Automated Evoked Potential Detection for Nerve Injury Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) systems are not automated, are expensive, and require constant attendance by a trained technologist, limiting their availability and practicality for detecting nerve injuries such as positioning effect injuries, especially in surgeries outside the operating room.
Innovation Solution
An automated system for detecting evoked potentials that includes a processor, signal output for stimulating electrodes, and signal input for recording electrodes, capable of generating and processing electrical stimuli to detect positioning effects by calculating moving baselines and comparing resultant waveforms, allowing for easy setup and operation by non-experts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional IONM systems are used to monitor nerve function, then early detection of positioning effect injury is achieved, but the system requires constant attendance by highly trained technologists and is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs waveform acquisition, baseline calculation, deviation detection, and alarm generation without requiring manual operation by technologists. The processor continuously monitors evoked potentials and autonomously identifies positioning effect injuries, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring constant human attendance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of technologist supervision with an automated electronic processing system. The processor substitutes human expertise by algorithmically analyzing waveforms, calculating baselines, and detecting deviations, thereby eliminating the need for highly trained personnel while maintaining detection reliability
2Reliability
If conventional IONM systems are deployed, then nerve function monitoring is available, but pre-booking and limited personnel availability restrict access
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system eliminates the need for pre-booking specialized personnel by performing all monitoring functions autonomously. Any surgical team member can operate the system without requiring trained IONM technologists, thereby improving accessibility and eliminating scheduling constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be universally operable by any surgical team member rather than requiring specialized personnel. The automated processing and clear visual displays make the system accessible to users with varying levels of expertise, expanding its applicability across different surgical settings
3Reliability
If IONM is used for brain and spine surgeries, then severe nerve damage risk is addressed, but cost limits reimbursement to only high-risk procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system reduces operational costs by eliminating the need for expensive highly trained technologists. The system can be operated by standard surgical personnel, making the monitoring service more cost-effective and suitable for reimbursement in a broader range of surgical procedures beyond just brain and spine surgeries
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing specialized human expertise with automated electronic processing, the system reduces operational costs. The processor autonomously performs complex waveform analysis that previously required expensive trained personnel, thereby making nerve function monitoring economically viable for reimbursement in more surgical specialties
4Measurement precision
If non-automated IONM systems are used, then expert interpretation is available, but constant technologist attendance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human waveform interpretation with automated electronic processing algorithms. The processor calculates baselines, compares waveforms to baselines, and detects deviations algorithmically, substituting human expertise with machine processing while maintaining interpretation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously performs waveform analysis and injury detection without requiring technologist attendance. The automated processing continuously monitors evoked potentials, updates baselines, and generates alarms independently, enabling the system to interpret waveforms without human intervention
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and cost-effective monitoring of nerve function without the need for constant expert supervision, facilitating early detection of impending nerve injuries and reducing the risk of prolonged or permanent nerve damage in various surgical settings.
Implementation Method 1
outputting a plurality of time-locked electrical stimuli to a stimulating electrode positioned on a body; recording a plurality of resultant electrical waveforms received from a recording electrode positioned on the body, the resultant electrical waveforms generated by the body's nervous system in response to the time-locked electrical stimuli
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates generally to the field of electrophysiology and specifically to automated devices, components, systems, and related methods for monitoring potential injury to the nervous system using evoked potentials during intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring.