Ultrasound Visibility
The Injectrode was designed with patients and clinicians in mind. This not only means easy placement and removal, but it also means clear ultrasound guidance, overcoming limitations of harmful fluoroscopic radiation, and providing real-time feedback.
Precise Device Placement and Removal
When bony landmarks are absent and nerves are not visible via fluoroscopy, clinicians often turn to ultrasound for device placement. The Injectrode's hyperechoic appearance under ultrasound (2-15 MHz) allows clinicians to navigate tough anatomical areas and make real-time adjustments.
The Injectrode's helical wire structure enhances its visibility under ultrasound, strongly contrasting it from surrounding tissues. Once implanted, this structure allows for clear observation of the "unzipping" process during removal, streamlining the procedure for clinicians.
“The flexibility of the Injectrode is like an art. You can customize placement for each patient to position the external stimulator in a convenient location. You simply draw with it.”
Hesham Elsharkawy, MD, MBA
Flexibility Observed in Real-Time
The Injectrode's helical structure offers both mechanical stability within tissue and a unique flexibility visible under ultrasound. This self-anchoring design eliminates the need for additional tines or sutures. Ultrasound imaging provides both long-axis and short-axis views, showing the device's adaptability to nerve targets and accommodating anatomical variations.
During device placement, the Injectrode has three anchor points: the stimulating anchor on the nerve, the subcutaneous one beneath the skin, and a central strain-relief anchor. Under ultrasound, the device's capability to fold on itself is evident, assisting with integration during initial encapsulation phases while reducing tissue damage.
Minimize or Eliminate Radiation
Ultrasound-guided placement of the Injectrode offers a clear advantage over traditional modalities by making deep anatomical structures visible, enabling precise lead placement without the need for prolonged fluoroscopic exposure. Extended use of fluoroscopy has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts in clinicians. Reducing reliance on fluoroscopy not only provides a clearer view but also mitigates potential health risks to both practitioners and patients, including harmful radiation exposure. Ultrasound presents a safer alternative, expanding the potential for broader neuromodulation applications.
Learn more
Interested in a deeper look at our findings? We presented this data about the Injectrode’s capabilities in a detailed scientific poster. Click below and explore the full poster.