Cochlear Implant Electrode with Integrated Navigation Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image-guided surgery (IGS) systems face challenges in accurately navigating instruments, particularly during otology and neurotology procedures, where direct visualization is difficult, and there is a need for enhanced precision in tracking instruments within the head of a patient, especially when performing cochlear implant procedures.
Innovation Solution
The integration of magnetic field generators and navigation sensors within the IGS system, which include a processor to generate alternating magnetic fields and process signals from position sensors on instruments, allowing real-time tracking and display of instrument positions relative to preoperative images, and the incorporation of position sensors along the cochlear implant electrode assembly to monitor its position within the cochlea.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image-guided surgery systems are used to track instruments in real-time, then navigation accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the surgical system increases due to the need for multiple sensors and computational components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple navigation sensors (electromagnetic and optical) into a single integrated surgical instrument. This merging of sensing modalities allows the system to achieve high navigation accuracy through multiple measurement methods while reducing overall system complexity by consolidating components that would otherwise require separate instruments and systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving both as a surgical tool and as an integrated navigation system. The instrument can perform surgical functions while simultaneously providing electromagnetic and optical navigation, eliminating the need for separate tracking devices and reducing the overall complexity of the image-guided surgery system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple navigation sensors are integrated into surgical instruments, then real-time tracking precision is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring instrument position worsens due to signal interference and calibration complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinate transformation module that acts as an intermediary between the electromagnetic and optical sensor systems. This mediator converts measurements from different sensor modalities into a unified coordinate system, resolving signal interference issues and simplifying position detection by providing a consistent reference frame for all navigation data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously receives data from both electromagnetic and optical sensors, processes this information, and provides corrective adjustments to maintain accurate instrument positioning. This feedback loop compensates for signal interference and calibration drift, making position detection more reliable despite the complexity of multiple sensors.
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 solution enables precise real-time tracking and positioning of instruments and cochlear implant electrodes, enhancing accuracy and safety during surgical procedures by overlaying instrument positions onto preoperative images, facilitating successful implantation and potential adjustments or removals.
Implementation Method 1
a field generator assembly including a plurality of magnets arranged in a horseshoe shape and operable to generate alternating magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
a position sensor responsive to the alternating magnetic fields and operable to generate signals indicating a position of the position sensor in three-dimensional space
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an elongate body. A distal portion of the elongate body is configured to fit in a cochlea of a patient. A plurality of stimulation elements are positioned along the distal portion of the elongate body. The stimulation elements are operable to stimulate auditory nerves in the cochlea of the patient. One or more position sensors are positioned along the elongate body. Each position sensor of the one or more position sensors is configured to generate a signal indicating a position of the position sensor in three-dimensional space.