Intracranial Access Support with Lobes and Depth Demarcations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for accessing the interior of the skull, such as stroke treatment and tumor biopsy, face challenges in safely manipulating devices through limited burr holes, requiring improved apparatus and methods for stabilization, depth control, and visualization within the confined space.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a wand with a biocompatible outer sheath and inner core, stabilized by a support accessory with lobes that can be sutured or stapled to the skull, featuring demarcations for depth monitoring and adjustable orientation, allowing for safe introduction, reentry, and manipulation of devices during intracranial procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a burr hole is created in the skull to introduce devices, then access to the interior of the skull is achieved, but the space is limited and manipulation of devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A support accessory with a hub and lobes is introduced as an intermediary device. The lobes are attached to the skull to provide stable support, while the hub receives and stabilizes the wand, enabling safe manipulation within the limited burr hole space
Solution Approach 2:
The support accessory is divided into separate functional components: lobes for skull attachment and a hub for wand reception. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to solve the manipulation difficulty
2Productivity
If the wand is introduced through the burr hole, then intracranial treatment is enabled, but depth control and orientation visualization become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indicators (demarcations) are provided on the wand to indicate depth and orientation. These visual cues enable precise measurement and control of wand positioning within the skull, similar to how color changes indicate state
Solution Approach 2:
The support accessory provides real-time visual feedback through demarcations and orientation indicators, allowing the clinician to monitor and adjust wand position and depth during the procedure
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are used during the procedure, then comprehensive treatment is achieved, but device reentry and stabilization become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support accessory with its hub and lobes serves multiple functions: stabilizing different types of wands, providing depth control, enabling orientation visualization, and facilitating device reentry. This universal support structure simplifies the management of multiple devices
Solution Approach 2:
The support accessory is installed and stabilized on the skull before introducing the wand and other devices. This preliminary action creates a stable platform that simplifies subsequent device manipulation and reentry procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A system for intracranial access that includes a support assembly is described. The support assembly has a hub and lobes surrounding a central aperture for introducing a sheathed core that can accommodate an endoscope and/or other devices. Some embodiments include a collar and a ring, each of which can be tightened to secure the sheathed core in place. An accessory device for use during intracranial aspiration procedures is described.