Systems, methods and devices for a skull/brain interface

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016296746-A1
Application number	US-201615177311-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Jun 8, 2016
Priority date	Oct 30, 2007
Publication date	Oct 13, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for directing and focusing signals to the brain for neuromodulation and for directing and focusing signals or other energy from the brain for measurement, heat transfer and imaging. An aperture in the skull and/or a channel device implantable in the skull can be used to facilitate direction and focusing. Treatment and diagnosis of multiple neurological conditions may be facilitated with the disclosed systems, methods and devices.

First claim

1 . A plug for an aperture in a skull, the plug comprising:
a piece of material dimensioned to approximate a length and a width of the aperture, wherein the material has an inner core comprising a first substance and an outer core comprising a second substance, and the first substance and the second substance are different.

2 . The plug of claim 1 , wherein the first substance is at least partially permeable to ions.

3 . The plug of claim 1 , wherein the first substance comprises one or more of the following: porous silicone, a porous polyurethane, a saline solution, and a hydrogel.

4 . The plug of claim 1 , wherein the first substance comprises a porous mass constructed by sintering together particles of a nonporous polymer, wherein the nonporous polymer comprises one or more of the following: a polyurethane, a polytetrafluoroethlene, a polyetheretherketone, a polyester, and a polyamide.

5 . The plug of claim 1 , wherein the first substance is provided in an open-pore sponge.

6 . The plug of claim 1 , wherein the second substance is not permeable to ions.

7 . The plug of claim 1 , wherein the second substance comprises one or more of a biocompatible metal and a biocompatible polymer.

8 . The plug of claim 1 , wherein the piece of material has an exterior periphery provided with at least one structure for aiding in affixing the plug in the aperture.

9 . The plug of claim 8 , wherein the at least one structure is for aiding in temporarily affixing the plug in the aperture.

10 . The plug of claim 8 , wherein the at least one structure is a ridge.

11 . The plug of claim 1 , the piece of material further comprising a proximal end and a distal end each adapted to be oriented such that, when the plug is implanted, the proximal end is oriented at an outer layer of the skull and the distal end is oriented towards and inner layer of the skull, and wherein the plug is characterized by a taper that narrows from the proximal end to the distal end.

Assignees

• Neuropace Inc

Inventors

• Wingeier Brett
• Pless Benjamin

Classifications

• A61N1/20

  continuous direct currents · CPC title

• A61N5/0601

  Apparatus for use inside the body · CPC title

• A61N1/303

  Constructional details (electrodes for external use A61N1/0428) · CPC title

• A61N1/36082

  Cognitive or psychiatric applications, e.g. dementia or Alzheimer's disease · CPC title

• A61N1/36025

  for treating a mental or cerebral condition · CPC title