Sonar Probe Spinal Disc Navigation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for accessing spinal discs during surgery, such as dilation of the psoas muscle, often result in nerve damage due to the lack of visual identification and precise distance determination of nerves, and existing neuro-monitoring systems are inefficient in addressing these issues.
Innovation Solution
A sonar probe system that emits sound waves to create return signals, allowing for visual identification and distance determination of nerves through an ultrasound imaging screen, enabling safe navigation and access to spinal discs without damaging nerves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dilation methods with cannula are used to access spinal discs, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but nerve damage occurs due to lack of visual identification and precise distance determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical blind dilation method with an acoustic field-based navigation system. The sonar probe emits sound waves that propagate through tissue, and the returned echoes are processed to create real-time images of internal structures including nerves. This substitution of mechanical blind insertion with acoustic imaging enables visual identification of nerves before and during the dilation process, allowing the surgeon to navigate around nerves and avoid damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system between the surgeon and the target tissue. The sonar probe and image processing system act as an intermediary that provides real-time feedback about nerve locations and distances. This intermediary information layer enables the surgeon to make informed decisions about cannula placement and dilation without directly visualizing the nerves, thereby improving safety while maintaining ease of operation.
2Loss of information
If neuro-monitoring with stimulation clips is used, then nerve presence can be detected, but visual identification of nerves is not possible and distance determination is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single sonar-based system. The same sonar probe and image processing apparatus that provide visual identification of nerves also enable precise distance determination through echo timing analysis. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate neuro-monitoring equipment with stimulation clips, reducing overall system complexity while providing comprehensive information about nerve location and distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sonar imaging system serves as an intermediary that provides comprehensive spatial information about nerves. Instead of relying on indirect electrical stimulation responses, the sonar system directly images nerves and calculates distances based on sound wave propagation time. This intermediary provides richer information (visual identification plus precise distance measurement) in a more efficient manner than separate neuro-monitoring systems.
3Device complexity
If blind dilation is performed without imaging, then the procedure is simple, but nerve damage risk increases due to inability to identify nerves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary imaging of the target area before initiating the dilation procedure. The sonar probe is positioned to obtain images of the psoas muscle and underlying nerves prior to cannula insertion. This preliminary action provides the surgeon with advance knowledge of nerve locations, enabling safe planning of the dilation path. The imaging capability is integrated into the procedure setup, adding minimal complexity while dramatically improving nerve safety.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The sonar probe system provides real-time visual identification and precise distance measurement of nerves, facilitating safe navigation and access to spinal discs, reducing the risk of nerve damage during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The sonar probe emits sound waves into the internal body structures to create return signals
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasound imaging screen displays images of the internal body structures from the return signals
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a system and method for accessing a spinal disc. In an embodiment, a system for accessing a spinal disc disposed within internal body structures includes a sonar probe. The sonar probe emits sound waves into the internal body structures to create return signals. The system also includes a retractor and a monitoring system. The monitoring system includes an ultrasound imaging screen. The ultrasound imaging screen displays images of the internal body structures from the return signals. The ultrasound imaging screen provides a visual identification of a nerve when disposed in the internal body structures.