Neural depth probes and related systems and methods
Inventors
Bachinski, Thomas • Christianson, Mark A. • Mertens, Steve
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11478179-B2
Publication Date
2022-10-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
Disclosed herein are improved neural depth probes for detection and stimulation, along with various related improved components, devices, methods, and technologies. More specifically, the devices are layered depth electrodes with at least two layers, with each of the layers containing at least one thin-film trace disposed thereon. Each of the devices can also have a plurality of layers with at least two traces on each layer and contacts coupled to each trace.
Core Innovation
The invention describes an intracranial electrode and a depth electrode having an elongate body with stacked elongate layers of non-conductive thin film layers and conductive thin film connectors. Conductive connectors are disposed on and along a length of respective layers, with distal ends including side extensions that extend transversely toward sides of the elongate body. The stacked structure disposes the conductive connectors between adjacent elongate layers to define electrical coupling paths to contacts.
A lumen is defined within the stacked layers and extends along a length of the elongate body, with the lumen defined by partial layers and the first, second, and third elongate layers, or by first and second partial layers of a third layer and the first and second layers. Contacts are attached to the elongate body and are electrically coupled with the transverse side extensions, including first and second contacts coupled to respective side extensions.
The invention further covers a depth electrode in which the elongate body comprises at least two non-conductive thin film layers in a stacked configuration, including elongate conductive thin film connectors with transverse side extensions. Additional structural elements such as a liner disposed within the lumen are also described, and conductive connectors may be provided on and along different stacked layers.
Claims Coverage
The document includes three independent claims. Each independent claim focuses on multilayer electrode bodies with elongate conductive connectors, transverse side extensions, electrically coupled contacts, and a longitudinal lumen extending along the elongate body.
Layered elongate conductive connectors with transverse side extensions
An intracranial electrode comprising an elongate body with a first elongate layer; at least one first layer conductive connector disposed on and along a length of the first elongate layer, the at least one first layer conductive connector comprising a first side extension extending transversely from a distal end toward one of at least two elongate sides of the elongate body; and at least one third layer conductive connector disposed on and along a length of the third elongate layer, the at least one third layer conductive connector comprising a third side extension extending transversely from a distal end toward one of the at least two elongate sides.
Stacked layers defining a longitudinal lumen
An intracranial electrode with a second elongate layer attached to the first elongate layer such that the at least one first layer conductive connector is disposed between the first and second elongate layers; and a third elongate layer attached to the second elongate layer wherein a lumen is defined by the first and second partial layers and the first and third elongate layers, and wherein the lumen extends along a length of the elongate body.
Contacts electrically coupled to transverse side extensions
An intracranial electrode with at least one first layer contact coupled to the elongate body, wherein the at least one first layer contact is electrically coupled with the first side extension; and at least one second layer contact coupled to the elongate body, wherein the at least one second layer contact is electrically coupled with the third side extension.
Depth electrode with non-conductive stacked layers, transverse side extensions, and surrounding contacts
A depth electrode comprising an elongate body having a first elongate non-conductive layer and a second elongate non-conductive layer; at least one first layer elongate conductive connector disposed on and along a length of the first elongate non-conductive layer with a first side extension extending transversely from a distal end toward a side of the first elongate non-conductive layer; and at least one second layer elongate conductive connector disposed on and along a length of the second elongate non-conductive layer with a second side extension extending transversely from a distal end toward a side of the second elongate non-conductive layer; and at least one first layer contact disposed around the elongate body electrically coupled with the first side extension and at least one second layer contact disposed around the elongate body electrically coupled with the second side extension.
Lumen extending along the depth electrode length formed by partial layers
A depth electrode wherein a third elongate non-conductive layer comprising first and second partial layers defines a lumen by the first and second elongate non-conductive layers and the first and second partial layers, and wherein the lumen extends along a length of the elongate body.
Stacked configuration of non-conductive thin film layers with conductive thin film connectors
A depth electrode comprising an elongate body comprising a stacked configuration of at least two non-conductive thin film layers; a first elongate conductive thin film connector disposed on and along a length of a first layer of the at least two elongate non-conductive thin film layers, with a first side extension extending transversely from a distal end toward a side of the elongate body; and a second elongate conductive thin film connector disposed on and along a length of a second layer of the at least two elongate non-conductive thin film layers, with a second side extension extending transversely from a distal end toward the side of the elongate body.
Lumen defined within partial layers of a third non-conductive thin film layer
A depth electrode wherein a lumen is defined within a first and second partial layers of a third layer of the at least two elongate non-conductive thin film layers and the first and second layers of the at least two elongate non-conductive thin film layers, and wherein the lumen extends along a length of the elongate body.
Contacts attached and electrically coupled to side extensions
A depth electrode with a first contact attached to the elongate body electrically coupled with the first side extension; and a second contact attached to the elongate body electrically coupled with the second side extension.
Across the independent claims, the coverage centers on multilayer electrode bodies with elongate conductive connectors that include transverse side extensions, contacts electrically coupled to those side extensions, and a lumen extending longitudinally and defined by partial layers within the stacked structure.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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