Integrated Head-Mounted VEP ERG Electrode Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for simultaneous VEP and ERG recording face challenges due to misalignment or dislodgement of ERG electrodes, which can lead to false positivity in VEP waveform attenuation, necessitating improved and fail-safe electrode placement and LED goggles configuration for reliable visual stimulation and data recording.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted device with integrated electrodes and light sources, where the electrodes are pre-gelled and positioned within compliant material for secure fit, and a computing device records VEP and ERG responses to differentiate between technical errors and pathological conditions by ensuring consistent stimulation and data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ERG electrodes are positioned separately from the head-mounted device, then flexibility in electrode placement is improved, but misalignment or dislodgement occurs leading to false positivity in VEP waveform attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ERG electrodes with the head-mounted device into a single integrated unit. The electrodes are embedded within the head-mounted device structure, ensuring they move together as one unit and eliminating misalignment or dislodgement issues that occur with separate placement
2Measurement precision
If manual electrode placement is used, then placement accuracy can be adjusted, but placement time increases and consistent positioning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes are pre-positioned and integrated into the head-mounted device during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming manual placement during patient assessment while ensuring consistent, accurate positioning every time the device is applied
3Productivity
If LEDs are activated without integrated ERG verification, then visual stimulation can be delivered, but technical errors cannot be differentiated from pathological conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the ERG electrodes to continuously monitor and provide feedback on whether the LEDs are actually stimulating the retina. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect technical errors (such as improper LED activation or retinal non-stimulation) and differentiate them from true pathological conditions
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 ensures accurate and reliable simultaneous recording of VEP and ERG responses, reducing false alarms and improving signal quality by maintaining consistent electrode positioning and stimulation, thereby enhancing the assessment of visual function during neurosurgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of one or more light sources positioned within the left eye element or portion of the frame containing the left eye element on the first side; a second set of one or more light sources positioned within the right eye element or portion of the frame containing the right eye element on the first side
Implementation Method 2
ERG measures the function of the retina which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of an eye. When light enters the eye, it is converted into electrical energy by light-sensitive cells (photoreceptors) in the retina. ERG tests record how well the cells of the retina are conveying electrical impulses within the eye.
Implementation Method 3
VEP measures the electrical activity in the entire vision system of the patient. When light enters an eye, it is converted into electrical energy at the retina that travels through the optic nerve to the visual cortex of the brain which processes vision. VEP tests measure the strength and speed of the signal from the retina to the patient's visual cortex
Data Source
AI summary
A system for assessing a patient's visual function includes a first set of electrodes positioned on the patient's scalp, a head-mounted device having a frame with a left eye element, a right eye element, and a bridge coupling the eye elements, light sources accommodated within each of the eye elements, a second set of electrodes integrated in the head-mounted device, and a computing device. When the computing device triggers the one or more light sources to deliver visual stimuli to at least one of patient's eyes, the first set of electrodes records first data and the second set of electrodes record second data. The data is interpreted to differentiate between actual biological causes for visual defects and technical anomalies causing absent or abnormal data in the vision assessment procedure.