Systems, methods, and devices using stretchable or flexible electronics for medical applications

摘要

System, devices and methods are presented that integrate stretchable or flexible circuitry, including arrays of active devices for enhanced sensing, diagnostic, and therapeutic capabilities. The invention enables conformal sensing contact with tissues of interest, such as the inner wall of a lumen, a nerve bundle, or the surface of the heart. Such direct, conformal contact increases accuracy of measurement and delivery of therapy.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a stretchable substrate; a stretchable circuitry selectively attached to said stretchable substrate, said stretchable circuitry comprising: an array of recording electrodes receiving signals from a plurality of nerve sources when at least a portion of said array of recording electrodes is in electrical contact with said plurality of nerve sources; a plurality of amplifiers, each amplifier of said plurality of amplifiers being in electronic communication with a recording electrode of said array of recording electrodes; at least one stretchable interconnect capable of being made longer or wider without tearing or breaking, said at least one stretchable interconnect disposed between, and in electrical communication with, at least one recording electrode of the array of recording electrodes and at least one amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers, said at least one recording electrode of the array of recording electrodes and said at least one amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers being selectively attached to said stretchable substrate, and at least a portion of said at least one stretchable interconnect being free of said stretchable substrate; and an array of stimulating electrodes; and a processing facility in electronic communication with said array of recording electrodes and said array of stimulating electrodes that receives said signals from a plurality of nerve sources from said recording electrodes and is configured to determine a pattern of stimulation signals to be effected by said array of stimulating electrodes.