Endoscopic Electrode Access for Minimally Invasive Neurophysiological Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurosurgical endoscopy lacks tools for neurophysiological recording and stimulation of ventricular surfaces, preventing the transfer of neurophysiological advantages from open microsurgery to minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A device for neurophysiological analysis comprising a sensitive element, such as a single-pole or two-pole electrode, which can be inserted into the work channel of a rigid or elastic endoscope for direct contact with nerve structures, allowing recording and stimulation during endoscopic procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If open microsurgery is used to perform neurophysiological mapping and monitoring, then precise localization of functional areas and real-time analysis of neurological functions can be achieved, but the invasiveness of surgery increases significantly requiring removal of a significant portion of the skull
Solution Approach 1:
The sensitive element (electrode) is inserted through the work channel of the endoscope, nesting the neurophysiological analysis tool within the minimally invasive endoscopic system. This allows the electrode to reach deep brain regions through a small craniotomy while the endoscope provides the access pathway, combining the benefits of both approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope acts as an intermediary tool that enables the sensitive element to access deep brain regions without requiring large skull openings. The endoscope's work channel serves as a conduit, allowing the electrode to reach the target area through a minimally invasive craniotomy while maintaining the capability for neurophysiological mapping.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If endoscopic procedures are used to minimize invasiveness, then patient safety and reduced surgical trauma are achieved, but the capability to perform neurophysiological recording and stimulation of ventricular surfaces is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions within a single integrated system: the endoscope provides visualisation and access, while the sensitive element inserted through its work channel enables neurophysiological recording and stimulation. This multi-functional approach allows endoscopic procedures to maintain minimally invasive benefits while gaining neurophysiological capabilities previously only available through open surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensitive element is nested within the endoscope's work channel, allowing the minimally invasive endoscopic approach to simultaneously perform both visualisation and neurophysiological analysis functions that were previously requiring separate open surgical procedures.
3Reliability
If a significant portion of the skull is removed to perform neurophysiological mapping, then real-time analysis of neurological functions during surgery can be performed, but the surgical procedure becomes significantly more invasive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the sensitive element within the endoscope's work channel, the system enables real-time neurophysiological analysis to be performed through the existing endoscopic access pathway, eliminating the need for additional skull openings and extending surgical procedures. The electrode can be positioned and used concurrently with the endoscopic visualisation.
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
Enables minimally invasive neurophysiological mapping and monitoring by allowing direct contact with nerve structures, reducing the risk of neurological damage and facilitating precise localization of functional areas during surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a sensitive element which is of the rigid or elastic type, is formed of a single-pole or two-pole electrode, and can be inserted into a work channel of the endoscope
Implementation Method 2
allows recording and stimulation during endoscopic procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (50) for the neurophysiological analysis of an anatomical region of interest of a patient in the field of neurosurgical endoscopy, the device (50) comprising: a handgrip (52); and a sensitive element (56) having a first (56a) and a second end (56b) opposite to each other along a main extension direction (58) of the sensitive element (56), the sensitive element (56) being coupled in a releasable manner with the handgrip (52) through the first end (56a). The sensitive element (56) comprises a single-pole electrode (56') or a two-pole electrode (56''). The sensitive element (56) is either rigid or elastic in flexions transverse to the main extension direction (58).