Optical Sensing System for Cochlear Implant Insertion Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cochlear implant surgery faces challenges in preventing damage to the cochlea during electrode array insertion, as existing methods rely on cumbersome robotic tools and delicate force sensing mechanisms, lacking effective feedback for surgeons to determine the optimal insertion depth without causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system incorporating an optical sensor, such as a fiber optic probe connected to an OCT system, measures the distance from the insertion device to anatomical surfaces within the cochlea, providing real-time feedback to the surgeon through visual or auditory displays to ensure safe insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a stylet-based insertion technique is used to hold the implant straight during insertion, then the implant can be inserted to the desired depth, but the contact forces can damage the cochlea if advanced too far
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates force sensing capabilities into the insertion device that provide real-time feedback to the surgeon about contact forces between the implant and cochlear structures. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to monitor insertion forces and stop before causing damage, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving proper insertion depth and avoiding cochlear damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical force sensing mechanisms with optical sensing technology. Optical sensors measure tissue displacement and calculate contact forces without requiring physical force sensors in the insertion path, eliminating the complexity and limitations of mechanical sensing while providing accurate force feedback to prevent cochlear damage.
2Reliability
If a robotic insertion tool with force sensing is used to advance the implant, then contact forces can be sensed, but the system becomes large and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical force sensing systems with an optical sensing system that uses light to measure tissue displacement and calculate forces. This substitution eliminates the need for physical force sensors and complex robotic mechanisms, providing reliable force sensing capability while maintaining a simple, compact insertion device that can be easily handled by the surgeon.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fields as an intermediary between the insertion device and the cochlear tissue. Instead of directly measuring forces through mechanical contact, the optical sensor measures tissue displacement caused by contact forces, providing indirect but accurate force measurement without adding mechanical complexity to the insertion system.
3Measurement precision
If a load cell is attached to the insertion mechanism to measure forces, then insertion forces can be measured, but friction forces and moving mass complicate the measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces load cells and mechanical force measurement systems with optical sensing technology. By measuring tissue displacement optically and calculating forces from these measurements, the system eliminates friction forces and moving mass that contaminate mechanical force measurements, providing accurate insertion force data without information loss.
4Ease of operation
If skilled otologic surgeons perform manual insertion, then manual dexterity and steadiness are achieved, but feedback is lacking to know when the implant has been introduced too far
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides real-time feedback to the surgeon during manual insertion by monitoring contact forces through optical sensing. The system continuously measures forces between the implant and cochlear structures and provides immediate feedback, allowing the surgeon to know precisely when the implant has reached the appropriate depth and to stop before over-insertion, complementing manual dexterity with information feedback.
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 allows for precise monitoring of the implant's position relative to the cochlear wall, reducing the risk of damage by providing accurate distance measurements and real-time feedback, enabling safer and more controlled insertion procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for measuring distance from an end of the insertion device to anatomic surfaces at a distance from the end of the insertion device
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing system for implant surgery includes an insertion device for moving an implant into a narrow cavity in a patient's body. A sensor measures the distance from an end of the insertion device to anatomic surfaces at a distance from the end of the insertion device. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system integrates the sensor and produces OCT images, which can be quantified to distance measurements. The system is particularly useful for cochlear implant surgery.