A Device for Placement of Intranasal Electrode

NU 2024-208  

INVENTORS

• Bruce Kuang-Huay Tan*
• Christina Zelano*
• Gregory Lane
• Michael Garrett
• Philippe Genereux
• James Henderson
• Josh Miller

SHORT DESCRIPTION

A device engineered for one-handed, precise placement and stabilization of an intranasal electrode for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications in humans.  

BACKGROUND

Recording and stimulating the olfactory epithelium and bulb has been historically challenging due to their deep, anatomically complex location behind the cribriform plate. By placing a nasal cavity device, such as an electrode, up into the olfactory cleft, one can record signals from both the epithelium and the bulb. However, these devices must be precisely placed in a very small area that is unfamiliar to common ENT practice, which can result in inexact device placement and painful adjustments.

ABSTRACT

This invention introduces a specialized device featuring a handle with integrated controls, a hollow shaft, and a curved tip, designed specifically for one-handed placement, adjustment, and stabilization of an intranasal electrode device. Utilizing endoscopic guidance, the device positions the electrode precisely within the olfactory cleft, allowing direct electrophysiological recording, stimulation, and localized drug delivery. Such capabilities open new avenues for diagnostic evaluation, therapeutic intervention, and detailed mapping of olfactory function.

APPLICATIONS

• Placement of nasal cavity device into the human olfactory cleft

  ADVANTAGES

• Allows one-handed control for rapid and precise electrode placement in patients with diverse anatomy
• Integrates directional guidance, placement, and stabilization into a single device
• Reduces setup time and minimizes procedural errors through a pre-integrated design

IP STATUS

• US Provisional Patent Filed