Missouri Patent of the Month – March 2022
Electroencephalography (EEG) headsets are used to gather brain signal information from a subject. They can gather multiple types of information depending on the application at hand. For instance, brain computer interface (BCI) applications can be used in stroke therapy, where the headset gathers ipsilateral brain signals. The tricky part of gathering this data is the variation in patient anatomy. The medical expert might know the general region to place the electrodes, but the exact location is patient dependent.
NeuroLutions, Inc., a medical device company focused on developing neuro-rehabilitation solutions, has designed an improved EEG headset which is capable of precise and consistent electrode positioning. These headsets are designed with deformable thermoplastic strips which can form to the user’s head for a total custom headset. The strips are made of a low temperature thermoplastic material to make custom forming easy at any location. The placement and forming of the three strips allows for the headset to accommodate any patient anatomy. Once this headset is formed, the four key electrodes can be placed in the shape of a 3 pointed star with the fourth acting as a central point. The central electrode gathers ipsilateral brain signals while the other three gather data used to determine background noise.
Their device is FDA approved to leverage BCI technology to assist chronic stroke patients in rehabilitation. With the more accurate electrode positioning and ipsilateral data, their device can then utilize the uninjured, or ipsilateral, side of the brain to improve arm and hand function.
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