Transcranial Fixation Device for Deep Brain Stimulation Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deep brain stimulation probe fixation methods cause involuntary tip displacements, reducing the effectiveness of stimulation due to the precision required in targeting millimeter-sized brain regions and potentially degrading the passivation coating.
Innovation Solution
A transcranial fixation device with a sleeve-shaped main part and superposed fixing parts that align and misalign to securely hold deep brain stimulation probes, preventing axial sliding and ensuring precise positioning without causing uncontrolled displacements, using biocompatible materials like PTFE or PEEK to ensure long-term implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fixing device with a single bore is used to secure a deep brain stimulation probe, then the probe is held in place, but the locking operation causes involuntary tip displacements that reduce stimulation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is divided into multiple superposed fixing parts (at least two), each with its own axial bore. This segmentation allows the probe to be progressively secured by multiple components rather than a single locking action, distributing the mechanical stress and preventing sudden tip displacements that would occur with conventional single-part fixation devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple fixing parts are arranged concentrically and superposed along the same axis, with each part nested within the structure of the others. The probe passes through all axial bores in sequence, allowing each fixing part to engage and secure the probe progressively. This nested arrangement ensures that the probe is firmly held by multiple components working together, eliminating the need for aggressive single-step locking that causes tip displacement.
2Measurement precision
If multiple probes need to be fixed simultaneously with high precision, then targeting accuracy is maintained, but the complexity of the fixing device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is designed with multiple axial bores (at least two, typically 3-6) that are radially distributed around the central axis, allowing a single device to securely hold multiple deep brain stimulation probes simultaneously. Each fixing part contains multiple bores, and the superposed arrangement of fixing parts provides universal applicability for fixing 1-10 probes depending on clinical requirements, maintaining precise targeting for each probe without requiring separate fixation devices.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid locking mechanism is used to secure the probe firmly, then the probe remains stable during implantation, but the passivation coating degrades rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing parts are designed with dynamic engagement characteristics where the axial bores progressively constrain the probe through their superposed arrangement. Rather than using an aggressive rigid locking mechanism that applies concentrated stress, the multiple superposed fixing parts distribute the mechanical interaction along the probe's length, providing firm stabilization while reducing peak stresses that would cause passivation coating degradation.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~3B
Figure 4A~4F
AI summary
Transcranial fixation device for deep brain stimulation probes comprising: a main piece (11) intended to be fixed inside an opening (100) made in the skull of a patient (1); and at least one first fixation piece (12) housed inside said main piece; said or each fixation piece having at least one axial bore adapted to allow the passage of one or more deep brain stimulation probes (14); said or at least one fixation piece being arranged so as to be able to move from a first position, in which it allows axial sliding of the probe(s) in the respective bore(s), to a second position, in which it clamps the probe(s) in the respective bore(s), preventing such sliding.