Thin-Film Micro Electrode Array And Method

• US 20100130844A1
• Filed: 11/21/2008
• Published: 05/27/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (University of Wisconsin System)
• Original Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (University of Wisconsin System)
• Inventors: Niemann, David, Sillay, Karl A., Ahmed, Azam, Kim, Jiwan, Williams, Justin C.
• Granted Patent: US 8,386,007 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/378
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/291 for electroencephalography [EEG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/293 Invasive
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0531 Brain cortex electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3605 Implantable neurostimulators for stimulating central or peripheral nerve system

Abstract

A thin-film microelectrode array tailored for long-term, minimally invasive cortical recording or stimulation and method are provided. The microelectrode array includes a flexible element that is movable between a first contracted configuration and a second expanded configuration. An array of contacts is provided on the flexible element. The contacts are engagable with a cortical surface with the flexible element in the expanded configuration. A link operatively connects the array of contacts to a control module. The link is capable of transmitting at least one of cortical recordings and cortical stimulation signals thereon.

Claims

1. An electrode tailored for long-term, minimally invasive cortical recording or stimulation, comprising:

a flexible element having first and second sides, the flexible element movable between a first contracted configuration and a second expanded configuration;

a contact received in the second side of the flexible element, the contact engagable with a cortical surface with the flexible element in the expanded configuration; and

a link for operatively connecting the contact to a control module, the link capable of transmitting at least one of cortical recordings and cortical stimulation signals thereon.

2. The electrode of claim 1 wherein the second side of the flexible element is hydrophilic.

3. The electrode of claim 1 wherein the first side of the flexible element is hydrophobic.

4. The electrode of claim 1 wherein the flexible element moves between the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration in response to a predetermined stimulus.

5. The electrode of claim 4 wherein the predetermined stimulus is voltage.

6. The electrode of claim 1 wherein the link includes a cable having a first end operatively connected to the contact and a second end connectable to the control module.

7. The electrode of claim 1 further comprising a second contact, the second contact engagable with a cortical surface with the flexible element in the expanded configuration.

8. A thin-film microelectrode array tailored for long-term, minimally invasive cortical recording or stimulation, comprising:

a flexible element movable between a first contracted configuration and a second expanded configuration;

an array of contacts provided on the flexible element, the contacts engagable with a cortical surface with the flexible element in the expanded configuration; and

a link for operatively connecting the array of contacts to a control module, the link capable of transmitting at least one of cortical recordings and cortical stimulation signals thereon.

9. The microelectrode array of claim 8 wherein the flexible element includes first and second sides, the second side of the flexible element being hydrophilic.

10. The microelectrode array of claim 8 wherein the flexible element includes first and second sides, the first side of the flexible element being hydrophobic.

11. The microelectrode array of claim 8 wherein the flexible element moves between the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration in response to a predetermined stimulus.

12. The microelectrode array of claim 11 wherein the predetermined stimulus is voltage.

13. The microelectrode array of claim 8 wherein the link includes a plurality of lines, each line having a first end operatively connected to one of the array of contacts and a second end connectable to the control module.

14. A method for implanting an electrode having an array of contacts on a cortical surface, comprising the steps of:

positioning the electrode on the cortical surface, the electrode movable between a first contracted configuration and a second expanded configuration; and

unfurling the electrode from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration such that the array of contacts engage the cortical surface.

15. The method of claim 14 comprising the additional step of transmitting cortical recordings from the array of contacts to a control module.

16. The method of claim 14 comprising the additional step of transmitting cortical stimulation signals to the array of contacts.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein the electrode includes first and second sides, the second side of the flexible element being hydrophilic.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein the electrode includes first and second sides, the first side of the flexible element being hydrophobic.

19. The method of claim 14 wherein the step unfurling the electrode includes the additional step of applying a predetermined stimulus to the electrode.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the predetermined stimulus is voltage.

21. The method of claim 14 comprising the additional step of operatively connecting the array of contacts to a control module.