Pneumatic Motor Fluid Control for MRI-Compatible Neurosurgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Neurosurgical procedures require precise and delicate tools for removing brain and spinal tissue, but existing devices face variability in motor performance and compatibility issues, especially with MRI environments.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool system incorporating a motor with a shaft that rotates and reciprocates, a position sensor, a fluid regulator, and a controller to regulate fluid flow, providing consistent torque control and MRI compatibility, with a tissue cutting device featuring a cannula assembly and a tissue collector for precise tissue removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a motor is used to drive the cutting device in neurosurgical procedures, then the cutting precision can be improved, but motor performance variability and MRI compatibility issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electric motor with a pneumatic motor that uses compressed gas to drive the cutting device. This substitution eliminates the MRI compatibility issues and performance variability associated with electric motors, while maintaining the precision needed for neurosurgical procedures through pneumatic actuation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from electrical to pneumatic, fundamentally altering how the motor operates. This parameter change resolves the contradictions by providing consistent performance without MRI interference, as pneumatic systems are inherently compatible with MRI environments and offer more predictable torque characteristics.
2Productivity
If an electric motor is used for tissue cutting, then cutting capability is achieved, but MRI compatibility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric motor system with a pneumatic motor system that uses compressed gas delivery to drive the cutting device. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic interference with MRI fields, making the device MRI-compatible while preserving tissue cutting capability through pneumatic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pneumatic intermediary system that transfers mechanical energy to the cutting device through compressed gas. This intermediary approach allows the cutting function to be achieved without direct electrical components that would interfere with MRI, as the pneumatic system acts as a mediator between power source and cutting mechanism.
3Device complexity
If fluid flow is not regulated, then motor operation is simple, but torque control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system that monitors the pneumatic motor's operation and adjusts fluid flow accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables precise torque control by continuously regulating the compressed gas flow based on actual motor performance, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic fluid flow regulation that adapts the pneumatic supply to motor needs in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain optimal torque control by adjusting fluid flow rates based on varying operational requirements, transforming a static simple system into a dynamically controlled precise system.
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 ensures consistent and precise tissue cutting with reduced motor variability, achieving similar control to brushless electric motors while being MRI compatible, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of neurosurgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid regulator in fluid communication with the motor and configured to provide fluid to the motor. The motor rotates in accordance with the fluid provided by the fluid regulator
Implementation Method 2
a position sensor that determines a state of the motor and outputs a position signal representing the determined state
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system includes a surgical tool having a motor with a shaft configured to rotate, a cutting device that reciprocates in accordance with the rotation of the shaft, and a position sensor that determines a state of the motor and outputs a position signal representing the motor state. A fluid regulator provides fluid to the motor, and the motor rotates in accordance with the fluid provided. A controller generates a fluid flow command based at least in part on the position signal. The fluid regulator receives the fluid flow command and regulates fluid flow to the motor accordingly.