Skull-Fixed Surgical Guide Hub for Precise Brain Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stereotactic neurosurgery systems face challenges such as targeting inaccuracy, complexity, prolonged operation times, and difficulty in achieving accurate reproducibility, leading to increased complications and morbidity, particularly in procedures requiring multiple trajectories and targets.
Innovation Solution
A surgical guide hub and jig system are introduced, comprising a through-bore for delivering devices along a trajectory, with secure fittings to the skull and a jig for setting the depth of insertion, reducing the need for multiple measurements and calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional stereotactic systems are used with multiple measurements and adjustments, then targeting capability is achieved, but operation time is prolonged and human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical guide hub is pre-configured with the through-bore aligned to the predetermined trajectory and pre-fixed to the skull before the surgical procedure. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for multiple measurements and adjustments during surgery, directly reducing operation time while maintaining targeting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the trajectory alignment function from the complex stereotactic system into a standalone surgical guide hub with a pre-aligned through-bore. This separates the targeting function from the cumbersome measurement and adjustment processes, streamlining the workflow.
2Ease of operation
If conventional stereotactic systems with multiple adjustments are used, then device delivery is enabled, but device complexity increases and reproducibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential guidance function into a simple surgical guide hub with a through-bore, removing the need for complex stereotactic frames, arcs, and multiple adjustment mechanisms. This simplifies the system while preserving device delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the surgical guide hub fixed to the skull, the through-bore for device delivery, and the sealable interface. This modular approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the surgical guide hub provides a sealed interface, then infection risk is minimized, but device securing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a seal (which may be a flexible membrane or gasket) at the interface between the surgical guide hub and the skull aperture. This thin sealing element effectively blocks infection pathways without adding mechanical complexity to the securing mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
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Figure 3a~4b
AI summary
A surgical guide hub for implanting in an aperture formed in a skull and made along a trajectory to a brain target, wherein the guide hub comprises: a through-bore for delivering a device therethrough and along the trajectory; at least one first formation on an external surface for securing the hub within the aperture in a skull; and at least one second formation on the surface of the through-bore for securing a guide device, an implantable device, or a cap to the hub. Also provided are a jig for setting the depth of insertion of a surgical tool into a patient during surgery, and a method of preparing an operative length of a surgical tool.