Baroreflex Electrode Placement via Imaging and Temperature Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for implanting baroreflex activation devices are time-consuming, invasive, and lack precision in determining optimal electrode placement, making it difficult to efficiently deliver therapy and manage battery life due to inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
A method involving pre-operative imaging and temperature measurements to determine the optimal location for electrode placement, using imaging devices like MRI, OCT, or ultrasound to visualize blood vessels and track patient responses, combined with temperature-based determination to identify suitable implant sites for baroreflex activation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional trial-and-error electrode placement methods are used, then simplicity of procedure is maintained, but placement precision and procedure efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing pre-operative imaging (CT, MRI, or ultrasound) to create a three-dimensional model of the patient's anatomy before the implantation procedure. This allows the optimal electrode placement location to be determined in advance based on temperature distribution and anatomical features, eliminating the need for trial-and-error adjustments during surgery and achieving precise placement without increasing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a temperature sensor and imaging system as mediators between the surgeon and the target anatomy. These tools provide real-time temperature feedback and visual guidance during the procedure, enabling precise electrode placement through objective measurement rather than subjective judgment, thereby improving precision while maintaining procedural simplicity
2Measurement precision
If multiple trial placements are performed to find optimal electrode location, then placement accuracy improves, but procedure time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent determines the optimal electrode placement location through pre-operative imaging and temperature measurement before the actual implantation. By identifying the target site in advance based on anatomical landmarks and temperature distribution patterns, the procedure eliminates multiple trial placements during surgery, significantly reducing procedure time while maintaining high placement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using temperature sensors to measure and display real-time temperature at potential electrode sites during the procedure. This immediate feedback allows the surgeon to identify the optimal location based on temperature gradients and anatomical features, achieving accurate placement in a single attempt rather than through multiple trials, thereby reducing procedure time
3Measurement precision
If multiple trial placements are performed, then optimal location is found, but energy consumption and battery life are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary temperature measurements and imaging to identify the optimal electrode placement location before implantation. By determining the target site in advance based on temperature distribution and anatomical landmarks, the procedure minimizes the number of trial placements required, thereby reducing energy consumption from the implantable battery while achieving optimal electrode positioning for effective therapy delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temperature feedback from sensors to guide electrode placement decisions. By monitoring temperature changes in real-time and providing visual feedback, the system enables the surgeon to identify the optimal location with minimal trial placements, reducing energy consumption from the battery while ensuring accurate positioning for effective baroreflex activation therapy
4Ease of operation
If invasive trial-and-error methods are used for electrode placement, then placement feasibility is maintained, but patient invasiveness and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces imaging systems and temperature sensors as intermediaries that provide non-invasive guidance during electrode placement. These tools allow the surgeon to visualize anatomy and measure temperature without invasive manipulation, identifying the optimal site through objective data rather than trial-and-error insertion, thereby reducing patient invasiveness while maintaining procedural feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical trial-and-error insertion methods with image-guided and temperature-measured guidance. Instead of physically probing and adjusting electrode positions through invasive manipulation, the system uses visual imaging and thermal feedback to precisely guide placement, reducing mechanical trauma and patient invasiveness while maintaining ease of operation
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
This approach allows for more precise, repeatable, and less invasive electrode placement, reducing procedure time and extending battery life by ensuring efficient energy use and effective therapy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining an image of a blood vessel of a patient with an imaging device
Implementation Method 2
using imaging devices like MRI, OCT, or ultrasound to visualize blood vessels
Implementation Method 3
using imaging devices like MRI, OCT, or ultrasound to visualize blood vessels
Implementation Method 4
temperature measurements are obtained of multiple points on a blood vessel
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods are provided for selecting a location to implant an electrode as part of a baroreflex activation therapy system. Images of a target blood vessel may be obtained with an imaging device, and the image used as part of or in conjunction with a patient-response-mapping procedure to determine a favorable location on the blood vessel to implant the electrode. Alternately, temperature measurements may be taken of a target vessel and utilized as part of or in conjunction with a patient-response-mapping procedure to determine a favorable location on the blood vessel to implant the electrode.