Flexible Intraoperative Nerve Evaluation Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for intraoperative nerve evaluation, such as visual inspection and biopsy, are inaccurate and time-consuming, and existing devices require frequent repositioning, failing to provide real-time results.
Innovation Solution
An intraoperative neuromonitoring device with a flexible substrate and multiple detection units, each equipped with electrodes and conductive wires, which transmit input signals to nerves and receive response signals for analysis, using a system comprising a signal input module, amplifier, and display to determine nerve injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection or biopsy is used for nerve evaluation, then the evaluation can be performed, but the accuracy is low and/or the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical biopsy operations and visual inspection with an electrical field-based detection system. Multiple electrodes are positioned along the nerve to apply electrical stimuli and detect response signals, substituting physical tissue sampling and subjective visual assessment with objective electrical measurements that provide both high accuracy and real-time results
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device is divided into multiple detection units, each with electrodes positioned at different locations along the nerve. This segmentation allows for localized evaluation of different nerve segments simultaneously, enabling precise identification of injury locations without requiring sequential biopsy operations throughout the entire nerve length
2Measurement precision
If a conventional nerve evaluation device is used, then nerve evaluation can be performed, but the device has to be moved frequently to locate the injured part
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device comprises multiple detection units with electrodes distributed along the nerve's length. This segmented configuration enables simultaneous monitoring of multiple nerve segments, allowing the system to identify injury locations without requiring physical repositioning of the device during surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device is designed to perform multiple evaluation functions simultaneously through its array of electrodes. A single device placement can stimulate and record from multiple nerve segments, enabling comprehensive assessment of the entire nerve pathway without requiring separate operations or device movements for different evaluation points
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 accurate, real-time intraoperative nerve evaluation by transmitting input signals and amplifying response signals to display results, allowing for efficient identification of nerve injuries during surgery.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the detection units includes an electrode configured to be attached to a nerve of a subject, and a conductive wire electrically connected to the electrode
Implementation Method 2
The signal amplifier module is electrically connected to the controller and the conductive wires of the detection units other than the selected one, and is configured to receive, from the conductive wires connected thereto, a number of response signals associated with the input signal, to amplify the response signals
Data Source
AI summary
An intraoperative nerve evaluation device includes a flexible substrate, and a plurality of detection units disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from one another. Each of the detection units includes an electrode and a conductive wire electrically connected to the electrode. When the electrodes are attached to a nerve, a selected one of the electrodes is configured to receive an input signal via the corresponding conductive wire and to transmit the input signal to the nerve, and each of the electrodes other than the selected one is configured to receive from the nerve a response signal associated with the input signal and to transmit the response signal via the corresponding conductive wire.