Surgical Access Assembly with Navigational Probe for Brain Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical access systems for brain surgery are invasive and can cause damage to delicate brain tissues and structures, as they often require significant skull removal and retraction of brain tissue, leading to potential neurological deficits.
Innovation Solution
A surgical access assembly comprising a hollow outer sheath and a selectively removable obturator with a radiused distal tip, which gently displaces brain tissue without cutting, and a navigation probe for real-time navigational information, minimizing tissue trauma and providing precise access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional open surgical procedures are used to access deep brain areas, then access to the target tissue is achieved, but significant skull removal and brain tissue retraction cause damage to delicate brain tissues and structures
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical access system is divided into multiple components: an outer sheath for skull penetration, an obturator for tissue displacement, and a navigation probe for guidance. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with minimal trauma to brain tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The obturator acts as an intermediary tool between the outer sheath and the target brain tissue. It temporarily occupies the access tract to displace brain tissue away from the surgical path, enabling subsequent instrumentation without direct contact with delicate structures.
2Ease of operation
If traditional surgical retractors are used to access brain tissue, then access is obtained, but the retractors leave pressure marks and can tear brain tissue due to their sharp edges
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip of the obturator is designed with a radiused (curved) configuration rather than sharp edges. This curved geometry allows the tip to gently follow the contour of brain tissue, displacing it without creating pressure marks or tearing, thereby reducing mechanical trauma.
3Ease of operation
If open surgical procedures with substantial skull removal are performed, then access to deep brain structures is achieved, but the procedures are highly invasive and not appropriate for all patients
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the necessary access tract through the skull using a minimally invasive outer sheath, rather than removing substantial portions of the skull. This extraction approach creates a precise, narrow pathway to deep brain structures while preserving the integrity of the surrounding skull and brain tissue.
4Ease of operation
If traditional surgical approaches are used, then access to brain abnormalities is achieved, but real-time navigational information is not provided, making it difficult to avoid critical structures
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation probe provides real-time feedback about the position of the outer sheath relative to critical brain structures. This feedback is displayed to the surgeon, enabling dynamic adjustment of the access tract to avoid eloquent areas while maintaining access to the target abnormality.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical access assembly and method of use is disclosed. The surgical access assembly comprises an outer sheath and an obturator. The outer sheath and obturator are configured to be delivered to an area of interest within the brain. Either the outer sheath or the obturator may be configured to operate with a navigational system to track the location of either device within the brain.