Double X-Y Sliding Tables for Precise DBS Trajectory Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical platforms for deep brain stimulation lack precision in trajectory alignment, causing patient discomfort and hindering ease of surgical access during implantation of therapy devices.

Innovation Solution

A trajectory guiding apparatus with a dual-stage slider assembly that allows independent translational and rotational movement of an instrumentation column, facilitating precise alignment and implantation of medical devices through a burr hole in the cranium, using a base plate and slider tables to adjust trajectory angles and positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional surgical platforms are used for deep brain stimulation, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but trajectory alignment precision is insufficient causing patient discomfort and hindering surgical access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrajectory alignment precisionVSAvoidsurgical access ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The surgical platform is segmented into multiple independent components: a base plate that attaches to the skull, a vertical column, and a adjustable trajectory guide assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the base plate provides stable attachment for precision, while the adjustable guide assembly enables easy modification of trajectory angles and positions, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and surgical access ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trajectory guide assembly incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the guide angle and position to be changed during the surgical procedure. This dynamism enables the system to maintain high precision alignment while adapting to different surgical access requirements, directly resolving the contradiction by making the system both precise and easily operable for different surgical scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If frameless stereotactic systems are used, then patient comfort is improved compared to large metal frames, but trajectory alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient discomfortVSAvoidtrajectory alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the frameless system by incorporating an adjustable vertical column that extends upward from the base plate. This additional dimension allows for precise three-dimensional positioning of the trajectory guide while maintaining the comfort advantages of a frameless design, as the precision is achieved through controlled adjustment in the vertical dimension rather than through a large encompassing frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs parameter change mechanisms that allow precise adjustment of trajectory parameters (angle, position, depth) through controlled movement of the guide assembly along the vertical column and base plate. This enables high measurement precision to be achieved through parameter control rather than through a rigid large-scale frame structure, maintaining patient comfort while improving trajectory alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3917435B1Trajectory guide with double x-y sliding tables
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS INC
  • EP3917435B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3917435B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3917435B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A trajectory guiding apparatus (100) and one or more methods associated therewith for facilitating precision-guided alignment and implantation of a DBS therapy device in a patient (852). A base plate (102) and base frame (120) combination provides a platform for a dual-stage slider (DSS) assembly (140) comprising a bottom stage slider (BSS) table (142A/142B) and a top stage slider (TSS) table (144A/144B) that each have suitably sized apertures or orifices therethrough for allowing the passage of and securely holding an instrumentation column (IC) assembly (150) whose translational movement (i.e., sideways or forward and/or backward directions along a translational plane) and pivotal/rotational movement (i.e., around a perpendicular axis (351) orthogonal to the translational plane and extending through a pivot or fulcrum) are independently controlled by respective slide actuators (143A/143B; 145A/145B) in order to properly align the IC assembly (150) to a desired trajectory.