Multi-Port Neurostimulation Module for Simultaneous Nerve Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nerve integrity monitoring systems have limitations such as limited output channels, restricted stimulation modalities, and inability to simultaneously stimulate multiple nerves or nerve branches, leading to increased surgical procedure duration and complexity, and require frequent manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
An intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring system with a stimulation module featuring nine output ports, capable of configuring any port as an anode or cathode, and an adjustable voltage converter for constant current or voltage modes, along with impedance measurement and synchronization with facilitation stimulators, allowing for flexible and efficient neural stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional nerve integrity monitoring systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the number of output channels is limited and manual intervention is required frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the stimulation module into nine independent output channels, each capable of being configured as an anode or cathode. This segmentation allows simultaneous stimulation of multiple nerves or nerve branches without requiring additional manual intervention or system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
Each output port in the stimulation module is designed to be universally configurable as either an anode or cathode through software control. This multi-functionality enables the same hardware to adapt to different stimulation configurations and surgical procedures without requiring physical reconfiguration or additional components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stimulators are used, then the device complexity is low, but the stimulation modalities are restricted to single mode operation
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation module integrates both constant-current and constant-voltage stimulation modes within a single device, controlled through software. This allows the system to adapt to different clinical requirements and neural structures without requiring separate stimulators or manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between constant-current and constant-voltage modes based on real-time impedance measurements and clinical requirements. The stimulator can adjust its operating mode, pulse width, and intensity parameters during the procedure to optimize neural stimulation while maintaining a fixed physical configuration.
3Productivity
If conventional systems are used, then the ease of operation is moderate, but the surgical procedure duration increases due to frequent manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation module automatically manages multiple output channels and stimulation parameters through software control without requiring manual reconfiguration. The system can independently switch between stimulation modes, adjust intensity levels, and reconfigure electrode polarities based on real-time feedback, eliminating the need for frequent manual intervention during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures all nine output channels and stimulation parameters before the surgical procedure begins. This preliminary setup allows the surgeon to initiate multiple stimulation sites simultaneously without requiring subsequent manual adjustments, thereby reducing overall procedure duration and improving surgical workflow efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stimulators are used, then the device complexity is low, but the synchronization capability with facilitation stimulators is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functionality of multiple stimulators into a single integrated module with nine output channels. This consolidation enables synchronized stimulation across multiple sites while maintaining a unified control architecture, eliminating the need for separate facilitation stimulators or complex external synchronization arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification discloses an intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) system including a computing device capable of executing an IONM software engine, a stimulation module having multiple ports and various stimulation components and recording electrodes. The system is used to implement transcranial electrical stimulation and motor evoked potential monitoring by positioning at least one recording electrode on a patient, connecting the stimulation components to at least one port on the stimulation module, positioning the stimulation components on a patient's head, activating, using the IONM software engine, at least one port, delivering stimulation to the patient; and recording a stimulatory response on the patient.