Surgical Drill Monitoring System for Tissue Proximity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Neurosurgeons face challenges in accurately and efficiently drilling through the skull without damaging critical structures like nerves, vessels, and the brain, as they rely on acoustic cues which can be unreliable, leading to human error and prolonged procedures.

Innovation Solution

A surgical tool monitoring system equipped with sensors such as microphones, accelerometers, and temperature sensors that provide real-time information on the tool's physical condition and proximity to different tissue types, generating alerts when approaching critical structures, thereby improving accuracy and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surgeons rely on acoustic cues to detect proximity to critical structures, then they can perform drilling procedures, but human error occurs and procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of detecting proximity to critical structuresVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic detection method (surgeons listening to drill sounds) with an optical detection system (sensors that emit and detect light/reflection changes). This substitution provides more reliable and objective detection of tissue type transitions, eliminating human error in acoustic interpretation while providing real-time feedback that maintains surgical speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If surgeons drill slowly to avoid human error, then accuracy improves, but procedure duration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of avoiding critical structuresVSAvoidsurgical efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback through sensors that continuously monitor acoustic properties and provide immediate feedback to the surgeon about tissue type transitions. This feedback loop allows surgeons to maintain higher drilling speeds while receiving continuous guidance, thereby improving both safety and efficiency simultaneously rather than requiring a trade-off between the two.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If surgeons spend extended time drilling through bone, then they can ensure safety, but procedure duration and risk of complications increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of drilling procedureVSAvoidrisk of infection and trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary detection of the dura mater location through acoustic monitoring before the surgeon actually reaches it. By identifying acoustic signatures that indicate proximity to critical structures in advance, the system allows surgeons to proactively adjust their drilling approach, reducing the need for slow, cautious drilling and minimizing exposure time to infection and trauma risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enhances surgical precision by reducing the risk of injury to critical structures and shortening surgery duration, allowing even inexperienced surgeons to perform with greater confidence and speed, while also enabling better maintenance and inventory management of surgical equipment.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one sensor can comprise one or more microphones to obtain information about an acoustic state of the cutting member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic vibration: Sound

Implementation Method 2

In other embodiments, at least one accelerometer can be provided and the at least one physical condition of the cutting member also includes an acceleration state of the cutting member sensed by the at least one accelerometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 3

In other embodiments, at least one temperature sensor and the at least one physical condition of the cutting member also includes a temperature condition of the cutting member sensed by the at least one temperature sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10772643B2Surgical tool monitoring system and methods of use

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 UNIV OF PITTSBURGH OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYST OF HIGHER EDUCATION

AI summary

A device for simultaneously monitoring the health of surgical drills and detecting proximity to critical structures during surgery is described herein. By using various sensors (e.g. microphones, accelerometers, temperature sensors, etc.), signals from the drill can be measured and analyzed. The processed signals can then be used to indicate the proximity of the drill bit to critical structures, such as the patient's brain, and identify drill health issues (e.g. worn bearings, misaligned rotational axis, etc.).