MRI-Compatible Ceramic Cannula for Precise Substance Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI-guided diagnostic and interventional systems face challenges in accurately delivering substances to deep brain locations with minimal trauma and controlling the flow of substances during therapeutic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A cannula system comprising a rigid, MRI-compatible tubular member made of ceramic material with a conformal polymeric sleeve and a transfer tube, designed for precise substance delivery, along with an MRI-guided surgical system that automatically segments MR image data to generate real-time visualizations of the cannula and substance distribution, facilitating accurate placement and flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid tubular member is used for accurate substance delivery, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to material selection constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula employs a composite structure consisting of a rigid tubular member made from MRI-compatible material (such as ceramic or specialized polymer) combined with a flexible outer sheath. This composite design allows the inner rigid portion to maintain structural integrity and delivery precision while the outer sheath provides flexibility for navigation and MRI compatibility, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and device complexity.
2Reliability
If MRI-compatible materials are used, then reliability in MRI-guided procedures is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to material processing constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is divided into separate segments: an inner rigid tubular member made from MRI-compatible material and an outer flexible sheath. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using appropriate processes for its specific material requirements, then assembled together. The inner member can be precisely fabricated from MRI-compatible materials like ceramic or specialized polymers, while the outer sheath can be manufactured separately, thereby improving reliability without excessively complicating the overall manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If a conformal polymeric sleeve is added, then protection of the tubular member is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conformal polymeric sleeve is nested over the rigid tubular member, with the inner tubular member positioned within the outer sheath. This nested configuration provides structural protection to the fragile rigid member while maintaining a relatively simple two-layer construction. The protective function is achieved through the outer sheath enveloping the inner member, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity beyond the essential protective covering.
Data Source
AI summary
A cannula for transferring a substance to and/or from a patient includes a tubular support sleeve and a transfer tube. The support sleeve includes a rigid tubular member defining a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the tubular member. The transfer tube is positioned in the lumen and extends beyond each of the proximal end and the distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member includes a rigid, MRI-compatible material.