Skull Aperture Cover for Secure Electrode Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing electrodes and other medical devices through apertures in the skull, such as burr holes or twist drill holes, are complex and laborious, requiring precise placement and securing using multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base, a sleeve, and an actuator that interfaces with the base and sleeve to facilitate the placement and retention of medical devices through apertures in the skull, allowing for independent adjustment and securement of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current technology uses multiple components (tower, clear plastic base, snapped-on cap) to secure electrodes, then the electrode can be precisely placed and secured, but the process becomes laborious and technically complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (base, cap, securing mechanism) into a single integrated device. The burr hole cover integrates the electrode securing function, the aperture covering function, and the sealing function into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate tower, base, and cap components while maintaining precise electrode placement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The burr hole cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the electrode in place, covers the aperture in the skull, provides sealing to prevent fluid leakage, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functional design replaces the specialized single-function components of prior art with a single versatile device
2Reliability
If current technology uses screwed-in clear plastic base with snapped-on cap, then the electrode is secured permanently, but the system requires higher profile components and multiple assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is secured to the burr hole cover during the manufacturing process before the device is implanted. This preliminary securing action eliminates the need for complex assembly steps during surgery, as the electrode is already in its final position when the device is implanted into the skull
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrode securing mechanism with the burr hole cover structure itself, rather than using separate securing components. The cover is designed with integrated features that hold the electrode in place, eliminating the need for screwed-in bases and snapped-on caps
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for maintaining a separately-determined trajectory and securing an electrode or other such placed object through a bone, such as a skull, while also covering the aperture. The device includes a base and an engaging-disengaging butterfly with inner sleeve for temporary engagement of the base and sliding screwdriver for engaging the base or butterfly inner sleeve, depending upon desired function. The base's lower portion engages via threads the bone, while maintaining previously determined trajectory; the upper portion engages the butterfly to continue to maintain previously determined trajectory electrode trajectory; a feature grasps a passing electrode in a given position; the electrode grasp from the butterfly can be then released, the base screwed in to final position, and the butterfly disengaged by unscrewing it from the base.