Foley Catheter Ring Electrodes Nerve Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for monitoring nerve health during surgeries, such as radical prostatectomy, are inconsistent and inaccurate due to variability in stimulus application, leading to potential nerve damage and complications like erectile dysfunction.
Innovation Solution
A Foley catheter with multiple electrode pairs for continuous nerve stimulation and monitoring, allowing for hands-free, automatic recording of neurogenic responses to assess nerve integrity during surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stimulation probe is applied intermittently to contact the nerve, then the surgeon can check nerve health at discrete points, but the monitoring is inconsistent and cannot detect cumulative damage during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of continuity by implementing continuous nerve monitoring throughout the surgical procedure. The catheter with electrodes maintains constant contact with the nerve, providing uninterrupted neurogenic response measurements. This eliminates the gaps in monitoring that occur with intermittent probe application, allowing detection of cumulative nerve damage as it occurs during surgery rather than at discrete checkpoints.
2Measurement precision
If the stimulation probe is placed in slightly different locations each time, then the surgeon can apply the stimulus, but the response variability clouds identification of normal versus impaired nerve responses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual feedback through color-coded displays to indicate nerve health status. The system processes neurogenic response signals and presents them in a visually intuitive format, allowing the surgeon to immediately distinguish between normal and impaired nerve responses without needing to manually interpret variable signal patterns. This visual transformation enhances measurement precision by converting complex electrical responses into clear visual indicators.
3Productivity
If the surgeon manually applies the stimulation probe each time, then the stimulus can be applied, but the process is time-consuming and interrupts the surgical flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service monitoring where the catheter-based electrode system automatically performs nerve stimulation and response measurement without requiring repeated manual probe application. The system continuously records neurogenic responses and provides real-time feedback, eliminating the need for the surgeon to pause and manually reposition a probe multiple times during the procedure. This automation significantly reduces monitoring time and maintains surgical efficiency.
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
This approach provides reliable and consistent monitoring of nerve health, reducing the risk of nerve injury and associated complications like erectile dysfunction by ensuring accurate assessment of nerve integrity in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
applying stimulation signals to a nerve adjacent to the target tissue via electrodes on a Foley type catheter
Implementation Method 2
measuring a neurogenic response signal at the nerve as a direct nerve potential
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for monitoring a nerve includes a Foley type catheter having an exterior surface, and first and second pairs of ring electrodes formed on the exterior surface of the Foley catheter. Each of the first and second pairs of ring electrodes is configured to perform at least one of stimulating the nerve and recording nerve activity.