Vestibular Implant Suitability Testing Using Galvanic Eye Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices, such as vestibular and retinal implants, face challenges in determining the viability of the recipient's neural system, leading to potential ineffective implantation due to insufficient neural function.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using galvanic stimulators and eye tracking devices to evaluate the response to electrical stimulation, providing data for determining the suitability of a vestibular or retinal implant by assessing the nervous system's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If implantable medical devices are used to provide therapeutic benefits, then the recipient receives treatment for disease or injury, but the viability of the recipient's neural system cannot be accurately determined, leading to potential ineffective implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting neural system viability assessment through electrical stimulation testing before implantation. The system evaluates the recipient's neural system response to electrical stimulation in advance, determining suitability for implantation before the actual implant procedure occurs, thereby preventing ineffective implantations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing an external evaluation system that mediates between the implantable device and the recipient's neural system. This external system delivers electrical stimulation and measures neural responses, serving as an intermediary tool to assess neural viability without requiring the actual implant to be in place.
2Measurement precision
If electrical stimulation is applied to assess neural system functionality, then data for determining implant suitability can be obtained, but additional equipment and procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an evaluation system that can assess neural system functionality for multiple types of implants (vestibular, retinal, cochlear) using the same electrical stimulation and measurement approach. This multi-functional system reduces the need for separate specialized equipment for each implant type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-service by using the recipient's own neural system response to electrical stimulation as the measurement mechanism. The neural system itself provides the data needed for assessment through its natural electrical responses, eliminating the need for complex external measurement instrumentation.
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
Enables accurate assessment of neural system functionality, ensuring the recipient is suitable for the implant, thereby enhancing the utilitarian value and effectiveness of the implant.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode stimulator in signal communication with the electrodes, the electrode stimulator configured to generate an electrical current, which is provided to the electrodes sufficient to effectively stimulate a nervous system of a human
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a galvanic stimulator, and an eye tracking device, wherein the system is a clinical vestibular implant suitability evaluation system. The system includes a computing apparatus configured analyze eye tracking data generated by the eye tracking device and provide output indicative of the analysis. The system is configured to evoke a vestibular reflex in a human with at least a partially functioning neural system of the human's vestibular system.