Dual-Gimbal Trajectory Guide for Precise DBS Burr-Hole Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical platforms for implanting therapy devices in the brain face challenges in achieving precision-guided alignment with reduced patient discomfort and ease of surgical access, particularly in stereotactic neurosurgery.
Innovation Solution
A trajectory guiding apparatus with a dual gimbal drive arrangement, comprising a base support, pivotally rotatable stage, and vertical support, allows independent translational and pivotal movements of an instrumentation column, enabling precise alignment and implantation of medical devices through a burr hole in the cranium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical device is attached to the skull with aiming based on pre-operative and intraoperative imaging, then precision-guided alignment is achieved, but patient discomfort and surgical access difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components: a base support attached to the skull, a vertically movable support, and a horizontally movable platform. This segmentation allows the heavy imaging and aiming components to be distributed, reducing the burden on any single attachment point and minimizing patient discomfort while maintaining precision guidance through coordinated movement of segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static mechanical attachment to a dynamic platform that can move vertically and horizontally. This dynamic capability allows the precision-guided alignment to be achieved through controlled movement rather than rigid fixed positioning, reducing the need for extensive skull attachment and improving patient comfort.
2Measurement precision
If a mechanical device is attached to the skull with aiming based on pre-operative and intraoperative imaging, then trajectory alignment precision is improved, but surgical access becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The platform's vertical and horizontal mobility enables surgical instruments to be accessed from multiple positions and angles. The vertically movable support and horizontally movable platform create dynamic access pathways that do not interfere with surgical access, allowing surgeons to work comfortably while maintaining precise trajectory alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds vertical and horizontal movement dimensions to the traditional fixed platform. This multi-dimensional mobility allows surgical access from various directions without compromising trajectory precision, effectively resolving the conflict between alignment accuracy and surgical accessibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If independent translational and pivotal movements are enabled, then implantation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex movements are segmented into independent functional modules: vertical translation, horizontal translation, and pivotal rotation. Each movement is controlled by separate drives, allowing the complex overall motion to be achieved through simpler, independently controlled components rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple movement functions (vertical translation, horizontal translation, and pivotal rotation) are merged into a single integrated platform system. This consolidation achieves implantation accuracy through coordinated multi-axis movement while managing complexity by combining functions into a unified structure rather than separate devices.
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
The apparatus provides enhanced precision and reduced patient discomfort by allowing independent adjustment of angular and translational movements, ensuring accurate implantation of medical devices while maintaining alignment with the target entry point, thereby facilitating minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A first gimbal drive is coupled or otherwise articulated between the first gimbal coupler of the base support and the second gimbal coupler of the stage portion of the pivotally rotatable stage, wherein the first gimbal drive is actuatable to cause a first pivotal motion of the slider assembly including the instrumentation column, the first pivotal motion defined along a first arcuate path pivoted around the first pivotal axis.
Implementation Method 2
A second gimbal drive is coupled or otherwise articulated between the third gimbal coupler of the stage portion of the pivotally rotatable stage and the fourth gimbal coupler of the bottom end of the vertical support, the second gimbal drive actuatable to cause a second pivotal motion of the slider assembly including the instrumentation column, the second pivotal motion defined along a second arcuate path pivoted around the second pivotal axis, the first and second arcuate paths being perpendicular to each other.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A trajectory guiding apparatus (100A) and one or more methods associated therewith for facilitating precision-guided alignment and implantation of a DBS therapy device in a patient (852). A pivotally rotatable stage (120) is pivotally coupled to a base support (102) and a vertical support (130) operative to support a slider assembly (160) arranged to accommodate an instrumentation column (IC) assembly (150) containing the therapy device. A pair of gimbal drives (143A, 143B) are provided to cause first and second pivotal motions of the slider assembly (160) including the IC assembly (150), the pivotal motions effectuated round respective pivotal axes perpendicular with respect to each other.