Intraoperative Nerve Assessment With Real-Time Decompression Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of objective, real-time guidance during spinal decompression surgery leads to variability in decompression procedures, risking under- or over-decompression, which can result in complications such as spinal instability, dural tears, or the need for subsequent procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system with a stimulator, sensor, and processor that delivers electrical stimuli to nerves, detects muscle responses, and provides real-time feedback using algorithms to determine nerve function parameters, offering personalized and objective decompression guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgeons rely on clinical judgment and visual inspection to guide decompression, then procedural flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability of decompression outcomes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective clinical judgment and visual inspection with an automated electrical stimulation and sensor detection system. The stimulator delivers controlled electrical stimuli to the nerve, and sensors objectively detect muscle responses, converting qualitative surgical assessment into quantitative measurable data with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-assessment of nerve function during surgery through automated stimulation and detection. The processor automatically analyzes sensor signals to determine nerve health status, reducing dependence on surgeon experience and providing consistent, reproducible measurements across different procedures and practitioners.
2Reliability
If decompression extent is determined by surgeon experience, then procedural variability is maintained, but manufacturing precision and reliability of outcomes worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback during decompression surgery by continuously monitoring nerve function parameters. The processor compares measured parameters against target ranges and guides the surgeon on the extent of decompression needed, ensuring reliable outcomes by preventing both under-decompression and over-decompression while maintaining efficient procedure progression.
3Measurement precision
If real-time nerve function monitoring is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The processor automatically performs complex signal analysis and parameter calculation without requiring manual intervention. The system self-calibrates and self-analyzes sensor signals to determine nerve function parameters, reducing the operational burden on surgeons while maintaining high measurement precision through automated computational methods.
4Measurement precision
If multiple nerve function parameters are measured, then measurement precision and diagnostic accuracy improve, but loss of time and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors nerve function parameters throughout the decompression procedure rather than requiring discrete separate measurements. The stimulator and sensor operate continuously, capturing real-time data on stimulation thresholds and muscle responses, allowing multiple parameters to be measured simultaneously and efficiently without interrupting the surgical flow.
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
This system optimizes decompression procedures by reducing complications, improving surgical outcomes, and personalizing care through continuous learning and integration with intraoperative imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a stimulator configured to deliver electrical stimuli to a nerve
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to detect muscle responses evoked by the electrical stimuli
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assessing nerve health during a surgical procedure includes: applying one or more electrical stimuli proximate to the target nerve during the surgical procedure; detecting a muscle response evoked by the one or more electrical stimuli; determining at least one nerve function parameter indicative of the health or function of the target nerve; identifying a target range for the at least one nerve function parameter adapted for the target nerve, the target range being predictive of a desired nerve health status of the target nerve; and outputting an indication of the determined at least one nerve function parameter relative to the identified target range to provide real-time feedback during the surgical procedure involving the target nerve.