Haptic Nerve Locator Feedback for Precise Surgical Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held nerve stimulation devices lack effective non-visual indicators for surgical practitioners, making it difficult to maintain spatial positioning and accuracy during nerve location procedures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of haptic feedback mechanisms, such as linear resonant actuators and eccentric rotating mass motors, to provide tactile cues about device status and stimulation parameters, allowing users to maintain focus on the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual indicators (LEDs or LCDs) are used to convey device status information, then information can be communicated to the user, but the user must divert their gaze from the surgical site, making it difficult to maintain spatial positioning and procedural accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual indicators (optical system) with haptic feedback mechanisms (mechanical vibration system). The haptic signal generator produces tactile sensations that communicate device status and stimulation parameters to the user through the handheld device, eliminating the need for visual monitoring and allowing continuous focus on the surgical site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces haptic feedback as an intermediary communication channel between the device and the user. Instead of direct visual observation, the user receives information through tactile sensations mediated by the haptic signal generator, which translates electrical stimulation parameters into perceivable vibration patterns.
2Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced to create a handheld portable unit, then portability and ease of use are improved, but the number and complexity of visual indicators must be limited, reducing information communication capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes visual display elements with a haptic feedback system that can convey multiple pieces of information through varied vibration patterns, frequencies, and intensities. This mechanical substitution allows rich information communication without requiring physical space for visual indicators, maintaining compact device dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses variations in haptic signal parameters (vibration frequency, amplitude, duration, pattern) to encode different device status information and stimulation parameters. By changing these physical parameters of the haptic feedback, the system communicates multiple types of information through a single haptic output channel, maximizing information density within the compact form factor.
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 precise nerve location without diverting gaze, providing redundant visual and haptic indicators for enhanced surgical efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporation of haptic feedback mechanisms, such as linear resonant actuators and eccentric rotating mass motors
Implementation Method 2
Incorporation of haptic feedback mechanisms, such as linear resonant actuators and eccentric rotating mass motors
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and devices for providing stimulation to target tissue to locate nerves. Devices may incorporate the use of haptic feedback to provide surgeons optimal communication of device status and/or target tissue excitability. Haptic communication may also work in conjunction with visual indicators to provide dual confirmatory responses to the user or signal other information. Haptic communication is also used to be timed with the application of electrical stimulation to elicit a feeling of contraction in the surgeon's hands as they apply electrical stimulation to a target nerve that results in a muscle contraction.