Omni-Directional Bipolar Nerve Stimulation Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional nerve stimulation probes, such as mono-polar, concentric, side-by-side bipolar, and tri-polar stimulation probes, face limitations including the need for wires and return needles, low current density, and orientation-dependent electrode placement, which can result in improper nerve stimulation and tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, handheld bipolar stimulation probe system that eliminates the need for wires and return needles, provides stable muscle responses, and ensures deeper tissue penetration with a modular stimulation module generating monophasic pulses, allowing for omni-directional nerve stimulation regardless of probe orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a mono-polar stimulation probe is used, then deep focused penetration of applied current to a nerve is achieved, but movement of the surgeon's hand is restricted due to the attachment of the probe to the return needle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the return needle and its connecting wire from the stimulation system. The bipolar probe contains both cathodal and anodal electrodes within the same handheld instrument, removing the need for a separate return path and freeing the surgeon's hand movement while maintaining deep current penetration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines both the cathodal electrode (for current delivery) and the anodal electrode (for current return) into a single bipolar probe tip. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate return needle attachments and enables unrestricted hand movement while achieving focused deep penetration through bipolar current delivery
2Ease of operation
If a concentric probe is used to eliminate the wire and return needle, then ease of operation is improved, but current density and current tissue penetration become low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by concentrating the conductive elements at the tip of the bipolar probe where stimulation is needed. The cathodal and anodal electrodes are positioned in close proximity at the tip, creating a focused high-current-density region that enables deep penetration while maintaining wireless operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameters by using bipolar stimulation with alternating cathodal and anodal phases. This allows the system to achieve both wireless operation and deep current penetration by dynamically switching between cathodal (current delivery) and anodal (current return) modes, optimizing current density at the tissue interface
3Ease of operation
If a side-by-side bipolar stimulation probe is used, then wire and return needle are eliminated, but proper nerve stimulation requires precise orientation of electrodes which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by making the bipolar probe omni-directional through alternating cathodal and anodal stimulation phases. The system dynamically switches between delivering current through the cathodal electrode and returning current through the anodal electrode, allowing effective nerve stimulation regardless of the probe's orientation relative to the nerve
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses periodic action through alternating biphasic stimulation pulses. The cathodal and anodal electrodes are activated in alternating phases, creating a periodic stimulation pattern that ensures proper nerve activation regardless of probe orientation, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining wireless capability
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
The system achieves efficient nerve stimulation with reduced power consumption, minimizes clutter in the operating room, and prevents false negatives by ensuring proper nerve stimulation without the need for precise electrode orientation.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive elements are configured to transfer the monophasic stimulation pulses from the connecting elements to the contacting elements
Implementation Method 2
The insulative outer layers isolate the conductive elements from each other
Implementation Method 3
A nerve of a patient may be stimulated by applying current to the nerve via a mono-polar stimulation probe... to provide a voltage and/or current to a location on the patient and stimulate nerve activity and as a result a muscle response
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tool including first connecting elements, contacting elements, and conductive elements. The contacting elements are configured to contact nerve tissue of a patient. The conductive elements extend from the connecting elements to the contacting elements. The conductive elements have respective insulative outer layers. The insulative outer layers isolate the conductive elements from each other. The first connecting elements are configured to connect to and receive monophasic stimulation pulses from second connecting elements on a modular stimulation module. The modular stimulation module is configured to connect to the tool and other tools via the second connecting elements. The conductive elements are configured to transfer the monophasic stimulation pulses from the connecting elements to the contacting elements.