Steerable Probe Laser Lesion Creation Neurological Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical interventions for medically refractory epilepsy and other neurological disorders often require multiple procedures, are invasive, and have low efficacy, with many patients not being candidates for conventional surgery due to the complexity and extent of epileptic areas, leading to high morbidity and poor outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A system employing a steerable probe with a laser device and electrode for controlled lesion creation in neurological tissue, guided by a computing device that navigates to precise locations within the brain or spinal cord, allowing for both temporary and permanent lesions, and provides feedback on neural activity to ensure effective treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgical interventions are used for medically refractory epilepsy, then treatment can be provided, but multiple procedures are required resulting in high morbidity and low efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated probe system that can perform navigation, electrical recording, electrical stimulation, and laser ablation all through one implantation procedure. This eliminates the need for multiple separate surgical interventions required by conventional methods, thereby reducing morbidity while maintaining treatment efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed as a universal device capable of performing multiple functions: it can navigate to target locations, record electrical activity, deliver stimulation, and create lesions via laser. This multi-functional design allows a single procedure to accomplish what previously required multiple specialized interventions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional surgery is performed on patients with complex epileptic areas, then treatment is attempted, but many patients are not candidates due to extent and complexity leading to poor outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to complex epileptic networks by using real-time electrical recording and stimulation to map functional boundaries before ablation. This dynamic approach allows the treatment to be customized to each patient's specific epileptic network complexity, expanding candidate eligibility while maintaining outcome reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary electrical recording and stimulation mapping before committing to permanent ablation. This preliminary action allows clinicians to assess functional importance of target areas and adjust the treatment plan accordingly, making the procedure safer for patients with complex epileptic areas who would previously have been deemed non-candidates.
3Reliability
If invasive monitoring and multiple surgical interventions are performed, then treatment is attempted, but high morbidity and low efficacy result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges monitoring and treatment functions into a single integrated procedure. The probe performs electrical recording for monitoring during the same procedure in which laser ablation treatment is delivered, eliminating the need for separate invasive monitoring phases and reducing overall procedural morbidity.
4Productivity
If permanent ablation is performed without testing, then treatment is delivered, but reversibility and effectiveness cannot be confirmed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary electrical recording and stimulation mapping before permanent ablation to verify target accuracy. This preliminary assessment ensures that the subsequent permanent lesion is delivered to the correct location, providing verification of both accuracy and expected effectiveness before irreversible action is taken.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time electrical recording feedback during the procedure to monitor changes in epileptic activity as the laser creates the lesion. This feedback allows the operator to verify that the lesion is achieving the desired effect of suppressing abnormal electrical activity, providing confirmation of effectiveness during the procedure itself.
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
This approach enables less invasive, more precise, and potentially reversible treatment of neurological conditions, reducing complications and hospital stays, while allowing for testing of temporary lesions before permanent ablation, thereby improving treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
deliver a signal to the laser device that causes the laser device to form a lesion in the associated predetermined location
Implementation Method 2
receive a feedback signal related to the lesion from the at least one electrode contact. The feedback signal includes electrical conduction information related to development of the lesion
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to forming a lesion in a patient's neurological tissue without requiring general anesthesia. The lesion can be either temporary or permanent. In either case, the lesion can be created by a steerable probe that includes a steerable guide, a laser device, and at least one electrode. The steerable guide steers the probe to a target location in the subject's neurological tissue. When the probe reaches the target location, the laser can create the lesion. The at least one electrode can detect a progressive vanishing of neural activity from the portion of the neurological tissue due to the lesion.