Deep Brain Stimulation Probe Navigation via Real-Time Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep brain stimulation (DBS) systems face inaccuracies in targeting specific brain areas due to brain shift during surgery, image registration errors, and the risk of brain hemorrhage from repeated probe advancements.
Innovation Solution
The method involves acquiring initial and subsequent images with imaging subsystems, using reference members like radiopaque fiducials and position-detecting coils to register and track probe movement, providing real-time three-dimensional visualization of probe placement within the brain, and automating surgical planning and probe placement to improve accuracy and reduce surgical time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual surgical planning and probe advancement methods are used, then surgical flexibility is maintained, but targeting precision deteriorates due to brain shift and image registration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical surgical planning and probe advancement with an automated computer-based system that uses imaging data to calculate optimal probe trajectories and control robotic positioning, thereby improving targeting precision while managing system complexity through software automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual 3D model (copy) of the patient's brain anatomy from medical images, allowing surgeons to plan and simulate probe trajectories in the virtual model before actual surgery, improving precision without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the procedure
2Measurement precision
If repeated probe advancements are performed to account for brain shift, then targeting accuracy may be improved, but the risk of brain hemorrhage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary surgical planning by calculating the optimal probe trajectory and entry point based on preoperative imaging data, allowing the surgeon to execute a single accurate advancement rather than repeated attempts, thereby reducing brain hemorrhage risk while maintaining targeting accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses computer-based trajectory calculation and robotic positioning control to replace manual probe advancement, enabling more precise single-attempt positioning that reduces the need for repeated probe insertions and associated hemorrhage risks
3Measurement precision
If traditional image registration methods are used, then system complexity is minimized, but registration accuracy deteriorates leading to targeting errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual or semi-automated image registration methods with a computer-based automated registration system that uses algorithms to align preoperative images with intraoperative anatomy, improving registration accuracy while managing complexity through software automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies specialized registration techniques to critical anatomical regions with higher precision requirements, using localized fiducial markers or anatomical landmarks in areas where accurate targeting is most critical, thereby improving overall registration accuracy without uniformly increasing system complexity
4Measurement precision
If real-time probe tracking and visualization systems are implemented, then surgical precision is improved, but device complexity and surgical time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary 3D modeling and trajectory calculation based on preoperative imaging data before surgery begins, allowing real-time tracking and visualization to focus only on probe positioning along pre-calculated paths, thereby improving surgical precision without proportionally increasing surgical time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual 3D representation (copy) of the brain anatomy and probe position that can be displayed in real-time without requiring complex physical tracking infrastructure, improving visualization efficiency and reducing the time penalty associated with real-time monitoring systems
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 approach enhances the precision of DBS by minimizing brain hemorrhage risks and reducing surgery time through accurate, real-time visualization and automated navigation of probes to target areas within the brain.
Implementation Method 1
positioning one or more reference members, such as radiopaque fiducials and position-detecting coils, on or within the brain
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy may include determining a location of a target area of a brain, forming a burr hole through a skull of a patient based on the location the target area, positioning one or more reference members on or within the brain through the burr hole, and acquiring at least one image of the brain having the one or more reference members with at least one imaging sub-system.