Cranial Anchoring System with Segmented Contact Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cranial anchoring systems cause excessive trauma to the skull due to the need for multiple bone fixation screws, increasing procedure time and complexity during medical procedures that require access to the cranial cavity.
Innovation Solution
A cranial anchoring system featuring an elongate anchor member with a middle and lower anchor portion, including contact members with legs, tabs, and ribs that provide secure attachment to the skull with reduced trauma, combined with a rotatable outer sheath and slidable inner sheath for precise positioning and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bone fixation screws are used to secure the anchoring system to the skull, then secure anchoring is achieved, but excessive trauma is inflicted on the skull and procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is divided into multiple contact members (first, second, third, and fourth contact members) that are distributed around the burr hole. Each contact member has compression elements that can independently engage with the skull bone, allowing the system to achieve secure anchoring through distributed contact points rather than relying on multiple screws, thereby reducing trauma to the skull.
2Reliability
If multiple bone fixation screws are used to secure the anchoring system, then reliable attachment is achieved, but device complexity and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple contact members are integrated into a single anchoring system that attaches to the skull through one burr hole. The contact members work together as a unified structure, combining the functions of multiple fixation points into one integrated device, thereby reducing overall system complexity and the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact members are designed with compression elements that can adapt to different skull geometries and provide secure attachment through various engagement mechanisms. This multi-functional design allows the same contact member structure to provide both anchoring and positioning functions, reducing the need for separate fixation components.
3Reliability
If multiple bone fixation screws are used, then secure anchoring is achieved, but procedure time increases due to additional positioning and removal steps
Solution Approach 1:
The contact members are pre-configured with compression elements that automatically engage with the skull bone upon insertion through the burr hole. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for separate positioning and tightening steps required by traditional screws, thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining secure anchoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A cranial anchor system configured to attach to an opening in a cranium includes an anchor member. The anchor member has a middle anchor portion and a lower anchor portion coupled to and disposed in a downward direction relative to the middle anchor portion. The lower anchor portion has a plurality of contact members, each of which have a leg that extends at least partially in the downward direction, a tab connected to the leg, and a rib disposed between the leg and the tab. The system further includes an outer sheath and an inner sheath disposed within the outer sheath and slidable relative to the outer sheath.