New electrode materials for an arthroscopic probe
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Osteoarthritis is a degenerative cartilage disease that currently affects approximately 7% of the global population and is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the ten most disabling conditions in developed countries. Biomomentum Inc. is developing an arthroscopic probe for accurate, non-destructive assessment of articular cartilage and is investigating cost-effective strategies to enhance overall system performance by optimizing the parameters of the device’s microelectrodes.
The current device employs an array of 37 microelectrodes to measure the electrical potential generated during compression of healthy cartilage. To obtain reliable readings from each microelectrode, the system relies on a complex electronic circuit with high input impedance. Maintaining the electrical stability of this circuit requires additional shielding and precise control of the microelectrode impedance spectrum. In this project, a novel approach will be developed to modify electrode characteristics through the application of conductive polymer coatings. Such coatings have already been successfully used by Professor Cicoira’s group to reduce the impedance of neural and muscle electrodes.
Successful completion of this project will significantly enhance the performance of Biomomentum’s arthroscopic probe. A reliable instrument capable of detecting early cartilage changes would provide a valuable tool for evaluating disease-modifying therapies for osteoarthritis and guiding early interventions to prevent joint replacement, potentially generating substantial cost savings for the Quebec healthcare system. Furthermore, this project will contribute to the training and development of two doctoral students.
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