Adjustable Nerve Probe Assembly with Shapeable Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical probes for stimulating and recording tissue activity face challenges due to tissue conductivity, which can lead to false positives and require multiple probes for various anatomical and surgical variables, making precise nerve identification complex.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable nerve probe assembly with a shapeable part and adjustable rigid sheathing, allowing for varying flexibility and electrode distance, enabling the probe to be shaped and configured for different anatomical needs, reducing the risk of false positives and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid probe structure is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different anatomical structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe shaft is divided into multiple segments that can articulate relative to each other, allowing the probe to bend and conform to curved anatomical pathways while maintaining structural integrity. The segmented construction enables the probe to navigate complex tissue geometries without sacrificing overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe incorporates dynamic articulation mechanisms that allow real-time adjustment of the shaft configuration. The probe can transition between straight and curved states, adapting to different anatomical landmarks and surgical approaches while maintaining controlled stability through mechanical joints.
2Measurement precision
If multiple specialized probes are used for different anatomical needs, then precision for specific structures is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple electrode configurations and shaft orientations. By integrating adjustable components and interchangeable elements, a single probe design can serve multiple surgical applications and anatomical targets, replacing the need for numerous specialized probes.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe features dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the surgeon to modify the probe configuration intraoperatively. Adjustable shaft angles, movable electrodes, and flexible positioning mechanisms enable one probe to adapt to various anatomical structures and surgical requirements, reducing the total number of probes needed.
3Measurement precision
If electrodes are positioned close together, then recording precision is improved, but tissue conductivity interference worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The probe employs electrodes with different local characteristics - some electrodes are positioned closely for high-resolution local recording, while others are spaced farther apart to serve as reference or ground electrodes. This differential positioning optimizes both local recording precision and minimizes conductivity interference by creating appropriate electrical gradients.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe design incorporates intermediate insulating structures and conductive shielding elements between closely spaced electrodes. These intermediary components help isolate electrical signals, prevent current leakage through conductive tissue, and maintain signal fidelity while allowing close electrode positioning for precise recording.
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical probe assemblies, such as nerve probe assemblies, are disclosed herein. In one example implementation, a nerve probe assembly may include an electrical probe including an electrode disposed on or about an end thereof for electrically stimulating tissue or recording stimulated tissue activity, an axial length of the electrical probe including a shapeable part; a rigid sheathing adapted to cover and thereby inhibit a portion of the shapeable part of the axial length of the electrical probe from being shaped, the portion of the shapeable part covered by the rigid sheathing being adjustable; and a handle and an adjustment structure affixed to respective ones of the electrical probe and the rigid sheathing, the handle and the adjustment structure adapted to cooperate to enable adjustment of the portion of the shapeable part of the axial length of the electrical probe covered by the rigid sheathing.