable segment is provided in the carrier sidewall. The deformable segment is more pliable than the remainder of the carrier sidewall to preferably move in response to forces imparted on the carrier and the electrode array by the shifting forces in body tissue. The deformable segment takes the form of a thinned sidewall segment or a slitted wall segment.
The implantable electrode system of the preferred embodiments includes a conductor, an interconnect coupled to the conductor, an insulator that insulates the interconnect, and an anchor that is connected to both the conductor and the insulating element. The anchor is mechanically interlocked with at least one of the conductor and the insulator.
One embodiment of the invention includes an implantable electrode lead system that includes a series of shims stacked upon each other, a series of first components, and a series of second components connected to the series of first components through a series of connectors. One of the first components extends from one of the shims, and another of the first components extends from another one of the shims. The shims position the first components in a three dimensional arrangement.
The neural interface system of one embodiment includes a cylindrical shaft, a lateral extension longitudinally coupled to at least a portion of the shaft and having a thickness less than a diameter of the shaft, and an electrode array arranged on the lateral extension and radially offset from the shaft, including electrode sites that electrically interface with their surroundings. The method of one embodiment for making the neural interface system includes forming a planar polymer substrate with at least one metallization layer, patterning on at least one metallization layer an electrode array on a first end of the substrate, patterning conductive traces on at least one metallization layer, rolling a portion of the substrate toward the first end of the substrate, and securing the rolled substrate into a shaft having the first end of the substrate laterally extending from the shaft and the electrode array radially offset from the shaft.
A61B 5/04 - Measuring bioelectric signals of the body or parts thereof
A61N 1/05 - Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
A61B 1/07 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements using light-conductive means, e.g. optical fibres
H05K 3/10 - Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which conductive material is applied to the insulating support in such a manner as to form the desired conductive pattern
H05K 1/11 - Printed elements for providing electric connections to or between printed circuits
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
10 - Medical apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Electrical test equipment, namely, electrical test equipment for electrical characterization of electrodes Electrodes, namely, electrodes for medical therapeutic applications; electrodes for medical research Engineering services, namely, engineering of electrodes for others; design and development services, namely, design and development of electrodes for others
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
10 - Medical apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Microelectrodes, microelectrodes for use in neuroscience research; impedance spectroscopy system; impedance spectroscopy system consisting of a computer and an impedance tester for an in-vivo and in-vitro characterization of electrodes for use in neuroscience research. Medical microelectrodes, medical microelectrodes for use in brain surgery; medical drug delivery electrodes, medical drug delivery electrodes for use in brain surgery; brain wave amplifiers, brain wave amplifiers for use in brain surgery; electronic brain stimulators, electronic brain stimulators for use in brain surgery.
45.
Methods for forming an electrode device with reduced impedance
Improved low-cost, highly reliable methods for increasing the electrochemical surface area of neural electrodes are described. A mono-layer of polymeric nanospheres is first deposited on a metallization supported on a dielectric substrate. The nanospheres self-assemble into generally repeating lattice forms with interstitial space between them. Then, the geometric surface area of the metallization material is increased by either selectively etching part-way into its depth at the interstitial space between adjacent nanospheres. Another technique is to deposit addition metallization material into the interstitial space. The result is undulation surface features provided on the exposed surface of the metallization. This helps improve the electrochemical surface area when the treated metallizations are fabricated into electrodes.
An optical electrode having a plurality of electrodes, including a recording electrode having a roughened surface and an optical light source configured to emit light, wherein at least a portion of the light impinges on the recording electrode. Also disclosed are methods of producing an optical electrode and an opto-electronic neural interface system.
A neural interface array including an optical waveguide, a thin film electrode array associated with the optical waveguide, the thin film electrode array having a plurality of electrodes, and a fluid delivery channel attached to at least one of the optical waveguide and the thin film electrode array. Also disclosed are methods for optical stimulation and a neural interface system with active fluid delivery.
An implantable optical electrode having a thin film electrode array including a plurality of electrodes, a light source associated with the thin film electrode array, and a passive bioactive agent delivery module associated with the thin film electrode array. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the array and a neural interface system with passive fluid delivery.
An optical electrode having a plurality of electrodes, including a recording electrode having a roughened surface and an optical light source configured to emit light, wherein at least a portion of the light impinges on the recording electrode. Also disclosed are methods of producing an optical electrode and an opto-electronic neural interface system.
An implantable optical electrode having a thin film electrode array including a plurality of electrodes, a light source associated with the thin film electrode array, and a passive bioactive agent delivery module associated with the thin film electrode array. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the array and a neural interface system with passive fluid delivery.
A neural interface array (110) including an optical waveguide (160), a thin film electrode array associated with the optical waveguide, the thin film electrode array having a plurality of electrodes, and a fluid delivery channel (150) attached to at least one of the optical waveguide and the thin film electrode array. Also disclosed are methods for optical stimulation and a neural interface system (100) with active fluid delivery.
An apparatus comprises a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate includes a first substrate surface, a surface electrode array that includes a plurality of electrodes disposed on the first substrate surface, one or more flexible neural probes substantially orthogonal to the first substrate surface and insertable into biological tissue, and a penetrating electrode array that includes a plurality of electrodes formed on the one or more flexible neural probes, wherein electrodes of the surface electrode array and the penetrating electrode array are configured to one or both of receive a neural signal from a neural signal source and provide electrical stimulation energy to a neural stimulation target.
An apparatus comprising an electrode subsystem configured to interface to biological tissue, an electronic subsystem electrically coupled to the electrode subsystem by a connector, and a guide tube disposed over at least a portion of the electrode subsystem and the connector. The guide tube includes material to provide stiffness to the electrode subsystem and the connector in an axial direction of the guide tube. The guide tube material is removable from the electrode subsystem and the connector over the electronic subsystem when the electrode subsystem is positioned to interface to the biological tissue and while the electronic subsystem remains electrically coupled to the electrode subsystem.
The method of the preferred embodiments includes the steps of providing a base having a frame portion and a center portion; building a preliminary structure coupled to the base; removing a portion of the preliminary structure to define a series of devices and a plurality of bridges; removing the center portion of the base such that the frame portion defines an open region, wherein the plurality of bridges suspend the series of devices in the open region defined by the frame; and encapsulating the series of devices. The method is preferably designed for the manufacture of semiconductor devices, and more specifically for the manufacture of encapsulated implantable electrodes. The method, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.
The present invention relates to a medical device (2) for electrical stimulation. The device comprising an implantable elongated lead system (20) having a distal end (21) and a proximal end (22), the lead system comprises one or more electrical conductors (23) for connection to one or more electrodes (24). The one or more electrical conductors are wound along a length axis (25) of the lead system with a plurality of windings, and wherein the density of windings is non-uniformly distributed along the length axis. In an embodiment, the medical device is in the form of a deep brain stimulation (DBS) device.
A neural drug delivery system with fluidic threads implantable into tissue, including: a plurality of fluid delivery conduits configured to transport fluid and having an array of fluid delivery ports through which the fluid is selectively released; a plurality of port gates each including a mesh structure coupled to a corresponding fluid delivery port and coated with an electroactive polymer; a voltage source providing a conductive signal; and an interconnect network that carries the conductive signal to the port gates. In response of the electroactive polymer to the conductive signal, each port gate is selectively operable between a closed mode that prevents transfer of fluid through its corresponding fluid delivery port to the tissue, and an open mode that allows transfer of the fluid through its corresponding fluid delivery port to the tissue.
A method and a control system (20) are provided for determining a relation between stimulation settings for a brain stimulation probe (10) and a corresponding V-field. The brain stimulation probe (10) comprises multiple stimulation electrodes (11). The V-field is an electrical field in brain tissue surrounding the stimulation electrodes (11). The method comprises sequentially applying a test current to n stimulation electrodes (11), n being a number between 2 and the number of stimulation electrodes (11) of the brain stimulation probe (10), for each test current at one of the n stimulation electrodes (11), measuring a resulting excitation voltage at m stimulation electrodes, m being a number between 2 and the number of stimulation electrodes (11) of the brain stimulation probe (10), from the stimulation settings and the measured excitation voltages, deriving an (m * ή) coupling matrix, an element (q, p) in the coupling matrix reflecting an amount of electrical impedance between two of the stimulation electrodes (11), and using the coupling matrix for determining the relation between the stimulation settings and the corresponding V-field.
Some embodiments of the invention comprise a customizable multichannel microelectrode array with a modular planar microfabricated electrode array attached to a carrier and a high density of recording and/or stimulation electrode sites disposed thereon. Novel methods of making and using same are also disclosed.
H05K 3/02 - Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which the conductive material is applied to the surface of the insulating support and is thereafter removed from such areas of the surface which are not intended for current conducting or shielding
A waveguide neural interface device including: a neural device implantable in tissue and including an array of electrode sites that electrically communicate with their surroundings, in which the array of electrode sites includes at least one recording electrode site; and a waveguide, coupled to the neural device, that carries light along a longitudinal axis and includes a light directing element that redirects the carried light from the waveguide to illuminate selectively targeted tissue, in which at least a portion of the redirected light is directed laterally away from the longitudinal axis and the recording electrode site is configured to sample illuminated tissue. A method for assembling a waveguide neural interface device is also described.
A neural interface system including an electrode array and a carrier that supports the electrode array, in which the electrode array includes a substrate rolled into a three-dimensional shape, a plurality of conductive traces patterned on the substrate and adapted to transmit electrical signals, and a plurality of elliptically shaped, externally facing electrode sites coupled to the plurality of conductive traces that electrically communicate with their surroundings. The plurality of electrodes are arranged in a triangular lattice circumferentially around and axially along the carrier, and the substrate includes an edge that extends axially along the carrier and is constrained between a first axial row portion of the plurality of electrode sites and a second axial row portion of the plurality of electrode sites adjacent to the first axial row portion.
The present invention relates to a medical device (2) for electrical stimulation. The device comprising an implantable elongated lead system (20) having a distal end (21) and a proximal end (22), the lead system comprises one or more electrical conductors (23) for connection to one or more electrodes (24). The one or more electrical conductors are wound along a length axis (25) of the lead system with a plurality of windings, and wherein the density of windings is non-uniformly distributed along the length axis. In an embodiment, the medical device is in the form of a deep brain stimulation (DBS) device.
The implantable electrode system of the preferred embodiments includes a conductor, an interconnect coupled to the conductor, an insulator that insulates the interconnect, and an anchor that is connected to both the conductor and the insulating element. The anchor is mechanically interlocked with at least one of the conductor and the insulator.
The implantable device system of the preferred embodiments includes a guide tube, a first electrical subsystem, and a second electrical subsystem. The first electrical subsystem is connected to the second electrical subsystem. The guide tube functions to facilitate the insertion of at least one first electrical subsystem and is adapted to allow the first electrical subsystem(s) to move freely with the tissue, allowing the placement of the first electrical subsystem without disconnecting the second electrical subsystem. The implantable device system may be implanted into the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, muscle, or any other suitable anatomical location. The guide tube of the system, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.
An implantable device for body tissue, including an electrical subsystem that flexes within and interfaces with body tissue and a carrier that operates in the following two modes: provides structural support for the electrical subsystem during implantation of the device in body tissue and allows flexing of the electrical subsystem after implantation of the device in body tissue. The implantable device is preferably designed to be implanted into the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, muscle, or any other suitable anatomical location. The implantable device, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.
The electrode lead system of a preferred embodiment includes a series of first electrical subsystems; a guiding element that positions the series of first electrical subsystems in a three dimensional arrangement within body tissue; a second electrical subsystem; and at least one connector that couples the first electrical subsystems to the second electrical subsystem. The electrode lead system of another preferred embodiment includes a series of electrode arrays; a guide tube that facilitates implantation of electrode arrays within body tissue and temporarily contains the series of electrode arrays; and a guiding element that provides a bias on the series of electrode arrays such that (a) when contained by the guide tube, the first electrical subsystems maintain a substantially singular path within body tissue, and (b) when not contained by the guide tube, the first electrical subsystems diverge along more than one path into a three dimensional arrangement within body tissue.
The method of the preferred embodiments includes the steps of providing a base having a frame portion and a center portion; building a preliminary structure coupled to the base; removing a portion of the preliminary structure to define a series of devices and a plurality of bridges; removing the center portion of the base such that the frame portion defines an open region, wherein the plurality of bridges suspend the series of devices in the open region defined by the frame; and encapsulating the series of devices. The method is preferably designed for the manufacture of semiconductor devices, and more specifically for the manufacture of encapsulated implantable electrodes. The method, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.
The neural interface system of the preferred embodiments includes an electrode array having a plurality of electrode sites and a carrier that supports the electrode array. The electrode array is coupled to the carrier such that the electrode sites are arranged both circumferentially around the carrier and axially along the carrier. A group of the electrode sites may be simultaneously activated to create an activation pattern. The system of the preferred embodiment is preferably designed for deep brain stimulation, and, more specifically, for deep brain stimulation with fine electrode site positioning, selectivity, tunability, and precise activation patterning. The system of the preferred embodiments, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment (such as the spinal cord, peripheral nerve, muscle, or any other suitable anatomical location) and for any suitable reason.
Some embodiments of the invention comprise a customizable multichannel microelectrode array with a modular planar microfabricated electrode array attached to a carrier and a high density of recording and/or stimulation electrode sites disposed thereon. Novel methods of making and using same are also disclosed.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
10 - Medical apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Microelectrodes, impedance spectroscopy system consisting of a computer and impedance tester for in vivo and in vitro characterization of electrodes, all for use in neuroscience research Medical microelectrodes and drug delivery electrodes; brain wave amplifier; electronic brain stimulator; all for use in brain surgery
