Surgical Probe Assembly with Integrated Sensor Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical probe assemblies face challenges in efficiently manipulating and securely implanting sensors with attached electronic circuitry, particularly in navigating through tissue layers and bone structures, often requiring separate handling of sensors and circuitry which can be cumbersome and prone to interference.
Innovation Solution
A probe assembly comprising an implantable sensor, an insertion tool, and associated electronic circuitry that can be assembled together with mating formations, allowing for convenient manipulation and secure implantation, with the electronic circuitry capable of handling signals and including a guide sheath and delivery sheath for navigating through tissue, and a handle for gripping and removing the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sensor and electronic circuitry are handled separately during implantation, then the manipulation of each component can be simplified, but the overall procedure becomes more cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor and electronic circuitry into a single integrated probe assembly that can be manipulated as one unit. The circuit board is positioned within the probe housing to receive signals from the sensor, eliminating the need for separate handling of these components during implantation procedures.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is implanted deep through tissue layers and bone, then accurate tracking data can be obtained, but the risk of interference and damage to the sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the sensor is positioned within a protective housing that contains a circuit board. This nested arrangement protects the sensitive sensor from damage during deep implantation through tissue and bone while maintaining its ability to provide accurate tracking data.
3Loss of information
If a cable is attached to the sensor for signal transmission, then data can be transmitted to external devices, but the cable can interfere with the sensor operation and tracking accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable from the immediate sensor environment by routing it through a cable management system that separates the cable from the sensor housing. This allows signal transmission to external devices while preventing the cable from interfering with sensor operation and tracking accuracy.
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
Facilitates the secure and efficient implantation and removal of sensors by allowing the sensor and circuitry to be manipulated as a single unit, reducing interference and improving accuracy in tracking and data transmission during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor can include a coil, which can generate signals in response to externally-applied magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
the coordinates of a probe are determined using one or more field transducers, such as Hall effect devices, coils or other antennae carried on the probe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A probe assembly for use in a surgical procedure is described. The probe assembly can include a sensor which can be implanted in a patient responsive to external electromagnetic fields for generating position data, an insertion tool for the sensor, which can be used to manipulate the sensor and to deliver it to the desired implantation site and electronic circuitry configured to handle a signal which can interact with the sensor. The electronic circuitry and the insertion tool can have mating formations by which they can be assembled together. The electronic circuitry can be a field generator for generating an electromagnetic field for the sensor.