Robotic Implant Positioning for Precision Spinal Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal cord stimulation systems face complications such as lead migration, scar tissue formation, and inter-operator variability in electrode placement, leading to reduced efficacy and increased need for revision surgeries, along with adverse side effects like unwanted stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A robotic-assisted system for precise and dynamic positioning of electrode arrays, utilizing a central processing system that integrates optical visualization, radiographical tracking, and electrophysiological monitoring to sense and adapt to real-time physiological changes, enabling remote or minimally invasive adjustment of electrode placement and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual insertion of leads is used, then the procedure is simple and quick, but placement precision is poor and inter-operator variability is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion with a robotic system that uses image guidance and computer control to achieve precise electrode placement. The robotic arm delivers the lead along a pre-planned trajectory based on imaging data, eliminating hand-based variability while maintaining procedural efficiency through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy or model of the patient's anatomy using pre-operative imaging (CT, MRI) to plan the optimal lead trajectory. This digital twin allows precise pre-planning of placement coordinates, which the robotic system then executes with high accuracy, avoiding trial-and-error manual insertion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed electrode placement is used, then initial positioning is straightforward, but adaptability to physiological changes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment capability where the robotic system can reposition the electrode lead after initial implantation. Based on updated imaging or physiological feedback, the system can modify the lead's position or orientation to optimize stimulation efficacy as the patient's anatomy or pain patterns change over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through imaging modalities and physiological monitoring that allow real-time or periodic assessment of electrode positioning and stimulation效果. This feedback loop enables the robotic system to make informed adjustments to maintain optimal therapeutic effect despite physiological changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If broader stimulation fields are used, then coverage area is increased, but selectivity and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs selective electrode contacts along the lead that can be independently activated. By choosing specific contacts rather than activating the entire electrode array, the system creates a focused, localized stimulation field that targets only the specific neural structures responsible for pain, minimizing spread to adjacent areas and reducing side effects.
4Reliability
If higher stimulation power is used, then efficacy is improved, but adverse side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves high efficacy at low power by precisely targeting the pain-generating neural structures with selective electrode contacts. This focused approach creates a strong, localized stimulation effect that does not require high overall power output, thereby avoiding the activation of distant neural pathways that would cause unwanted side effects like paresthesia or muscle contraction.
Data Source
AI summary
This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted implantation of an implant in a patient. A system includes an implant-positioning unit configured to engage an elongate member of the implant, and a control console communicatively coupled to the positioning unit. The control console may have a user interface that enables a user to input motion control instructions. The control console may generate a motion control signal, according to a specific motion control instruction, to control the external positioning unit to propel the implant into a target implant site, path or shape. The system may be used to robotically control the delivery and positing of a neuromodulating implant during a spinal stimulator implantation or deep brain stimulator implantation surgery.