Optical Drill Bit Probe for Nerve Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental implant procedures face challenges in accurately determining the proximity of the inferior alveolar nerve during drilling, leading to potential nerve damage and complications, as existing imaging methods are costly, invasive, and lack real-time precision.
Innovation Solution
A spectral absorption probe system and low coherence interferometry probe system are integrated into a drill bit to optically evaluate proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve using light sources, optical fibers, and signal processing, allowing for real-time detection and distance calculation based on back-scattered light and tissue attenuation coefficients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT scan is used to evaluate nerve proximity, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and radiation exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/radiological CT scan system with an optical sensing system. Optical fibers with light sources and detectors are integrated into the drill bit to detect nerve proximity through optical signals, eliminating radiation exposure while providing real-time feedback during drilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as intermediaries between the drill bit and the nerve. These optical fibers transmit light signals that interact with tissue at the nerve interface, allowing indirect detection of nerve proximity without direct contact or radiation exposure to the patient.
2Loss of information
If standard imaging methods are used, then nerve location is detected, but real-time precision during drilling is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous optical sensing during the entire drilling process. The optical fibers remain in contact with the drilling site throughout, providing uninterrupted real-time feedback on nerve proximity, allowing the surgeon to continuously adjust drilling depth and direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where optical detection signals are processed and displayed to the surgeon in real-time. This feedback loop allows immediate adjustment of drilling parameters based on detected nerve proximity, preventing nerve damage while maintaining drilling efficiency.
3Productivity
If drill approaches closely to maximize implant length, then productivity is improved, but risk of nerve damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time optical feedback system allows the surgeon to drill as close to the nerve as safely possible by continuously monitoring proximity. The system provides alerts when approaching critical distances, enabling maximum implant length while preventing nerve damage through immediate feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static pre-operative planning into a dynamic process with real-time adjustment capabilities. The drill depth and direction can be continuously adjusted based on real-time optical feedback, allowing adaptive optimization of implant placement while avoiding nerve damage.
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 systems enable precise, real-time detection of the nerve's proximity during drilling, reducing the risk of nerve damage and improving the accuracy of implant placement by providing a safe operating range and high axial resolution.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation optical fiber to bring the excitation light near the artery
Implementation Method 2
a collection optical fiber for capturing back-scattered light from the artery
Implementation Method 3
determining a distance to the artery based on the back-scattered light and on Beer-Lambert law of light absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A low coherence interferometry probe system for evaluating proximity to a tissue layer, comprising a low coherence light source for generating low coherence excitation light, an excitation optical fiber to bring the low coherence excitation light near the tissue layer and a collection optical fiber for capturing back-scattered light from the tissue layer. The probe system comprises a low coherence interferometry sub-system and a digital signal processor for evaluating a distance to the tissue layer. There is also provided a spectral absorption probe system for evaluating proximity to an artery, comprising a light source excitation light having a wavelength adapted for absorption by blood chromophores, an excitation optical fiber and a collection optical fiber. The probe system comprises a light detector and a signal processor for determining a distance to the artery based on the back-scattered light and on Beer-Lambert law of light absorption using a value for surrounding tissue attenuation coefficient (μeff). A probe system combining low coherence interferometry and spectral absorption is also provided.