Modular Cochlear Implant Positioning for Low-Trauma Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cochlear implant surgeries face challenges in precise manual insertion of electrode assemblies, leading to potential trauma and residual hearing loss due to inter-operator variability and lack of control over insertion forces, resulting in postoperative hearing decline.
Innovation Solution
A robotically assisted implantation system with a modular design, featuring an external positioning unit and computerized control unit for precise motion control of implants, including sensors for feedback and closed-loop real-time electrophysiological measurements to minimize trauma to undamaged cochlear regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual insertion of electrode assembly is performed by surgeon, then surgical flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but precision of implant position and motion control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the implantation process into distinct phases: robotic delivery of the electrode assembly to the target site, followed by manual manipulation by the surgeon after robotic control releases the implant. This segmentation allows each operator modality to excel at its optimal tasks - robotics for precise delivery and manual operation for flexible adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system serves as an intermediary device between the surgeon's intent and the actual implant insertion. The robot translates surgical commands into precise mechanical motions, providing enhanced control authority while the surgeon retains overall control through the user interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complete manual maneuvering of electrode assembly is performed, then surgical adaptability is maintained, but control of insertion rate, distance, and forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on implant position, insertion depth, and applied forces. This feedback loop enables precise control of insertion parameters while allowing the surgeon to adapt the procedure based on intraoperative conditions and sensor data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical manipulation with robotic actuation for the critical insertion phase. Motors and actuators provide controlled mechanical forces and motions that are difficult to achieve manually, while the surgeon retains adaptability through electronic control interfaces.
3Manufacturing precision
If robotic control is used for implant delivery, then precision of implant position and motion control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a robotic manipulator for precise delivery, a separate control system with user interface, and sensor feedback modules. This modular architecture manages complexity by allowing each subsystem to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system includes automated features such as trajectory planning, real-time positioning correction, and force control that reduce the burden on the surgeon. The system serves itself by automatically compensating for deviations and maintaining precision without requiring constant manual adjustment.
4Ease of operation
If manual insertion is performed without precise force control, then ease of operation is maintained, but trauma to cochlear structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors monitor insertion forces in real-time and provide feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts actuation to maintain forces within safe limits. This prevents excessive trauma while requiring minimal intervention from the surgeon beyond initiating and monitoring the process.
Solution Approach 2:
Uncontrolled manual mechanical forces are replaced with electronically controlled robotic actuation. Motors provide precisely regulated forces that eliminate the variability and potential for excessive trauma associated with manual insertion, while the surgeon retains oversight through the user interface.
Data Source
AI summary
This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted implantation of an implant in a patient. A system includes an implant-positioning unit configured to engage an elongate member of the implant, and a control console communicatively coupled to the external positioning unit. The control console can have a user interface that enables a user to input motion control instructions. The control console can generate a motion control signal, according to a specific motion control instruction, to control the external positioning unit to propel the implant into a target implant site. The system can be used to robotically control the delivery and positing of a cochlear implant during a hearing-preservation cochlear implant surgery.