Dual-Arc Trajectory Guide for Precise DBS Implant 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 access during medical device implantation.

Innovation Solution

A trajectory guiding apparatus with a dual arcuate rack and pinion drive mechanism that allows independent translational and curvilinear movement of an instrumentation column, enabling precise alignment and implantation of therapy devices with reduced patient discomfort and improved surgical access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional stereotactic frames are used for trajectory alignment, then structural stability is improved, but patient discomfort increases and surgical access is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrajectory alignment stabilityVSAvoidpatient discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stereotactic frame is divided into multiple independent components: a base support secured to the skull, a boom assembly that can be positioned independently, and an instrumentation column with adjustable orientation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall patient discomfort compared to rigid traditional frames

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The instrumentation column is provided with six degrees of freedom, allowing movement and adjustment in multiple dimensions (x, y, z translations and roll, pitch, yaw rotations). This multi-dimensional adjustability enables precise trajectory alignment without requiring a bulky fixed frame structure, thereby reducing patient discomfort while maintaining alignment stability

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional stereotactic frames are used for trajectory alignment, then structural stability is improved, but ease of surgical access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrajectory alignment stabilityVSAvoidsurgical access
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The boom assembly is made dynamically adjustable with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing it to be repositioned and reoriented during surgery as needed. This dynamic capability provides surgeons with flexible access to different entry points and trajectories while maintaining stable alignment through the adjustable instrumentation column

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The instrumentation column is designed with universal adjustability, capable of accommodating various surgical instruments and providing six degrees of freedom for positioning. This multi-functional design allows a single apparatus to handle multiple surgical scenarios and access requirements without compromising trajectory stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If precision trajectory alignment is achieved through complex mechanisms, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrajectory alignment precisionVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus incorporates a robotic system with computer-controlled actuators and sensors to achieve precise trajectory alignment, replacing complex mechanical linkages and manual adjustment mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical systems with automated control achieves high manufacturing precision while reducing overall device complexity through programmable motion control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates precise alignment and implantation of medical devices with reduced patient discomfort and enhanced surgical access, allowing for efficient implantation of devices such as DBS leads and other neurological instruments.

Implementation Method 1

A trajectory guide with dual arc arrangement comprises... a first rack and pinion mechanism configured to effectuate independent curvilinear movement of the instrumentation column along a first predetermined arcuate path... a second rack and pinion mechanism configured to effectuate independent curvilinear movement of the instrumentation column along a second predetermined arcuate path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRack and pinion: Rack and Pinion

Data Source

PatentEP3917415B1Trajectory guide with dual arc arrangement
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS INC
  • EP3917415B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3917415B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3917415B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A trajectory guiding apparatus (100 A) and one or more methods associated therewith for facilitating precision-guided alignment and implantation of a DBS therapy device in a patient (652). Orthogonally disposed first and second arcuate racks (141, 142) are independently actuatable by respective pinion drives (181A, 181B), wherein the first arcuate rack (141) is coupled to a base support (102) and the second arcuate rack (142) is operative to support a slider assembly (160) arranged to accommodate an instrumentation column (IC) (150) containing the therapy device. The first and second pinion drives (181A, 181B) are actuatable to cause first and second curvilinear motions first and second arcuate racks (141, 142), respectively, the first and second curvilinear motions along first and second arcuate paths (144 A, 144B) orthogonal to each other.