Minimally Invasive Subdural Evacuating System with Dura Contact Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subdural evacuating systems, such as the Medtronic Subdural Evacuating Port System (SEPS), lack the ability to accurately determine if the dura has been opened sufficiently for evacuation of chronic subdural blood, often requiring blind insertion of needles or scalpels, which can lead to brain and intracranial blood vessel injuries.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive subdural evacuating system comprising a port with a distal threaded end, an inner cannula with a distal cutting end, and an indicator rod with a blunt end, where the indicator rod provides a physical indicator of the dura mater surface contact, allowing the inner cannula to accurately pierce the dura mater with minimal risk of injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If blind insertion of needles or scalpels is used to open the dura, then the dura can be opened for evacuation, but brain and intracranial blood vessel injuries occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an indicator rod as an intermediary component between the outer cannula and the dura mater. The indicator rod provides real-time visual feedback about the depth of insertion and contact with the dura mater surface, allowing the surgeon to proceed with cutting only after confirming proper positioning. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for blind insertion while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator rod serves as a feedback mechanism that provides continuous information to the surgeon during the procedure. As the outer cannula is advanced, the indicator rod moves accordingly and signals when the dura mater surface is contacted. This feedback loop allows the surgeon to adjust the insertion depth precisely, avoiding injury to underlying brain structures and blood vessels while ensuring adequate dura opening.
2Device complexity
If existing SEPS systems are used without depth indication, then the system is simpler, but the ability to ascertain whether the dura has been opened enough is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cannula system into distinct segments: an outer cannula, an inner cannula, and an indicator rod. Each component has a specific function, and their coordinated movement provides depth indication. The indicator rod is segmented from the cutting mechanism, allowing it to serve as a separate measurement reference. This segmentation adds minimal complexity while significantly improving measurement precision of dura opening depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the indicator rod is positioned within the inner cannula, which in turn is positioned within the outer cannula. This nested arrangement allows multiple functions to be integrated in a compact form factor. The indicator rod can move independently within the inner cannula to provide depth feedback, while the entire assembly remains relatively simple and minimally invasive.
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 enables precise and safe piercing of the dura mater, reducing the risk of injury to adjacent anatomy and improving the accuracy of subdural blood evacuation, thereby addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the indicator rod is slidable between a proximal position and a distal position within the lumen of the inner cannula and is maintained in a distal position by a spring force
Implementation Method 2
The inner cannula is maintained in a proximal position by a spring force
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides minimally invasive subdural evacuating systems and methods of use thereof. The subdural evacuating systems include a cutting component and a rod component, wherein the rod component provides an external physical indicator that the surface of the dura mater has been reached, permitting the cutting component to accurately pierce the dura mater with minimal to no risk of damaging any adjacent anatomy.