Cranial Plug With Central Access Hole For Intracranial Probe Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for placing intracranial monitoring devices are not optimized for secure and precise positioning within the brain, lacking effective methods for real-time guidance and potential for cortical damage during implantation.
Innovation Solution
A cranial plug with an intracranial monitoring device housing and a central access hole, combined with a computer-based guidance system using tracking devices for real-time monitoring and precise placement, and a multi-material construction for enhanced stability and imaging compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If current techniques are used for placing intracranial monitoring devices, then the placement process is simple, but the positioning precision is insufficient and cortical damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
A computer-based guidance system acts as an intermediary between the surgical team and the intracranial monitoring device placement process. The system provides real-time guidance and tracking, enabling precise positioning while managing the complexity through automated control and visualization tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical placement techniques with a computer-based guidance system that uses digital tracking and visualization. This substitution of mechanical guidance with electronic/digital control systems enables higher positioning precision while the system manages its own complexity through software integration.
2Reliability
If a single-material cranial plug housing is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but imaging compatibility and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cranial plug housing is constructed from multiple chemically distinct materials, each selected for specific properties such as sonolucentness for imaging compatibility and flexibility for stable integration with the skull. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by prioritizing reliability through material selection while accepting increased manufacturing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring and tracking devices are integrated into the cranial plug, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Tracking devices integrated into the cranial plug provide real-time feedback on the device's position and movement relative to the skull. This feedback mechanism enables continuous monitoring and adjustment during placement, improving positioning accuracy while the integrated nature of the tracking system manages complexity through unified design.
Data Source
AI summary
A cranial plug includes an intracranial monitoring device having a probe and a cranial plug housing having an intracranial monitoring device recess. The intracranial monitoring device recess is shaped and dimensioned for positioning of an intracranial monitoring device and includes a central access hole shaped and dimensioned for the passage of the probe of the intracranial monitoring device therethrough to a desired position within the brain.