Patient-Specific Brain Stimulation Guide Mask for Precise Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brain stimulation apparatus guide devices struggle to accurately position the stimulation apparatus due to variations in patient anatomy, leading to inconsistent treatment efficacy and potential misalignment of the stimulation point.
Innovation Solution
A patient-specific brain stimulation apparatus guide device featuring a face mask with guides and a stimulation apparatus holder, designed using 3D printing technology to fit the patient's facial anatomy, ensuring precise alignment of the stimulation apparatus at the target point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional brain stimulation apparatus guide device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the positioning accuracy is poor due to variations in patient anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device incorporates patient-specific anatomical features (nasal bone, temple, cheek landmarks) into the positioning structure, with different regions of the face mask tailored to fit individual patient anatomy. This local customization achieves high positioning accuracy while maintaining overall device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide device uses 3D printing technology to create a physical copy of the patient's facial anatomy based on CT scan data. This digital-to-physical copying process enables precise reproduction of individual anatomical features, achieving accurate positioning without complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If MRI imaging is used to specify the target point, then the target position can be identified, but the alignment between the specified point and the actual patient's head is difficult to confirm
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device acts as an intermediary between the virtual MRI target point and the physical stimulation location on the patient's head. It translates the 2D/3D imaging coordinates into a physical guide structure that directly contacts the patient's face, providing tactile feedback and visual alignment markers that make confirmation of accurate positioning intuitive and easy.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide device incorporates visual indicators such as colored markers or illuminated elements that correspond to the target position on the MRI scan. These color-coded or lighted indicators provide immediate visual feedback to the operator, making alignment confirmation simple and intuitive without requiring complex measurement procedures.
3Reliability
If the probe and head are positioned manually, then the device structure remains simple, but slight deviations occur leading to stimulation at the wrong point
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device is designed and manufactured in advance based on the patient's specific anatomy and the intended stimulation target. The positioning guides are pre-configured to match the target location, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during the procedure. This preliminary customization ensures reliable stimulation point accuracy while keeping the actual positioning operation simple.
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 device enables accurate and stable positioning of the brain stimulation apparatus, maintaining effective treatment alignment even with patient movement, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing the need for repeated adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic coil configured to generate a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
This brain stimulation guide device for positioning a brain stimulation device that stimulates the patient's brain with an electric field or magnetic field, comprises: a face mask mounted on the patient's face; band straps for fixing the face mask to the patient's face; and a procedure device holder which is fixed to the face mask and to which a brain stimulation device having a built-in magnetic coil for generating a magnetic field is mounted, wherein the face mask covers at least portions of the patient's nose, temples, and cheekbones. The brain stimulation guide device can place a brain stimulation device, which is a procedure tool, in an accurate position and thus improve the effect of a procedure.