Neuromodulation Delivery Tool with Integrated Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for headaches, particularly targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion, are invasive and provide temporary relief, necessitating a less invasive and more effective method for long-term efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool with an integrated visualization system is used to deliver a neurostimulator close to the sphenopalatine ganglion, involving an incision over the anterior maxilla, insertion of the tool with a contoured distal portion to elevate the periosteum, and advancement towards the pterygopalatine fossa, utilizing a fiberscope for visualization and illumination to minimize tissue dissection and radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional invasive procedures are used to deliver neurostimulator to sphenopalatine ganglion, then long-term efficacy is improved, but patient comfort and invasiveness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A specialized delivery tool acts as an intermediary device to guide the neurostimulator to the sphenopalatine ganglion through a controlled sub-periosteal path. The tool includes a contoured distal portion that elevates the periosteum to create a safe passage, minimizing direct tissue disruption while ensuring accurate device placement for long-term efficacy.
2Ease of operation
If extensive soft tissue dissection is performed to access pterygopalatine fossa, then access to sphenopalatine ganglion is improved, but tissue damage and procedure complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The contoured distal portion of the delivery tool is pre-shaped to automatically elevate the periosteum as it advances into the pterygopalatine fossa. This preliminary action of creating the sub-periosteal path before neurostimulator insertion simplifies the overall procedure by eliminating the need for separate, extensive soft tissue dissection steps.
3Measurement precision
If visualization system is integrated into delivery tool, then placement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The visualization system is merged with the delivery tool by integrating a light source and fiberscope directly into the shaft of the tool. This combination allows real-time visualization of the sub-periosteal path and sphenopalatine ganglion location during neurostimulator delivery, improving placement precision while consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated device.
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 method allows for precise delivery of the neurostimulator near the sphenopalatine ganglion, reducing invasive procedures and potentially providing long-term relief for headaches by minimizing soft tissue dissection and radiation exposure, while enhancing visualization for accurate placement.
Implementation Method 1
a visualization system, which can include a fiberscope
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for delivering a neurostimulator to a target tissue are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a delivery tool comprising a handle portion, an elongate shaft comprising a contoured distal portion, a visualization system embedded in the elongate shaft, and an insertion groove on the elongate shaft configured to deploy the neurostimulator. The contoured distal portion can be shaped and configured to maintain contact with a posterior maxilla and elevate a periosteum off of the posterior maxilla to avoid soft tissue dissection. In some embodiments, the neurostimulator is implanted in close proximity to or touching the sphenopalatine ganglion.