Expandable CNS Access Port for Atraumatic Brain Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical devices face challenges in accessing lesions, clots, and tumors in the brain while minimizing trauma to brain tissue and improving visualization and access to target regions.

Innovation Solution

An expandable access port with a housing, tines, a thrust washer, and an actuation member that shifts between configurations, featuring a biocompatible elastomeric sleeve capable of significant elongation and atraumatic expansion to facilitate access and visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid access device is used to access brain tissue, then structural strength is maintained, but tissue trauma increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The access device incorporates tines that can dynamically change configuration between a compressed state for insertion and an expanded state for stabilization. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt its mechanical properties during different phases of the procedure, reducing trauma during insertion while maintaining strength during access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes an elastomeric sleeve that acts as a flexible protective layer over the tines. This flexible element allows the tines to compress and expand while providing a compliant interface with brain tissue, reducing mechanical trauma during both insertion and expansion phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If the access device is expanded to accommodate the target site, then visualization and access are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to target siteVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The access device is segmented into multiple independent tines that can be individually controlled to expand and compress. This segmentation allows the device to achieve complex three-dimensional expansion patterns while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tines are nested within the elastomeric sleeve during the compressed state, allowing the entire expansion mechanism to be contained within a compact form factor for insertion. The nesting principle enables the device to transition from a small insertion profile to a larger expanded profile without requiring complex external mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 expandable access port provides atraumatic access to brain regions, enhancing visualization and access to target sites by expanding to accommodate the target site, reducing tissue trauma and improving procedural efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

the sleeve includes a biocompatible elastomer; and the sleeve is capable of elongating up to 400-1200%

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12527598B2Medical device for accessing the central nervous system

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 PHARAOH NEURO INC

AI summary

Medical devices for accessing the central nervous system, as well as making and using medical devices, are disclosed. An example medical device may include an expandable access port. The expandable access port may include a housing having a plurality of tines coupled thereto. A thrust washer may be disposed along the housing. An actuation member may be coupled to the housing. The actuation member may be designed to shift the plurality of tines between a first configuration and an expanded configuration.