Nerve Cuff Deployment Device Minimally Invasive Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for implanting nerve cuffs require large incisions and open procedures due to difficulties in accessing nerve trunks, especially in amputees, leading to increased surgical trauma and limited minimally invasive options.
Innovation Solution
A nerve cuff deployment device that uses a cannula and introducer tool to minimally invasively insert and deploy a nerve cuff electrode, allowing for visualization and positioning of the cuff via endoscopic tools, enabling the cuff to be implanted with a smaller incision and reducing surgical trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional open surgical procedures are used to implant nerve cuffs, then the nerve cuff can be reliably accessed and positioned, but the surgical incision size increases and surgical trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a delivery catheter as an intermediary tool that facilitates the minimally invasive implantation of the nerve cuff. The catheter serves as a mediator between the surgical site and the nerve cuff, allowing the cuff to be delivered through a small incision while maintaining reliable positioning capability. This resolves the contradiction by providing a new delivery mechanism that reduces surgical trauma without compromising the reliability of nerve cuff placement.
2Reliability
If traditional open surgical procedures are used to implant nerve cuffs, then the nerve cuff can be reliably accessed and positioned, but the incision size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery catheter acts as an intermediary that enables access to the nerve cuff through a small incision. By using the catheter as a delivery mechanism, the patent reduces the required incision size while maintaining the ability to reliably position the nerve cuff. The catheter serves as a bridge that allows minimal invasive access without compromising positioning reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the implantation process into distinct phases: delivery through the catheter, positioning at the target site, and deployment of the nerve cuff. This segmentation allows the incision to remain small during delivery while enabling reliable positioning through controlled deployment mechanisms, thereby resolving the contradiction between incision size and positioning reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive delivery methods are used, then the incision size decreases and surgical trauma decreases, but the ability to access and position the nerve cuff becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery catheter serves as an intermediary tool that enhances the ease of operation during minimally invasive nerve cuff implantation. It provides a controlled pathway that facilitates accurate positioning while maintaining small incision size. The catheter acts as a mediator that compensates for the limitations of minimal invasive access, making the positioning operation easier and more reliable.
4Length of stationary object
If a delivery catheter is used for minimally invasive implantation, then the incision size decreases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery catheter is designed with multi-functionality, serving multiple purposes: it acts as a delivery conduit, a positioning tool, and a support structure during implantation. By making the catheter a multi-functional device, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized tools, thereby managing device complexity while achieving minimal invasive delivery. The catheter's universal design allows it to handle various tasks throughout the implantation process.
Data Source
AI summary
Nerve cuff deployment apparatuses and methods of using them to deliver a nerve cuff electrode to a target nerve trunk.