Inflatable Balloon Cavity Stabilizer for Brain Surgery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical methods for removing solid matter from brain tissue face challenges in maintaining visual and physical access to the cavity due to the fluid and pliable nature of brain tissue, and in effectively controlling bleeding post-removal without an assistant.

Innovation Solution

A method and system involving a cranial anchor, channel member, and flowable hemostat, where a trocar is used to displace brain tissue and expose the solid matter, followed by the introduction of a flowable hemostat and inflatable balloon to control bleeding through the working channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional open surgical methods are used to remove solid matter from brain tissue, then the surgeon can access and remove the solid matter, but the brain tissue flows into the working cavity making it difficult to maintain visual and physical contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual and physical access to solid matterVSAvoidcavity stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a balloon as an intermediary device that is inflated within the working cavity to act as a physical barrier preventing brain tissue from flowing into the cavity. The balloon serves as a mediator between the surgeon's need for visual access and the brain tissue's natural tendency to flow and collapse the cavity space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The balloon is inflated before the surgeon begins manipulating the solid matter within the cavity. This preliminary action of inflating the balloon establishes the cavity boundaries in advance, preventing tissue collapse during subsequent surgical operations and maintaining consistent visual access throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the surgeon operates without an assistant to remove solid matter, then surgical complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to maintain cavity openness and control bleeding simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical team configurationVSAvoidcavity management and bleeding control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The balloon system enables the surgeon to perform cavity management functions that traditionally required an assistant. By inflating the balloon, the surgeon independently maintains cavity openness without needing another person to hold retractors or manipulate tissue,从而实现 solo operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The balloon serves multiple functions: it maintains cavity openness for visualization, provides a stable working space for manipulating solid matter, and facilitates bleeding control by allowing compression of hemostatic agents against bleeding vessels. This multi-functionality replaces the need for an assistant who would traditionally perform these separate tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If absorbent material is used to control bleeding, then bleeding can be stopped, but the material must be left in place and irrigated until it peels away, requiring repeated procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebleeding control effectivenessVSAvoidbleeding control duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The balloon is inflated to compress hemostatic material against bleeding vessels before the material is fully activated. This preliminary compression action enhances the effectiveness of the hemostatic agent, allowing it to work more quickly and reliably, thereby reducing the time required for bleeding control and minimizing the need for repeated irrigation and peeling procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates solo surgical access and effective bleeding control by maintaining the cavity open and stabilizing the hemostat against the brain tissue, allowing for precise manipulation and prolonged bleeding control if needed.

Implementation Method 1

An inflatable balloon introduced via the working channel is inflated such that the wall of the inflated balloon compresses the hemostat against the brain tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS8679088B2Cranial evacuation system and use thereof

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 ABRAHAMS JOHN M

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and device for removing solid matter from a brain and controlling bleeding associated with the removal of the matter. The method involves securing a cranial anchor to a region of the skull in which an opening has been created to expose brain matter and introducing through a passage defined by the anchor a channel member that displaces brain tissue and exposes the solid matter. After removing the solid matter, a flowable hemostat is introduced into the cavity created by removal of the matter. A balloon introduced into the working channel is then inflated to compress the hemostat against the wall of the cavity to control bleeding from blood vessels around the cavity. The device includes a cranial anchor, a channel member defining a working channel, an optional removable trocar, and a catheter for introducing the hemostat and the inflatable balloon into the cavity.