Stimulator Handpiece with Integrated Switch for Evoked Potential Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current evoked potential monitoring systems are limited in their ability to control stimulation energy levels, as the stimulator handpieces require separate control sources and can only provide discrete levels of stimulation, which restricts the precision and flexibility needed during surgical procedures like pedicle hole evaluation in spinal surgery.
Innovation Solution
A stimulator handpiece with a handle, control circuitry, and a switch that allows remote and continuous variation of stimulation energy levels over discrete, incremental steps, enabling precise control of the stimulus probe's energy delivery directly from the handpiece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a separate control source is used to control stimulation levels, then the stimulator handpiece structure is simplified, but the precision and flexibility of stimulation control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control circuitry with the stimulator handpiece, integrating the switch and control functions directly into the handpiece structure. This eliminates the need for a separate control source while enabling continuous, precise control of stimulation energy levels through incremental steps, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and control precision.
2Device complexity
If discrete stimulation levels are provided, then the control mechanism is simplified, but the flexibility and precision of stimulation control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control mechanism where the switch can be moved through multiple incremental positions to continuously vary stimulation energy levels. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different surgical requirements while maintaining a relatively simple control mechanism structure, resolving the contradiction between mechanism simplicity and adjustment flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If the switch extends to the exterior of the handle, then remote control capability is achieved, but the handpiece structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handpiece into distinct functional components: the handle containing the control circuitry and the externally extending switch. This segmentation allows the switch to be accessible from the exterior for remote control operation while keeping the internal control mechanism compact and integrated within the handle, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An evoked potential monitoring system including a control unit having stimulator circuitry and a probe assembly coupled to the control unit. The probe assembly includes a stimulus probe and a stimulator handpiece selectively coupled to the stimulus probe. The handpiece includes a handle, control circuitry, and a switch. The control circuitry is electrically coupled to the stimulator circuitry. The switch is electrically coupled to the control circuitry and extends to an exterior portion of the handle. In this regard, movement of the switch remotely controls the stimulator circuitry to continuously increment or decrement a stimulation energy level delivered to the stimulus probe over a series of discrete, incremental steps.