Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a novel skin-screw electrode that can be installed within the hairy regions of the scalp in a fraction of a second. This innovative electrode design significantly reduces the labor and material costs associated with traditional EEG electrode installation, while providing excellent signal performance. The preparation-free installation process minimizes discomfort for patients and enhances the efficiency of EEG studies, making it a valuable tool for various clinical and research applications.
Description
This invention features an electrode with teeth oriented along a circular rim. When twisted onto the scalp, the teeth penetrate the skin and move horizontally under the stratum corneum, anchoring the electrode securely and achieving a larger electrical contact area. This method converts the stratum corneum into a useful biological component for electrode installation, causing minimal discomfort as the small teeth do not reach the deeper pain fibers. The electrodes can be fabricated in various shapes and connected to detachable leads with magnetic properties, replacing traditional cup EEG electrodes and eliminating the need for accessories like electrode gel, adhesives, and EEG tapes.
Applications
- Epilepsy studies
- Psychiatric studies
- Physiological monitoring
- Noninvasive brain-computer interfaces for hands-free electronic gaming
Advantages
The preparation-free skin-screw electrode offers rapid installation, significantly reducing labor and material costs. It provides excellent signal performance compared to existing EEG electrodes and ensures stable recordings. The electrodes are disposable and can be used on both humans and other animals, making them versatile for various applications.
Invention Readiness
The technology has been tested on large animals and humans, with prototypes available. Experimental results demonstrate the electrode's effectiveness in providing stable and high-quality EEG recordings, highlighting its potential for widespread clinical and research use.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US8112139B2
