Flexible Electrode Made of a Metallic Substrate

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This patent describes a flexible electrode made from a metallic substrate (such as a wire or needle) that is coated with a layer of polycrystalline, doped, electrically conductive diamond, separated by an intermediate layer. The substrate features one or more circular or spiral grooves to enhance flexibility, allowing the electrode to bend without damaging the diamond coating. The invention is particularly intended for dental applications, such as disinfecting root canals, where flexibility and durability in a narrow, curved space are crucial.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Disinfection and cleaning of dental root canals during endodontic treatment.
• Antimicrobial treatment of infected periodontal (gum) pockets.
• Treatment of peri-implant infections around dental implants.
• Sterilization or inactivation of bacterial and fungal biofilms in narrow or complex anatomical spaces.
• Electrochemical activation of materials (e.g., dental fillings) inside confined geometries.
• Potential use in micro-surgical or minimally invasive medical treatments that require flexible, durable electrodes.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides previously unattainable flexibility in electrodes with robust diamond coatings, preventing cracking or delamination during bending.
• Allows deep insertion into narrow, curved, and irregular channels like dental root canals for thorough cleaning and disinfection.
• High antimicrobial efficacy by generating hydroxyl radicals, ozone, and other oxidizing species directly at the treatment site.
• Excellent chemical and mechanical stability due to diamond coating, extending electrode lifespan and performance in harsh environments.
• Reduced risk of contamination or incomplete disinfection compared to rigid or less durable electrodes.
• Enables more effective and less invasive dental treatments, improving patient outcomes.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible electrode (8) made of a metal base material (10) with a coating (18) made of polycrystalline doped electrically conductive diamond and an intermediate layer (20) between the base material (10) and the coating (18), wherein the base material (10) is in the form of a needle or wire, and at least one circumferential, circular or spiral groove (12) is formed in the base material (10) about a longitudinal axis (17) of the base material (10).