Flexible Arm Loading Tool for Pre-Curved Cochlear Electrode Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for loading and reloading pre-curved electrode arrays onto straightening members are cumbersome and often result in damage to the electrode arrays, complicating medical procedures for cochlear implantation.
Innovation Solution
A loading tool with flexible arms that constrain the electrode array in a straightened configuration, allowing for efficient insertion and retention of a straightening member, thereby minimizing damage and facilitating easier handling during medical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current methods are used to load pre-curved electrode arrays onto straightening members, then the procedure can be completed, but the process is cumbersome and often results in damage to the electrode arrays
Solution Approach 1:
A loading tool with flexible arms acts as an intermediary device between the pre-curved electrode array and the straightening member. The flexible arms gently guide and constrain the electrode array during loading, preventing direct contact that could cause damage while simplifying the loading procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The loading tool changes the physical state of the electrode array from pre-curved to straightened configuration during the loading process. By controlling the curvature parameter of the electrode array, the system enables safe loading onto the straightening member without damage
2Productivity
If pre-curved electrode arrays are loaded onto straightening members using conventional methods, then the arrays can be inserted, but procedural delays occur due to cumbersome handling
Solution Approach 1:
The loading tool is pre-configured with flexible arms that are positioned and ready to receive the pre-curved electrode array. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex manual manipulation during the procedure, enabling rapid loading onto the straightening member and reducing procedural delays
Solution Approach 2:
The loading tool serves as a mediator that streamlines the transition from handling the pre-curved electrode array to loading it onto the straightening member, significantly reducing the time required for this critical step in the implantation procedure
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 solution enables more efficient and safe loading and reloading of pre-curved electrode arrays, reducing procedural delays and minimizing damage, thus improving the reliability of cochlear implantation processes.
Implementation Method 1
The first flexible arm and the second flexible arm define a straightening channel configured to constrain the pre-curved electrode array in a straightened configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary system for loading a pre-curved electrode array onto a straightening member includes a loading tool and a straightening member. An exemplary loading tool may include a body and first and second flexible arms each having a fixed end connected to the body and a free end opposite the fixed end. The first and second flexible arms may define a straightening channel configured to constrain a pre-curved electrode array in a straightened configuration. The first and second flexible arms may be further configured to flex away from each other to receive the pre-curved electrode array into the straightening channel. The straightening member is configured to be inserted into the pre-curved electrode array while the pre-curved electrode array is in the straightened configuration and retain the pre-curved electrode array in the straightened configuration after the pre-curved electrode array is removed from the loading tool. Corresponding methods are also described.