Cochlear Implant Diagnostic System for Real-Time Evoked Response Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic systems for cochlear implants lack efficient methods to monitor evoked responses during and after surgical procedures, which are crucial for accurate electrode positioning and assessing cochlear trauma, residual hearing, and other factors.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic system comprising a computing module with a display screen and a base module that includes an interface unit for communicative coupling with the cochlear implant, capable of generating and receiving acoustic stimulation, and processing recording data to provide real-time feedback through graphical user interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If diagnostic operations are performed during and after surgical procedures to monitor evoked responses, then electrode positioning accuracy and assessment of cochlear trauma, residual hearing, and other factors is improved, but device complexity and requirement for multiple diagnostic systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single diagnostic system that can perform multiple diagnostic operations both during and after surgical procedures. The system includes a diagnostic application with multiple tools for monitoring evoked responses, assessing electrode positioning, evaluating cochlear trauma, and measuring residual hearing, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate diagnostic functions into a single integrated system. The diagnostic application combines multiple monitoring capabilities, data processing, and analysis tools into one unified platform that operates both intraoperatively and postoperatively, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring of evoked responses is performed during electrode insertion, then electrode positioning accuracy is improved, but loss of time for diagnostic operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring capabilities that allow diagnostic operations to proceed without interrupting the surgical procedure. The system can continuously capture and analyze evoked responses in real-time during electrode insertion, providing ongoing feedback on positioning accuracy without requiring pauses or delays in the surgical timeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback on evoked response monitoring during electrode insertion, allowing the surgical team to immediately assess electrode positioning accuracy and make adjustments as needed. This feedback mechanism enables continuous optimization of positioning without time loss, as the diagnostic information is available instantly during the procedure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple diagnostic systems are used for different monitoring purposes, then comprehensive diagnostic capability is improved, but ease of operation and system portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal diagnostic system that consolidates multiple monitoring purposes into a single platform. The diagnostic application includes integrated tools for evoked response monitoring, electrode positioning assessment, cochlear trauma evaluation, and residual hearing measurement, allowing all these functions to be performed with one system rather than multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments diagnostic functions into modular tools within a single integrated application. Each diagnostic capability operates as an independent but coordinated module, allowing users to access specific monitoring functions as needed while maintaining overall system unity. This segmentation within integration improves ease of operation by reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative system includes a computing module comprising: a display screen, and a processor configured to execute an application and direct the display screen to display a graphical user interface associated with the application; and a base module configured to attach to the computing module, the base module housing an interface unit configured to be communicatively coupled to the processor and to a cochlear implant while the base module is attached to the computing module, the base module comprising an audio output port; wherein the interface unit is further configured to generate acoustic stimulation and deliver the acoustic stimulation to a recipient of the cochlear implant by way of the audio output port and a sound delivery apparatus that has a distal portion configured to be placed in or near an entrance to an ear canal of the recipient.