Methods and apparatus for electrode placement and tracking
Inventors
Parvizi, Josef • Chao, Xingjuan • Bachelder, Bradley G. • Woo, Raymond • Herron, Mathew A. • Saadat, Vahid • Grant, Alexander M. • Yi, Jianchun
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12324670-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-10
Expiration Date
Abstract
An electrode carrier system includes one or more electrode assemblies having an electrode body. One or more tubular members extend from the electrode body and define a lumen terminating in a distal opening. The electrode assemblies carry a reservoir containing a conductive fluid or gel. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the lumens in the tubular members, and the electrode assemblies are typically supported on a backing which may optionally be configured as a headband. Systems are for tracking patient movement may be used in combination with the electrode carrier system.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an electrode assembly for EEG that includes an electrode body having a reservoir, a horizontal passageway, and one or more members extending from the electrode body. The reservoir comprises a conductive fluid or gel. The one or more members include a vertical lumen directly connected to the horizontal passageway, and the vertical lumen and the horizontal passageway are configured to deliver the conductive fluid or gel from the reservoir to the vertical lumen via the horizontal passageway.
In the described EEG electrode carrier system, electrode assemblies are mounted on an elongated backing such as a headband or headgear. The conductive fluid or gel reservoir is provided in fluid communication with lumens of the electrode assemblies to establish a conductive path to scalp tissue. The assemblies may include a compressible reservoir and/or a sealed dispensing container with a plunger to facilitate gel delivery through the internal passageway and into the vertical lumen.
The invention further combines the electrode assembly with motion tracking for movement assessment and artifact rejection. Visual tracking using fiducial markers and an optical imager such as a camera with computer vision may be used to assess movement, and motion detection using accelerometers may also be combined with the EEG electrodes for real-time movement assessment. The resulting information supports artifact rejection based on movement assessment and/or contact conditions.
Claims Coverage
The document includes one independent claim. It defines the core inventive structure for delivering a conductive fluid or gel from a reservoir through internal passages to a vertical lumen, with dependent claims refining delivery, tissue-contact, and EEG carrier/system and measurement concepts.
Reservoir with conductive fluid or gel connected to delivery passages
An electrode body comprising a reservoir comprising a conductive fluid or gel, a horizontal passageway, and one or more members extending from the electrode body; the one or more members comprise a vertical lumen directly connected to the horizontal passageway, and the vertical lumen and the horizontal passageway are configured to deliver the conductive fluid or gel from the reservoir to the vertical lumen via the horizontal passageway.
Vertical lumen directly connected to horizontal passageway
A configuration in which the vertical lumen is directly connected to the horizontal passageway such that delivery of the conductive fluid or gel proceeds from the reservoir to the vertical lumen via the horizontal passageway.
Conductive fluid or gel delivery path to electrode members
The electrode body passages are configured to deliver the conductive fluid or gel from the reservoir into the vertical lumen as a delivery path for the conductive material at the electrode member.
Across the independent claim, the inventive coverage centers on an electrode body having a reservoir of conductive fluid or gel, a horizontal passageway, and members with a vertical lumen directly connected to the horizontal passageway, with the passages configured to deliver the conductive fluid or gel from the reservoir to the vertical lumen.
Stated Advantages
Reduces contact resistance between the electrode assemblies and the skin surface.
Supports real-time movement assessment.
Supports artifact rejection based on movement assessment and/or contact conditions.
Documented Applications
EEG electrode carrier system using an electrode assembly mounted on a headband or headgear, combined with fiducial markers and an optical imager and/or accelerometers for movement assessment and artifact rejection.
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