Cranial Implant Dural Window for Optical Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The dura membrane impedes visual and optical access to the cerebral cortex during cranial procedures, hindering surgeons' ability to clearly view the brain while also needing to protect it from damage and infection.

Innovation Solution

A cranial implant with a dural window member made of clear PMMA, allowing for optical and ultrasonic access, integrated with a coupling ring for secure positioning within a dural defect, ensuring minimal disruption to the meninges and maintaining a watertight environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the dura membrane is left intact to protect the brain, then brain protection is improved, but visual and optical access to the cerebral cortex deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrain protectionVSAvoidvisual access to cerebral cortex

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dura membrane is segmented by creating a localized dural defect or opening in the region of interest, allowing visual and optical access to the cerebral cortex while preserving the integrity and protective function of the surrounding dura membrane. This segmentation enables simultaneous brain protection and surgical access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dural window or access device is introduced as an intermediary structure that bridges the need for protection and access. This window provides a controlled opening through the dura membrane, allowing visualization and imaging procedures while maintaining the protective barrier function of the dura in all other regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the dura membrane is removed to improve visual access, then visual and optical access is improved, but brain protection and meningeal integrity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual access to cerebral cortexVSAvoidmeningeal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of removing the entire dura membrane, only a specific localized portion is extracted or opened to create a dural window. This selective extraction provides necessary visual and optical access while preserving the majority of the dura membrane and its protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The dura membrane is treated with different qualities in different regions: a localized area is opened or made transparent for visual access, while the surrounding regions maintain their full protective integrity. This local quality differentiation allows simultaneous access and protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a dural window is created to provide visual access, then optical access is improved, but risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical access through duraVSAvoidcerebrospinal fluid leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Protective measures are implemented beforehand around the dural window, such as creating a sealed edge or using protective flaps, to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage while maintaining the optical access provided by the window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

A sealing structure or protective device is introduced as an intermediary at the margins of the dural window to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage while allowing optical access through the window itself. This intermediary element isolates the harmful leakage risk from the useful optical access function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Provides clear visual and optical access to the cerebral cortex, enabling effective imaging and diagnostic procedures while maintaining the integrity of the meninges and preventing cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

Implementation Method 1

The window member may be sonolucent allowing for passage of ultrasonic waves therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave passage: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

The window member may be optically clear in the visible light spectrum allowing for optical and/or visual access therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS20220192833A1Cranial implant with dural window

Publication Date: 2022.06.23 LONGEVITI NEURO SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A cranial implant for access to a cerebral cortex includes a window member shaped and dimensioned for positioning within a dural defect to provide access through the dura such that access to the cerebral cortex is provided in a location under study. An implant body is provided having a geometry that substantially conforms to a resected portion of a patient's anatomy to which the implant body is to be secured.