Automated Latency Marker Placement for Neurophysiologic Waveforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurophysiologic monitoring techniques, such as SSEP, are time-consuming and require specialized personnel, increasing healthcare costs and operation duration due to the need for manual analysis of complex waveforms during spinal surgery, which poses risks to nervous tissue.
Innovation Solution
A system capable of stimulating nerves and recording somatosensory responses, featuring a processing unit that delivers stimulation signals and automatically places latency markers on neurophysiologic waveforms, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual analysis of SSEP waveforms is performed by neurophysiologists, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic waveform analysis where the neurophysiologic monitoring system itself identifies morphology, places markers, and calculates amplitudes and latencies without requiring manual intervention by neurophysiologists, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual analysis process while maintaining measurement precision through algorithmic processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of visual waveform identification and marker placement with an automated computational system that uses algorithms to analyze SSEP waveforms, extract features, and place markers automatically, substituting human manual labor with machine-based processing
2Reliability
If specialized neurophysiologists are required for monitoring, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and healthcare costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The neurophysiologic monitoring system performs automatic waveform analysis and interpretation functions that previously required specialized neurophysiologist expertise, making the system self-sufficient in performing complex analysis tasks through integrated algorithms and processing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to perform multiple functions including waveform acquisition, morphology identification, marker placement, amplitude and latency calculation, and real-time monitoring within a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate specialized personnel and reducing overall system complexity
3Measurement precision
If manual marker placement is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual marker placement with automated algorithmic processing that identifies waveform morphology and places markers based on predefined criteria and signal processing techniques, maintaining precision through systematic analysis while dramatically increasing processing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic marker placement system operates continuously without interruption, processing waveforms in real-time as they are acquired, eliminating the discontinuous nature of manual marker placement where neurophysiologists must periodically stop to analyze and mark waveforms
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at surgery. More particularly, the present invention is directed at a system and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments involving the use of neurophysiology.