A FLEXIBLE ELECTRODE CARRIER

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flexible electrode carrier for neurostimulation, in particular for Cortical and/or Deep Brain Stimulation, having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the flexible electrode carrier comprises at least two zones each comprising a plurality of electrodes.

Claims

1. A flexible electrode carrier for neurostimulation, the flexible electrode carrier having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the flexible electrode carrier comprises at least two zones each comprising a plurality of electrodes.

2. The flexible electrode carrier according to claim 1, wherein the flexible electrode carrier is at least substantially elongated.

3. The flexible electrode carrier according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes in each of the at least two zones comprise at least one type of electrodes.

4. The flexible electrode carrier according to claim 3, wherein the type of an electrode is at least one of the group of size, shape, and material.

5. The flexible electrode carrier according to claim 4, wherein the material of which the electrodes are made is reduced-graphene oxide or platinum-iridium alloy.

6. The flexible electrode carrier according to claim 3, wherein the types of electrodes are each arranged in an individual pattern within the at least two zones.

7. The flexible electrode carrier according to claim 1, wherein the flexible electrode carrier is widened at the distal end.

8. The flexible electrode carrier according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes of one of the at least two zones are embedded in a thin film substrate.

9. The flexible electrode carrier according to claim 1, wherein the flexible electrode carrier is for Cortical Brain Stimulation and/or Deep Brain Stimulation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] In the drawings:

[0047] FIG. 1 a first embodiment of a flexible electrode carrier having two zones according to the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 2 a second embodiment of a flexible electrode carrier having three zones according to the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 3 an embodiment of a zone at a distal end of a flexible electrode carrier according to the present invention;

[0050] FIGS. 4a-4d four embodiments of different zones of a flexible electrode carrier according to the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 5 a first embodiment of a widened distal end of a flexible electrode carrier according to the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 6 a second embodiment of a widened distal end of a flexible electrode carrier according to the present invention; and

[0053] FIG. 7 a third embodiment of a widened distal end of a flexible electrode carrier according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] In FIG. 1, a first embodiment of an elongated flexible electrode carrier 100, in particular for Deep Brain Stimulation, according to the present invention is shown, wherein the elongated flexible electrode carrier 100 has a proximal end 104 and a distal end 106.

[0055] Moreover, the elongated flexible electrode carrier 100 comprises a first zone 108 at the proximal end 104 and a second zone 110 at the distal end 106, wherein each of the zones 108, 110 comprises a plurality of electrodes 112.

[0056] Because the zones 108, 110 are spaced apart, two brain areas that are also spaced apart can be stimulated or recorded simultaneously or asynchronously.

[0057] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of an elongated flexible electrode carrier 100 inserted through opening 12 of the cranium 14.

[0058] The elongated flexible electrode carrier 100 comprises three zones 108, 110, 114.

[0059] Each of the zones 108, 110, and 114 comprises a plurality of electrodes 112.

[0060] The elongated flexible electrode carrier 100 in FIG. 2 is bended as to adapt to three different brain areas (not shown) of the brain tissue. The flexibility enables the electrode to be adaptable, wherein the flexibility is preferably limited in such a way that the bended or flexed electrode carrier 100 substantially keeps its form.

[0061] In FIG. 3, an embodiment of a zone 116 at the distal end 106 of a flexible electrode carrier 100 is shown.

[0062] The zone 116 comprises a plurality of electrodes of a first type 118 being the default or general type used in combination with the flexible electrode carrier 100 as presented and a plurality of electrodes of second type 120 being specific electrodes which may be different to the first type electrode 118 due to their size, shape, material or the like. Both electrode types 118, 120 are disposed in arrangements offset to each other or interlaced. Such arrangements can be (but are not limited) hexagonal arrangements, line arrangements, rectangular arrangements, symmetrical arrangements or asymmetrical arrangements. In particular, hexagonal arrangements are offering advantages in terms of symmetry and optimal mesh coverage.

[0063] Due to the pattern formed by the electrode types 118, 120 within the zone 116 shown in FIG. 3, provided that both types 118, 120 are activated at the same time, the stimulation field is most likely a superimposed one. But it is also possible that e.g. the first type electrode 118 stimulates while the second type electrode 120 records the signals of the affected brain area.

[0064] In FIGS. 4a-4d, different possible patterns within one zone of an elongated flexible electrode carrier 100 are presented. FIG. 4a corresponds to the pattern of electrode types 118, 120 shown in FIG. 3, while FIG. 4b and FIG. 4c are the corresponding patterns with just one of the two electrode types 118, 120. FIG. 4d furthermore shows another electrode of a third type 122 which much greater than the first two electrode types 118, 120, whereby the FIG. 4d results.

[0065] In FIG. 5, an embodiment of a widened distal end 106 of a flexible electrode carrier 100 is shown, preferably used in Cortical Brain Stimulation, wherein the widened distal end 106 forms a kind of pad having a rectangular shape. However, other shapes matching the targeted brain area are possible as well.

[0066] Again, a plurality of first type electrodes 118 and second type electrodes 120 is arranged in lines offset to each other, but also other patterns are also possible. The electrodes 118, 120 are arranged in a plane to cover a corresponding area of the brain tissue to be stimulated.

[0067] The widened distal end 106 is flexible so that, on the one hand, the pad-like distal end 106 can adapt to the curvature of targeted brain area. On the other hand, the pad-like distal end 106 can be folded or wrapped around a longitudinal axis for the insertion of the flexible electrode carrier into a patient's cranium 14.

[0068] In FIG. 6, another widened distal 106 is shown, wherein first type electrodes 118 are arranged inside third type electrodes 122 forming a frame.

[0069] Finally in FIG. 7, a further embodiment of a widened distal end 106 having first and second type electrode 118, 120 and forming a circular shape is shown. As presented in FIG. 7, the widened distal end 106 may have at least one opening 124.

REFERENCE SIGNS

[0070] 100 flexible electrode carrier [0071] 102 antenna [0072] 104 proximal end [0073] 106 distal end [0074] 108 first zone [0075] 110 second zone [0076] 112 electrode [0077] 114 third zone [0078] 116 zone at distal end [0079] 118 first electrode type [0080] 120 second electrode type [0081] 122 third electrode type [0082] 200 wearable device [0083] 300 mobile device