Trajectory Array Guide System for Brain Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trajectory array guide systems for brain surgery are cumbersome, prone to damage, and require complex mechanisms for adjusting and locking trajectories, leading to increased surgical time and risk of infection due to the need for patient transportation during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A trajectory array guide system featuring a ball-socket pivoting mechanism with a lockable base and array guide, an imaging unit for defining trajectories, and an elongated handle for image-guided stereotaxic navigation, allowing for precise and efficient placement of elongated tools like catheters within the brain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional trajectory array guide systems are used with complex adjustment mechanisms, then trajectory alignment capability is improved, but device complexity and susceptibility to damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the trajectory guide into modular components: a base plate attachable to the skull, an array guide with multiple lumens for different trajectories, and an imaging unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces overall complexity while maintaining alignment precision through the modular ball-socket interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a ball-socket pivoting interface that enables straightforward angular adjustment. The array guide can be rotated and tilted relative to the base plate using simple spherical joints, eliminating the need for complex screw mechanisms or multiple adjustment knobs while maintaining precise trajectory control.
2Measurement precision
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are provided for trajectory alignment, then trajectory definition accuracy is improved, but surgical time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The array guide is pre-configured with multiple lumens at predetermined angles and orientations during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex intraoperative adjustments, as the desired trajectories are already established. The surgeon simply selects the appropriate lumen rather than adjusting mechanisms during surgery, significantly reducing surgical time while maintaining precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If complex mechanisms are used for adjusting and locking trajectories, then trajectory stability is improved, but device fragility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball-socket interface provides dynamic adjustability during setup, allowing the array guide to be positioned at various angles relative to the base plate. Once the optimal trajectory is established, a simple locking mechanism secures the position. This dynamic-to-static transition maintains stability while using robust, easy-to-manipulate components that are less prone to damage than fine-adjustment mechanisms.
4Loss of information
If patient transportation is required during procedures, then imaging capability is improved, but infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the imaging unit directly with the trajectory array guide system, combining what were previously separate functions (imaging and surgical guidance) into a single integrated apparatus. This merging eliminates the need to transport the patient between separate imaging and surgical locations, reducing infection risk while maintaining full imaging capability throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated imaging unit serves as an intermediary that provides real-time imaging feedback during the surgical procedure itself. Rather than requiring separate preoperative imaging sessions that necessitate patient transportation, the imaging unit captures images in-situ, allowing trajectory verification and adjustment without moving the patient, thereby minimizing exposure to infection risks.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure presents a trajectory array guide system for defining a trajectory to a target location in the brain of a subject and for guiding an elongated tool along the trajectory. The trajectory array guide system can comprise: a base, an array guide, an imaging unit, and an elongated handle configured for connection with a stereotaxic navigation system. The present disclosure presents a method of using a trajectory array guide system for defining a trajectory to a target location in the brain of a subject and for guiding an elongated tool along the trajectory.