Steerable Epidural Decompression Catheter for Precise Tissue Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimal invasive surgery for treating lumbar spine stenosis faces challenges such as limited access to the epidural space due to limited space and poor visualization of vital structures, leading to potential damage from surgical instruments.
Innovation Solution
A steerable surgical device with a flexible shaft and debris clearing mechanism, guided by electromagnetic tracking, allows precise navigation and safe removal of tissue under real-time monitoring, using tools like drills, shavers, and optical fibers, with robotic assistance for enhanced precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If minimal invasive surgery is used to treat lumbar spine stenosis, then the incision size is reduced and patient trauma is minimized, but the space available for instrumentation is limited and visualization of vital structures is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical system is divided into multiple independent components: a steerable catheter for navigation, a cutting tool for tissue removal, and a debris removal mechanism for clearing the surgical site. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while accessing the epidural space through a minimal incision.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting tool and debris removal mechanism are nested within the catheter structure. The cutting tool can be advanced through the catheter to the target site, and the debris removal mechanism is integrated within the same delivery system, allowing all functions to be delivered through a single minimal incision.
2Weight of moving object
If minimal invasive surgery is used to treat lumbar spine stenosis, then patient trauma is minimized, but visualization of vital structures is poor leading to potential damage from surgical instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through electromagnetic tracking that monitors the position and orientation of the catheter and cutting tool. This feedback is displayed on a monitor to guide the surgeon's actions and ensure safe navigation around vital structures such as nerves and thecal sac.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct visual observation with electromagnetic field-based tracking and computerized display. Instead of relying on visual field through the incision, the surgeon uses electromagnetic tracking data presented on a monitor to visualize and navigate around vital structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If surgical instruments are inserted into the epidural space, then tissue removal can be performed, but the instruments may be squeezed against contents of the epidural space causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing it to bend and conform to the natural curvature of the spinal canal. This flexibility enables the catheter to navigate around vital structures rather than forcing a straight path, reducing the risk of squeezing or damaging epidural contents during instrument insertion and manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible catheter acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's control and the cutting tool. It provides a compliant delivery system that can absorb and redistribute forces, preventing direct transmission of squeezing forces to the epidural contents while still enabling effective tissue removal at the target site.
4Measurement precision
If a steerable catheter with cutting tool is used for spinal decompression, then precise navigation and tissue removal are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is designed as a multi-functional device that combines navigation, tissue cutting, and debris removal capabilities in a single integrated system. This universality reduces the need for multiple separate instruments and procedures, justifying the increased complexity of individual components through overall system efficiency.
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
Facilitates safe and precise spinal decompression by minimizing damage to vital structures and improving surgical accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
guided by electromagnetic tracking
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tool for removing tissue from a body organ which includes an axially extending outer shell and an axially extending actuator. The outer shell includes a steerable region and the actuator is arranged to flex and extend the steerable region about at least two axes that are transverse to each other.