Spine-Mounted Stereotactic System for Intraspinal Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stereotactic systems for intraspinal therapeutic procedures face challenges in precise positioning of devices like cannulas or electrodes due to risks of spinal cord damage from relative displacements and limitations in targeting accuracy, especially during procedures like intraspinal microstimulation where sub-millimeter accuracy is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A stereotactic system comprising a dual-frame configuration with adjustable pedicle screws and a modular platform that allows for precise longitudinal and horizontal adjustments, combined with a micromanipulator and ultrasound probe for real-time imaging, enabling precise control and minimizing unintended movement of the device relative to the spine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If stereotactic systems are mounted on the surgical table, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but the risk of damaging the spinal cord increases due to relative displacements from physiological movements and externally induced motions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the stereotactic system on the surgical table (external to the spine), the system is inverted by mounting it directly on the spine itself. This ensures that the reference frame moves with the spine, eliminating relative displacements and the associated risk of spinal cord damage during physiological movements and surgical procedures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the spinal derrick system is used with fixation points spanning several segments, then the system provides mounting stability, but a large surgical exposure is needed and movement can occur between the mounting vertebrae
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is divided into separate modular components: pedicle screws fixed to individual vertebrae, rods connecting the screws, and a stereotactic frame attached to the rods. This segmentation allows fixation at specific vertebral levels without requiring extensive surgical exposure of multiple segments, while maintaining stability through the distributed fixation points.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If individual electrodes are inserted by hand to reduce spinal cord damage, then the procedure is less damaging and better tolerated, but the procedure becomes slow and inconsistent if applied by inadequately trained surgeons
Solution Approach 1:
A micromanipulator system serves as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the electrode insertion process. The micromanipulator provides precise, controlled movement of the electrode while the surgeon maintains overall control, combining the safety of manual insertion with the precision and consistency of a mechanical assistance system. This intermediary device enables adequately trained surgeons to perform procedures quickly and consistently with high precision.
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 system provides enhanced precision and stability, achieving sub-millimeter targeting accuracy and reducing the risk of spinal cord damage, facilitating more effective and consistent intraspinal therapeutic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
combined with a micromanipulator and ultrasound probe for real-time imaging
Data Source
AI summary
A stereotactic system for positioning a device relative to a spine includes a first frame with an attached first pedicle screw, a second frame with an attached second pedicle screw, and a platform for mounting the device. The lower parts of the frames are horizontally spaced apart, and attachable to the spine by the pedicle screws. The platform is attached to the upper parts of the frames and supported by the frames above the spine. The platform is slidably attached to the upper parts of the frames to adjust a longitudinal position of the platform relative to the frames. The platform is pivotally attached to the upper parts of the frame to adjust a horizontal distance between the lower parts of the frames, while maintaining a constant orientation of the platform.