Handheld Cortical Stimulator With Real-Time Brain Mapping Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cortical stimulation instruments for brain surgery are limited by their large size, high cost, and lack of real-time feedback, making it difficult to precisely map functional brain areas during tumor resection, which can lead to significant risks of damaging critical brain regions.
Innovation Solution
A handheld, programmable stimulation generator with a disposable tip that allows surgeons to control electrical pulse parameters and receive real-time feedback, combined with AI/ML algorithms for automated mapping and monitoring, enabling precise cortical and subcortical stimulation through a smaller incision at a lower cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cortical stimulation instruments are used, then brain mapping can be performed, but the devices are large, expensive, and require external control from outside the surgical field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stimulation generator, control interface, and mapping software into a single handheld device that fits within the surgical field. The generator housing integrates the pulse output circuitry, while the display screen and controls are built-in, eliminating the need for separate external equipment. This merging allows the surgeon to control stimulation parameters directly at the patient's head without reaching outside the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device performs multiple functions: it generates electrical stimulation pulses, displays real-time brain mapping data, provides tactile feedback through vibration, and allows parameter adjustment all in one unit. The device can stimulate different brain regions while simultaneously displaying functional maps and providing feedback, replacing what previously required multiple separate instruments and external monitoring equipment.
2Measurement precision
If traditional mapping methods are used, then functional areas can be identified, but real-time feedback is limited and precision is reduced to 5mm-1cm radius
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides real-time feedback through a display screen that shows functional brain maps immediately after stimulation. The system monitors the patient's responses and updates the mapping data continuously, allowing the surgeon to see the results of each stimulation pulse without delay. This immediate feedback loop enables precise adjustment of stimulation parameters and accurate identification of functional boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld generator allows dynamic adjustment of stimulation parameters including pulse amplitude, frequency, and duration directly at the control interface. The system can modify these parameters in real-time based on the displayed feedback, enabling the surgeon to optimize stimulation intensity for different brain regions and achieve precise mapping at 1mm resolution rather than the traditional 5mm-1cm radius.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional stimulation devices are used, then cortical mapping is possible, but the cost is high and the incision size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation generator is designed in a compact handheld form factor that can be inserted through a small surgical incision. The device nests the pulse generation circuitry, display screen, and control interface within a small housing that fits through standard neurosurgical openings, eliminating the need for large incisions required by traditional external equipment.
4Productivity
If traditional instruments are used, then brain stimulation can be performed, but tumor resection speed is reduced and seizure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary brain mapping and functional identification before tumor resection begins. By using the handheld generator to stimulate and map critical brain areas in advance, the system creates a detailed functional map that guides the surgeon during resection. This preliminary action allows the surgeon to proceed with faster resection while avoiding previously identified critical regions, thereby reducing seizure risk and brain injury potential.
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 provides precise brain mapping down to 1 mm, reduces the risk of brain injury, and allows faster tumor resection with fewer seizures, while integrating with EMR systems and other surgical tools for enhanced decision-making.
Implementation Method 1
intraoperative electrical stimulation of the brain to create neurological impulses
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for cortical stimulation and mapping are described. In one variation, an apparatus for creating a closed-loop response feedback for an automated brain mapping system may generally comprise a neural stimulator, a console docking station wirelessly communicating with the neural stimulator, and one or more human response sensors configured to interface with the console docking station, wherein said one or more human response sensors are triggered in response to an electrical signal delivered by said neural stimulator.