Neural Tissue Localization via Electrical Impedance Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating neural tissue, such as baroreceptors, are time-consuming and inefficient, requiring extensive manual mapping and prolonged anesthesia times, which can lead to mechanical trauma and unstable blood pressure measurements.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using electrical tissue characteristics, like impedance, to quickly identify neural targets by measuring and comparing electrical properties at multiple tissue locations, creating a graphical map to pinpoint neural tissue without the need for stable blood pressure baselines, and confirming the target through stimulation responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual mapping with electrodes is used to locate neural tissue, then the neural target can be identified, but the procedure time becomes excessively long and patient exposure to anesthesia increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical electrode positioning with automated image-guided navigation. The system uses pre-operative imaging (CT/MRI) to create a 3D anatomical model, and the electrode is automatically positioned based on image coordinates, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual mapping while maintaining precise neural target identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary imaging and 3D reconstruction before the actual surgical procedure. The anatomical model and target coordinates are predetermined, allowing the electrode to be directly positioned at the correct location without requiring intraoperative mapping, thus significantly reducing procedure time
2Measurement precision
If extensive manual mapping is performed to locate baroreceptor regions, then effective stimulation sites can be found, but mechanical trauma is introduced and blood pressure measurements become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical exploration with image-guided navigation. The electrode is positioned based on pre-determined coordinates from 3D anatomical models, eliminating the mechanical trauma caused by manual manipulation and probe movement in the carotid sinus region
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational 3D anatomical model as an intermediary between the surgeon and the actual tissue. The model serves as a virtual guide that directs electrode placement without requiring physical exploration of the delicate baroreceptor region, thus avoiding mechanical trauma
3Ease of operation
If surgeons manually position electrodes to map the baroreceptor region, then neural targets can be located, but the complexity and time required for the procedure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual mapping procedures with automated image-guided navigation. The system integrates pre-operative imaging data to create a 3D model, and the electrode position is automatically determined based on anatomical landmarks and target coordinates, simplifying the surgical operation while reducing overall system complexity through automation
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 approach significantly reduces procedure time, minimizes mechanical trauma, and allows for more precise and efficient mapping of neural tissue, enabling faster and more effective neural stimulation therapies.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an electrical characteristic of tissue using the at least one electrode at each of the plurality of tissue locations
Data Source
AI summary
An example of a system comprises a patch of electrodes for placement on tissue containing neural tissue, and a tissue tester configured to measure an electrical characteristic of tissue. The tissue tester may include a test controller and switches. The test controller and the switches may be configured to connect different combinations of the electrodes to create subsets of two or more electrodes to measure the electrical characteristic of tissue using the subsets. The test controller may be configured to measure an electrical characteristic of tissue using the subsets within the set of electrodes placed on the tissue, and compare measurements of the electrical characteristic and identify a neural target for a therapy based on the comparison of the measurements of the electrical characteristic for tissue at the neural target relative to adjacent non-neural tissue.