Vacuum-actuated percutaneous insertion/implantation tool for flexible neural probes and interfaces

摘要

A flexible device insertion tool including an elongated stiffener with one or more suction ports, and a vacuum connector for interfacing the stiffener to a vacuum source, for attaching the flexible device such as a flexible neural probe to the stiffener during insertion by a suction force exerted through the suction ports to, and to release the flexible device by removing the suction force.

主权项

1. A flexible device insertion tool, comprising:
a linear rigid-body shank having a handle end and an opposite insertion end, a suction channel extending between the handle and insertion ends, suction ports located between the handle and insertion ends and in fluidic communication with the suction channel, and a connector port at the handle end in fluidic communication with the suction ports via the suction channel; and a vacuum connector having a first port adapted to connect to a vacuum source, a second port in fluidic communication with the first port, and means for mounting the handle end of the rigid-body shank on the vacuum connector so that the connector port of the rigid-body shank is aligned with the second port, and the first port is in fluidic communication with the suction ports, whereby, upon connecting a vacuum source to the first port, mounting the rigid-body shank on the vacuum connector, and activating the vacuum source, an elongated flexible device positioned adjacent the suction ports is releasably attached alongside and parallel to the rigid-body shank by a suction force exerted by the suction ports during insertion, wherein the rigid-body shank includes support ribs distributed along the suction channel so that the suction ports are formed therebetween.