Robotic Cochlear Implant Electrode Insertion System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The low adoption rate of cochlear implantation in adults is largely due to the potential for residual hearing loss associated with the electrode insertion process, which is exacerbated by the lack of dexterity and precision in manual surgical procedures, leading to unwanted intracochlear damage.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system for cochlear implant electrode array insertion that mimics the motion of a human hand, providing degrees of freedom such as pitch, roll, and yaw, and is equipped with sensors to detect surgical quality metrics, allowing for precise control and minimization of trauma during the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual surgical procedures are used for electrode insertion, then the surgeon can exercise judgment and adaptability, but the precision and consistency of electrode placement is insufficient, leading to intracochlear damage
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic system acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the cochlea. The robotic tool, controlled by a surgeon through a user interface, performs the precise electrode insertion while the surgeon maintains oversight and decision-making authority. This mediator approach combines machine precision with human judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical manipulation by the surgeon's hand with a robotic mechanical system. The robotic tool, with its controlled degrees of freedom and force feedback, substitutes the human hand's mechanical actions while providing enhanced precision and consistency in electrode placement.
2Ease of operation
If manual surgical procedures are used for electrode insertion, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the dexterity and control needed to minimize intracochlear damage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system serves as an intermediary that enhances the surgeon's dexterity. Through the user interface and force feedback mechanisms, the surgeon's manual inputs are translated into precise, controlled movements of the robotic tool, providing both simplicity of operation and enhanced control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system allows dynamic adjustment of operational parameters such as insertion speed, force applied, and trajectory. These parameters can be modified in real-time based on surgical conditions, providing enhanced control dexterity while maintaining ease of operation through automated regulation.
3Reliability
If traditional electrode insertion methods are used, then the procedure is quick to perform, but the consistency of insertion quality varies, leading to hearing loss
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system incorporates force sensors and control algorithms that provide real-time feedback during electrode insertion. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust insertion parameters dynamically, ensuring consistent, gentle insertion forces that preserve hearing while maintaining efficient insertion speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system maintains continuous, controlled insertion motion without interruption or variation in quality. The automated control ensures that the useful action of electrode placement continues consistently throughout the procedure, eliminating the variability inherent in manual techniques while preserving hearing.
4Manufacturing precision
If a robotic system with full degrees of freedom is used, then the precision of electrode placement is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface acts as an intermediary between the surgeon and the complex robotic system. It translates simple surgeon inputs into precise, multi-degree-of-freedom robotic movements, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high insertion precision through the robotic tool's full capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system integrates multiple functions into a single unified platform: positioning, orientation control, force application, and trajectory management. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve precise electrode insertion through a single, integrated control interface rather than requiring separate controls for each degree of freedom.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic system for cochlear implantation (CI) is described herein. The system includes a robotic tool configured to hold a cochlear implant electrode array and a controller that is operably coupled to the robotic tool. The controller includes a processor and a memory. The memory has computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the robotic tool with the degrees of freedom of a human hand.