WO2025101059A1 - Auxiliary device for placing depth electrodes in animals for laboratory tests - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention describes an auxiliary device for placing depth electrodes in animals for laboratory tests, which is a device for inserting depth electrodes for stereotaxic tests and which, additionally, has a base that is placed on lancets of a stereotaxic device by means of clamps. Another feature of the invention is that is comprises an electrode inserting plate that allows the electrodes to be inserted safely without harming the test animal. The auxiliary device for placing depth electrodes in animals for laboratory tests is designed to fit to the shape of the skull of the animal, securing same such that it is immobilised, thus facilitating the intervention.

Description

AUXILIARY DEVICE FOR PLACING DEEP ELECTRODES ON ANIMALS FOR LABORATORY TESTS

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the technical field of engineering, stereotaxy, microelectrode technology, electrophysiology, brain stimulation, neuroscience, and more specifically to neurosurgery, since it provides an auxiliary device for the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the experimental practices in the area of neurosciences, one of the most common in the experimentation and analysis of physiological signals of the brain, are the insertion of deep electrodes for the realization of electroencephalograms which allows the visualization and analysis of the electrical signals of the brain, however, being a practice carried out on live animals, there is a risk of being able to generate damage by not doing the insertion correctly, in addition to needing to perforate the skull in order to place an electrode support system which generates more interventions in the animal.

Stereotactic electrodes are devices used in neurosurgery for electrical stimulation or recording in specific areas of the brain with high precision. They have a long history of development and application in the research and treatment of various neurological conditions. The origin of stereotaxic electrodes dates back to the 1930s with the development of the stereotaxic frame, a tool that allows the head to be fixed in a stable and precise position to target specific areas of the brain. This allowed procedures to be performed with greater precision and safety.

In the 1980s, a key discovery was made when researchers began using deep brain stimulation to treat neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. Electrical stimulation of certain brain regions proved effective in reducing the symptoms of these diseases. With the advancement of neurosurgery and microelectronics, more sophisticated and miniaturized intracerebral electrodes were developed. These electrodes could be implanted more precisely and allowed for more selective stimulation or recording of neurons in specific brain regions.

Stereotaxic electrodes have been widely used in neuroscience research to study neuronal activity in animals and humans. These studies have been instrumental in understanding how different brain regions function and how they relate to various cognitive and motor functions.

Over time, stereotaxic electrodes have been used to treat a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and Alzheimer's disease, among others.

As technology has advanced, stereotaxic electrodes have improved in size, durability, and recording and stimulation capabilities. They have also been integrated with other devices such as real-time brain imaging systems and advanced neuroimaging techniques for more precise planning and placement. Stereotactic electrodes have a long history of development and application in neurosurgery and neuroscience research. They have been instrumental in the study and treatment of various neurological conditions, and their continued evolution promises to further drive progress in neuroscience and medicine.

There are several types of stereotaxic electrodes used for different purposes in functional neurosurgery and neuroscience research. Some of the most common types are listed below:

Electroencephalographic ( EEG) recording electrodes: These electrodes are used to record the brain's electrical activity and are commonly used in research studies, epilepsy diagnosis, and intraoperative monitoring. EEG electrodes are typically made of flexible, conductive materials, allowing for comfortable and secure placement on the scalp surface or directly on the cerebral cortex.

Electrocorticography (ECoG) electrodes: ECoG is a technique that involves placing electrodes directly on the exposed brain surface. These electrodes are used to study brain activity in real time during brain surgery and also in research to understand brain activity patterns under various conditions.

Microelectrodes: These electrodes are extremely small and are used for electrophysiological studies on single cells and small groups of neurons. They are especially useful in neuroscience research to understand the details of neuronal activity and synaptic connections.

Cortical mapping electrodes: These electrodes are used to map the cerebral cortex and determine specific functional areas of the brain. They can be used to guide brain surgeries that involve the resection of pathological brain tissue while preserving important brain function.

Intracerebral depth electrodes: These electrodes are used to make electrical recordings directly from deep brain structures, such as the thalamus, globus pallidus, or subthalamic nucleus. They are also used to study neuronal activity in specific areas of the brain and for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders.

Deep brain stimulation ( DBS ) electrodes: These electrodes are specifically designed for deep brain stimulation, a treatment used for neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor , obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD ), and treatment-resistant depression . DBS electrodes consist of multiple or segmented contacts that allow for targeted stimulation of specific brain regions .

It is important to note that these are just a few examples of the types of stereotaxic electrodes available, and research and technology in this field continue to advance, which may lead to new developments and applications in the future. The choice of electrode type depends on the specific purpose of the procedure or study and the clinical or research needs of the patient or study subject.

A search was carried out for the state of the art of auxiliary devices in the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests, where it was found that different devices have been developed for this purpose, as mentioned in the patent document of the Russian Federation number RU2432902 (C2), with publication date of November 10, 2011, entitled "CHAMBER FOR MEASURING PROBLEMS AT INDIVIDUAL LEVEL OF THE COGNITIVE ABILITY OF RATS", which refers to a single measuring chamber consisting of two modules. The upper module is made in the form of a truncated hexagonal pyramid, of organic glass with six output channels, covered with hinged inclined doors and magnets, tabs and photodiodes above each chamber door, which are activated by deliberately pushing the inclined door inwards by the head or paws of the rat under experimentation, tested during exit or attempt to open the blocked door, with a sound stimulus delivery buzzer. The lower module represents the electrode floor for aversive electrical stimulation of the animal's paws.

Also found was China utility model document No. CN214912698 (U), with publication date November 30, 2021, entitled "IMPLANTED OSCILLATING ELECTRIC FIELD STIMULATOR FOR ANIMAL EXPERIMENTS", which describes a stimulator; the stimulation electrode is fixed on the vertebrae of the animal and connected to the stimulator via a cable; the stimulation electrodes are provided in a plurality of pairs, so that the electric field intensity in the damage plane is more uniform; The utility model discloses being applied to spinal cord injuries in small animals such as rats or rabbits, implanting stimulation electrodes internally, and the stimulator is kept in some external location or embedded in the subcutaneous, continuously exerting the effect of oscillating electric field in order to study its influence and degree of spinal cord injury.

Finally, the Chinese patent application document number CN115054821 (A) was found, with publication date of

September 16, 2022, entitled "SYSTEM OF "TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION FOR RODENTS", which refers to an electrode tube having the lower end of the columnar electrode tube through hole and communicating with the through hole of the base; the base is adhered to the skull of the rodent, and the through hole is used to inject a conductive medium; the electrode plate is fixed on the trunk skin of the rodent; the electrical stimulator is used to set the current intensity and provide voltage output; one end of the other electrode wire is inserted into the conductive medium of the electrode tube, and the other end of the other electrode wire is connected with the output port of the negative electrode or the positive electrode of the electrical stimulation instrument; the transparent behavior box is used to place the rodent to perform electrical stimulation intervention in a state of free movement in the transparent behavior box. The system adopts a method of not damaging the skull , the electrode tube is firmly attached to the surface of the skull, and the electrode tube is made of a non-metallic material and can be compatible with a nuclear magnetic resonance scanner.

The documents cited above describe electric field stimulation devices for transcranial and behavioral stimulation in animals, but do not show evidence of having a device for inserting deep electrodes for stereotaxic testing, nor do they describe a base that is placed on the lancets of a stereotaxic device by means of clamps.

The previous documents do not refer to having a plate to insert electrodes that allows introduce them safely without causing harm to the animal being tested, nor do they show a device that adapts to the shape of the animal's skull to hold it in a way that allows it to be immobilized, and thus facilitate the intervention.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide an auxiliary device for the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests, which has a punctual device for the insertion of deep electrodes for stereotaxic tests.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device in the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests, which has a base that is placed on the lancets of a stereotaxic device by means of clamps.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device for the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests, which integrates a plate for inserting the electrodes that allows them to be introduced safely without causing harm to the animal being tested.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device in the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests, which is designed to adapt to the shape of the animal's skull to hold it in a manner that allows immobilizing it and facilitating the intervention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The characteristic details of this novel auxiliary device for the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory testing are clearly shown in the following description and in the accompanying figures, as well as an illustration of the former, and following the same reference signs to indicate the parts shown. However, said figures are shown as an example and should not be considered as limiting for the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of the device used to assist in the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory testing.

Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the device used to assist in the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory testing.

Figure 3 shows a detailed front view of the clamp of the auxiliary device for the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests.

Figure 4 shows a detailed side view of the clamp of the auxiliary device for the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests.

Figure 5 shows a top view of the fixation plate of the auxiliary device for the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests.

Figure 6 shows a bottom view of the electrode plate of the auxiliary device in the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory testing.

Figure 7 shows a front view of the electrode plate of the auxiliary device for the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests.

Figure 8 shows a rear perspective view of the electrode plate of the auxiliary device for the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests.

Figure 9 shows a side perspective view of the electrode frame of the auxiliary device for the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests.

Figure 10 shows a bottom perspective view of the electrode frame of the aid device for placing deep electrodes in animals for laboratory testing.

Figure 11 shows a side perspective view of the ejector of the auxiliary device in the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For a better understanding of the present invention, the parts that make up the auxiliary device for placing deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests are listed below:

1. Fixing plate

2. Cavities 3. Electrode plate

4. Fixing elements

5. Hole

6. Drilling

7. Arm

8. Clamp

9. Upper support

10. Bottom bracket

11. Rotation element

12. Bolt

13. Pads

14. Outgoing

15. Bumps

16. Hollow

17. Slots

18. Ejection drill bit

19. Ejector

20. Button

21. Axis

22. Pusher

23. Compression medium

24. Opening

25. Guides

26. Electrode frame

27. Rear base

28. Plate

29. Front base

30. Pull handle

31. Rails

With reference to the figures, the auxiliary device for placing deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests is formed by a fixing plate (1); a plurality of cavities (2) are located on the face upper part of the fixing plate (1); an electrode plate (3) has installed on the lower face a plurality of fixing elements (4) which are configured to assemble with the cavities (2) of the fixing plate (1) and in this way ensure the union of the electrode plate (3) in the upper part of said fixing plate (1); the cavities (2) and the fixing elements (4) are preferably cylindrical in shape, which allows to assemble a secure and firm union; the fixing plate (1) and the electrode plate (3) preferably have a protruding part that makes it have a "T" shape with irregular sides.

A hole (5) is located in the middle of the fixing plate (1) and the electrode plate (3); perforations (6) are located on the rear surface of the fixing plate (1) and the electrode plate (3), preferably one at each end of the horizontal portion protruding from said fixing plates; the hole (5) and the perforations (6) pass through from the top of the electrode plate (3) to the bottom of the fixing plate (1); the hole (5), which is preferably oval, is configured to be placed on the head of an animal positioned on top of the skull and thus allow the operation area to be viewed; the perforations (6) are preferably of an elongated, irregular shape and are configured to pass the animal's ears through for laboratory testing.

At least two arms (7) which are preferably curved are installed at one end on each side of the fixing plate (1), preferably on the sides of the protruding horizontal part; a clamp (8) is installed in such a way that perpendicular at the free end of each of the arms (7).

The clamps (8) are formed by an upper support (9), which is preferably connected by the middle part, to the arm (7); a lower support (10) is connected by one of its ends to the upper support (9) by means of a rotation element (11); a bolt (12) is installed in the rotation element (11), which is configured to allow rotational movement of the lower support (10) on the upper support (9); the upper support (9) and the lower support (10) preferably have a semicircular shape.

Pads (13) are installed on the inner face of each of the upper supports (9) and the lower supports (10); a projection (14) is located on each of the upper supports (9), installed at the opposite end where the rotation elements (11) are located; protuberances (15) that are preferably rounded are located on the sides of each of the projections (14); a hollow (16) is located at the end of each of the lower supports (10) aligned with the projections (14) of the upper supports (9); slots (17) are located on the side faces of each of the hollows (16); the slots (17) preferably have the same shape as the protuberances (15); The projections (14) are configured to assemble in the recesses (16) and by means of the protuberances (15) ensure the closing of the clamps (8) when assembled in the slots (17).

The clamps (8) are configured to hold the fixing plate (1) on the lancets (not illustrated) of a stereotaxic apparatus (not illustrated) and thus hold it firmly. the device to assist in the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory testing during use; the pads (13) are configured to prevent damage to the lancets (not illustrated) when securing the protrusions (14) in the recesses (16).

An ejection hole (18) is preferably located in the center of the rear face of the electrode plate (3) passing through it from side to side; the ejection hole (18) is preferably circular in shape at the rear, in the middle part it has a smaller circular shape, and in the inner part it has a rectangular shape; an ejector (19) is installed in the ejection hole (18).

The ejector (19) has a button (20) at the rear and is configured to fit into the rear of the ejection hole (18); an axis (21) that is preferably cylindrical in shape, is installed at its rear end in the button (20), this configuration allows the axis (21) to pass through the middle part of the ejection hole (18), through the smaller circular part; a pusher (22) is installed on the axis (21), at the opposite end where the button (20) is located; the pusher (22) is configured to assemble in the front part of the ejection hole (18) since it has the same shape; a compression means (23) that is preferably a spring, is installed on the axis (21), exerting pressure with the front part of the button (20) and the rear part of the ejection hole (18); The compression means (23) is configured to keep the button (20) out of the ejection bore (18) or return said button (20) to its original position when pressed. An opening (24) is located longitudinally on the front of the electrode plate (3) without completely passing through it; a guide (25) that is preferably semi-round in shape, is located longitudinally, on each of the lateral faces of the opening (24); the guides (25) are located from the front of the electrode plate (3) to the rear of the opening (24); the opening (24) is configured to house an electrode frame (26).

The electrode frame (26) is formed by a rear base (27); a sheet (28) that is preferably translucent and that is interchangeable, is installed horizontally in the front part of the rear base (27); a front base (29) is installed from its rear part to the front part of the sheet (28); a handle (30) is installed in the front part of the front base (29); rails (31) are located on the sides of the rear base (27) and the front base (29); the rails (31) are configured to assemble in the guides (25), and in this way introduce the electrode frame (26) inside the opening (24); the rear base (27) is configured to assemble at the rear of the opening (24) and thus position the sheet (28) in the gap of the hole (5), which allows the animal's skull to be seen; the sheet (28) is configured to trace the position of the electrodes (not illustrated) to be inserted into the animal's skull, avoiding causing any type of damage to the animal that is in the auxiliary device for placing deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests.

The ejector (19) is configured to eject the electrode frame (26) when the sheet (28) needs to be changed, this is achieved by pressing the button (20) and by means of of the pusher (22) move the rear base (27) towards the outside of the opening (24), and by means of the handle (30) completely and manually extract the electrode frame (26).

The cavities (2), the fixing elements (4), the rear part of the electrode plate (3) and the rear base (27) are preferably made of a magnetic material, this configuration allows to improve the fixing force.

The projections (14), the gaps (16), the pusher (22), the opening (24), the rear base (27), the sheet (28) and the front base (29) are preferably rectangular prismatic in shape.

The projections (14) and the gaps (16) can be made of a magnetic material, this configuration allows to increase the closing force of the clamps (8).

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Examples

The following examples illustrate a preferred way of carrying out the present invention, and should not be considered as limiting it.

Example 1. Preparation of the auxiliary device for the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests.

With reference to the aforementioned figures, a sheet (28) is taken and the rear base (27) and the front base (29) are placed at the narrowest ends, then hold the electrode frame (26) by means of the handle (30) and it is introduced into the opening (24) pushing until the rear base (27) makes contact with the rear face of the electrode plate (3), once this is done the clamps (8) are opened separating the projection (14) from the gap (16). The upper supports (9) of the clamps (8) are positioned on the lancets (not illustrated) of a stereotaxic equipment (not illustrated), finally the clamps (8) are closed again securing the gaps (16) in the projections (14).

To perform the test, a rodent is placed at the bottom of the fixing plate (1) in such a way that the head is at the bottom of the hole (5) and the ears pass through the perforations (6) to begin the placement of deep electrodes in the animal's skull; the deep electrodes are then placed.

In view of the foregoing, it is reiterated that the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the embodiments specifically described; therefore, it is understood that variations may be made in various ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications may be obvious to one skilled in the art and should be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A device for assisting in the placement of deep electrodes in animals for laboratory testing, characterized in that it comprises: a fixing plate (1) having a plurality of cavities (2) on its upper face; an electrode plate (3) has installed on its lower face a plurality of fixing elements (4) that assemble in the cavities (2); an opening (5) is located in the middle part of the fixing plate (1) and the electrode plate (3); perforations (6) are located on the rear part of the surface of the fixing plate (1) and the electrode plate (3), one at each end of the horizontal part; the opening (5) and the perforations (6) pass through from the upper part of the electrode plate (3) to the lower part of the fixing plate (1); at least two arms (7) are installed at one of their ends, on each side of the fixing plate (1); a clamp (8) is installed at the free end of each of the arms (7); an ejection hole (18) is preferably located in the center of the rear face of the electrode plate (3) crossing it from side to side; an ejector (19) is installed in the ejection hole (18); an opening (24) is located longitudinally in the front part of the electrode plate (3); a guide (25) is located longitudinally, on each of the lateral faces of the opening (24); and, an electrode frame (26) is housed in the opening (24). 2. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the clamps (8) are formed by an upper support (9) that is attached to the arm (7); a lower support (10) is attached by one of its ends to the support. upper (9) by means of a rotation element (11); a bolt (12) is installed in the rotation element (11); a projection (14) is located in each of the upper supports (9), installed at the opposite end where the rotation elements (11) are located; protuberances (15) are located on the sides of each of the projections (14); a hollow (16) is located at the end of each of the lower supports (10) aligned with the projections (14) of the upper supports (9); and, slots (17) are located on the lateral faces of each of the hollows (16). 3. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the ejector (19) is formed by a button (20) located at the rear of the ejector (19); an axis (21) is installed at its rear end in the button (20); a pusher (22) is installed on the axis (21), at the opposite end where the button (20) is located; and, a compression means (23) is installed on the axis (21), exerting pressure with the front part of the button (20) and the rear part of the ejection bore (18). 4. The device of claim 1, characterized in that the electrode frame (26) is formed by a rear base (27); a sheet (28) is installed horizontally on the front part of the rear base (27); a front base (29) is installed from its rear part to the front part of the sheet (28); a handle (30) is installed on the front part of the front base (29); and, rails (31) are located on the sides of the rear base (27) and the front base (29). 5. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the fixing plate (1) and the electrode plate (3) have a protruding part that makes it have a "T" shape with irregular sides. 6. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the cavities (2) and the fixing elements (4) are cylindrical in shape. 7. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the hole (5) is oval. 8. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the perforations (6) are of an irregular elongated shape. 9. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the arms (7) are curved. 10. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the upper support (9) and the lower support (10) are semicircular in shape. 11. The device of claims 2 and 10 characterized in that pads (13) are installed on the inner face of each of the upper supports (9) and the lower supports (10). 12. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the protuberances (15) are rounded. 13. The device of claims 2 and 12 characterized in that the grooves (17) preferably have the same shape as the protuberances (15). 14. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the ejection bore (18) preferably has a circular shape in the rear part, in the middle part it has a smaller circular shape, and in the internal part it has a rectangular shape. 15. The device of claim 3 characterized in that the shaft (21) is cylindrical in shape. 16. The device of claim 3 characterized in that the compression means (23) is a spring. 17. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the guide (25) is semi-round in shape. 18. The device of claim 4 characterized in that the sheet (28) is translucent and is interchangeable. 19. The device of claims 1 and 4 characterized in that the cavities (2), the fixing elements (4), the rear part of the electrode plate (3) and the rear base (27) are made of magnetic material. 20. The device of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the projections (14), the gaps (16), the pusher (22), the opening (24), the rear base (27), the sheet (28) and the front base (29) are of rectangular prismatic shape. 21. The auxiliary device for placing deep electrodes in animals for laboratory tests of claim 2, characterized in that the projections (14) and the hollows (16) can be made of a magnetic material.