Thermal and Electrical Conductivity Probes and Methods of Making the Same

A thermal conductivity probe for sensing directional attributes of tissue, the probe comprising:

• a body;
• and
• a sensor operably coupled to the body, wherein the sensor includes:
• a line heater having at least one resistive heating element;
• a detector having at least one detector element;
• and
• a substrate for supporting the line heater and the detector, wherein the substrate provides a thermal conductivity contrast.

A method of making a thermal conductivity probe, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing an inert substrate;
• depositing a first layer on the substrate;
• depositing a second layer on the first layer;
• generating a first pattern in the first and second layers;
• generating a second pattern in the second layer;
• depositing an insulative layer over the first and second layers;
• and
• exposing at least a portion of the insulating layer.

An electrical conductivity probe for measuring attributes of tissue, the probe comprising:

• a body;
• and
• a sensor for sensing electrical conductivity, wherein the sensor includes;
• a pair of electrodes;
• a pair of bonding pads coupled to the pair of electrodes by a pair of electrical leads;
• and
• a substrate for supporting the electrodes, bonding pads and leads.

A method of making an electrical conductivity probe, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a substrate;
• depositing an adhesive layer on the substrate;
• depositing a conductive layer on the adhesive layer;
• generating a pattern on the adhesive layer and the conductive layer;
• depositing an insulating layer over the conductive layer and the pattern;
• and
• exposing at least a portion of the insulating layer.