Flexible Introducer Probe for Guided Port Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical probes lack design features necessary for effective use in port-based surgery, such as size, sterilization tolerance, signal enhancement, integration with surgical tools, position and orientation tracking, and integration with other optical systems, hindering their utility in minimally invasive procedures like neurosurgical tumor resection.

Innovation Solution

A surgical access port with a guiding mechanism featuring an adaptive atraumatic tip and an introducer probe with bendable elbows for navigating sulcal paths, combined with inflatable balloon probes and high-frequency vibration mechanisms to minimize trauma and facilitate precise insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rigid optical probe is used for port-based surgery, then the probe provides stable structural support, but it cannot navigate curved sulcal paths and causes trauma to brain tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNavigation capabilityVSAvoidTissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible shaft with bendable elbows that allows the optical probe to navigate curved sulcal paths while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible construction enables the probe to adapt to the natural curvature of brain sulci without causing trauma, resolving the contradiction between navigation capability and tissue harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The probe incorporates dynamic bending capabilities through articulated elbows that can change orientation during insertion. This dynamic adaptation allows the rigid optical components to follow curved paths without transmitting harmful forces to the brain tissue, achieving both navigational flexibility and tissue protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the optical probe is miniaturized for endoscopic use, then it can access hollow organs and minimally invasive regions, but it lacks the size and design features needed for port-based neurosurgery

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePort-based surgery compatibilityVSAvoidProbe design requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal probe design that integrates multiple functions: optical measurement capabilities, flexible navigation through sulcal paths, compatibility with port-based surgery, and integration with surgical tools. This multi-functional approach allows a single probe design to address various neurosurgical requirements without increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe incorporates nested structures where the optical components are housed within the flexible shaft, and the flexible shaft is contained within the port. This nested arrangement allows miniaturization while maintaining all necessary features for port-based neurosurgery, resolving the contradiction between size and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If the access port is inserted straight through brain tissue, then the insertion path is simple, but it causes mechanical stress and trauma to intact white and grey matter

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInsertion simplicityVSAvoidMechanical stress to brain matter

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs curved sulcal paths instead of straight insertion trajectories. The flexible probe follows the natural curvature of brain sulci, allowing the access port to be inserted along the contour of the brain surface. This curved approach distributes mechanical stress along the natural tissue architecture rather than creating focal trauma from straight penetration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 guided port insertion and navigation with reduced trauma, allowing for accurate and minimally invasive access to deep brain tissue, enhancing the effectiveness of optical measurements and surgical precision.

Implementation Method 1

high-frequency vibration mechanisms to minimize trauma and facilitate precise insertion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh-frequency vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS10307181B2System and method for guided port insertion to minimize trauma

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC

AI summary

The present invention provides a system and method for inserting a surgical port to minimize trauma. The system includes an access port and a guiding mechanism on the distal end of the access port, wherein the guiding mechanism has an adaptive atraumatic tip. The system also includes an introducer probe with a handle on the proximal end of the introducer probe, an atraumatic tip on the distal end of the introducer probe and a flexible body for insertion through the access port, the flexible body comprising one or more bendable elbows along the length of the introducer probe, wherein the introducer slidably engages the interior of the surgical access port to define an access path. The method includes inserting an access port down a sulcal path, inserting an introducer probe through the access port, and navigating the sulcal path with the introducer to the target.