Protótipo de posicionador craniano de eletrodos para estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua de alta definição utilizando tecnologias 3D

Abstract

Introduction: Among the non-pharmacological strategies for the treatment of chronic pain, high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-ETCC) is a very promising strategy, as it acts by focally modulating pain at the cortical level from the application of current continuous electrical current on the cranial scalp. In the context of manufacturing health devices, 3D technologies, using Additive Manufacturing as a basis, become an accessible and innovative tool in the development of this device. The choice of AM is due to the fact that it is a technology little used in the area in question, has a lower market cost and allows the device to be developed in an accessible, practical and adaptable way to the need for positioning for neuromodulation. Objective: to develop a 4x1 electrode positioning device for high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation using 3D technologies. Methodology: For the development of the device, four stages were followed. Initially, a digital capture of the region of interest was performed from a digital scan of the head/skull of an adult individual. In the next step, three-dimensional digital modeling was performed using the CAD software and the positioning metric was defined using the EEG 10-20 system for stimulation of the primary motor cortex (M1). During the manufacturing stage, the electrode positioning device was printed, as well as a biomodel of the skull/soft tissue of the individual chosen to serve as a model for testing the product. At this stage, the suction cups that will serve as conductors of the electrical current for stimulation were also created. For the manufacture of the biomodel and also for the positioner, the chosen technology was FDM, which is widely used in the creation of thermoplastics. The material used for printing was PLA, which has good resistance and low cost. The suction cups were manufactured by SLA technology, using liquid resin as material. Finally, there was a product evaluation, which consisted of carrying out device function tests according to the objectives outlined for manufacturing. Results: according to some studies such as VILLAMAR, M. F. et al (2013) it is possible to propose that The use of the 4x1 ring in transcranial direct current stimulation becomes an approach that better focuses the area of interest and increases the duration of effects. And for this manufacturing to be lower cost and use a technological resource, additive manufacturing was used for its manufacture, which is on the rise in the development of health products. (ISO/ASTM 52900: 2016). Conclusion: it was possible to develop and manufacture an electrode positioner prototype for high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation using additive manufacturing, making it a cheap, easy-to-handle, biodegradable device with possibilities of applicability in scientific research. clinical.