Stereotactic Device for Rodent Brain Implant Precision

Solution Overview

Problem

Current stereotactic devices lack precision and customization for accurately placing and supporting intracranial devices across different species, leading to inaccuracies and discomfort during surgical procedures, especially in animals which tend to displace implanted devices.

Innovation Solution

A customizable external stereotactic system that utilizes 3D imaging and surgical stencils to pre-plan and secure intracranial device placement, incorporating a neurocap and implant jig with customized interfaces to match specific species' anatomy, ensuring accurate and secure positioning of intracranial implants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a standardized stereotactic device is used for intracranial implantation, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision and measurement precision deteriorate due to inability to accommodate anatomical variations across species

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary 3D imaging and customization of the stereotactic device before the actual implantation procedure. The customized interface plate and surgical stencil are designed in advance based on the subject's specific anatomy, ensuring high precision while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized customization processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the geometric parameters of the stereotactic device components (interface plate, surgical stencil) to match the specific anatomical parameters of the subject. This includes adjusting dimensions, curvature, and feature locations based on 3D imaging data, thereby achieving high manufacturing precision for each subject while using standardized manufacturing methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a generic stereotactic device is used, then device complexity is lowered, but measurement precision and positioning accuracy worsen due to lack of anatomical customization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary 3D imaging and customization of the stereotactic device before the actual implantation procedure. The customized interface plate and surgical stencil are designed in advance based on the subject's specific anatomy, ensuring high precision while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized customization processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the geometric parameters of the stereotactic device components (interface plate, surgical stencil) to match the specific anatomical parameters of the subject. This includes adjusting dimensions, curvature, and feature locations based on 3D imaging data, thereby achieving high manufacturing precision for each subject while using standardized manufacturing methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If intracranial devices are permanently implanted with external exposure, then long term treatment is enabled, but reliability deteriorates due to animal displacement behavior and need for protective covering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of actionVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the intracranial device with the stereotactic framework by integrating the device into the customized interface plate and neurocap assembly. This combination provides both long-term stability and protection against displacement, as the device becomes part of the secured anatomical interface structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the neurocap as a flexible protective shell that covers and secures the exposed ends of intracranial devices. This thin film structure protects the devices while allowing for animal movement and growth, maintaining reliability over the long term

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10492882B2Stereotactic device for implantation of permanent implants into a rodent brain

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

Stereotactic systems and implantation methods that can be designed for use with a specific species and further customized for use with an individual within the species are provided. The stereotactic system can include an implant jig that can model a tissue or organ in which a target tissue area is located. A neurocap can be coupled to the implant jig for pre-planning and pre-placement of implants. A stencil can be used to determine the location for placement of the neurocap on the individual, so that the implants can be precisely targeted at the desired location. Pre-surgical information and data can be obtained from an individual and used to customize components of a stereotactic system, which can improve accuracy of implant placement.