Wrist Rigidity Assessment Device for Deep Brain Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating wrist rigidity in Parkinson's Disease patients during Deep Brain Stimulation surgery are subjective and complex, lacking objective and quantitative assessment tools, which complicates the determination of optimal stimulation settings.
Innovation Solution
A wearable motion sensor system that computes a robust signal descriptor from angular velocity values and uses a polynomial mathematical model to classify wrist rigidity, providing a quantitative continuous scale and detecting cogwheel rigidity with high sensitivity, thereby reducing subjectivity and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurement means (myogenic potential and forearm position) are used to assess wrist rigidity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single wearable sensor device that simultaneously captures angular velocity, acceleration, and positional data. This integration maintains comprehensive rigidity assessment capability while reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable sensor device is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring angular velocity around the rotation axis, tracking forearm position, detecting acceleration, and providing comprehensive rigidity assessment. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If subjective qualitative assessment by neurologists is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time objective feedback through processed sensor data and computed rigidity metrics, allowing neurologists to make data-driven decisions. The automated analysis of angular velocity patterns and the generation of quantitative rigidity scores eliminate subjective bias while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive displays and alerts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the human sensory-mechanical assessment system with an electronic sensor-based measurement system. Instead of relying on the neurologist's tactile and visual evaluation, the system uses objective sensor data from wearable devices to quantify rigidity, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the assessment process accessible.
3Measurement precision
If complex measurement systems are deployed, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable sensor system automatically performs calibration, data processing, and rigidity calculation without requiring manual intervention. The device self-calibrates during the assessment procedure and autonomously computes rigidity metrics from raw sensor data, eliminating complex manual operations while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration and setup procedures automatically before the actual rigidity assessment. By pre-configuring the sensors and establishing baseline measurements, the system eliminates the need for complex manual preparation while ensuring accurate and precise measurements during the clinical assessment.
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 effectively classifies wrist rigidity with over 80% accuracy and detects cogwheel rigidity with high sensitivity, offering a reliable and objective evaluation of wrist rigidity during DBS surgery, aiding in determining optimal stimulation settings.
Implementation Method 1
a one-axis angular velocity sensor for attaching to said limb such that the axis of measurement is parallel to the axis of rotation of the imposed bending motion
Data Source
AI summary
It is disclosed an articulation rigidity assessment device for assessing the rigidity of the articulation when a bending motion is imposed to a limb of said articulation around a predetermined rotation axis of the articulation, said device comprising: a one-axis angular velocity sensor for attaching to said limb such that the axis of measurement is parallel to the axis of rotation of the imposed bending motion; a data processor configured to process the signal of the angular velocity sensor and to distinguish between non-rigid and rigid states of the articulation using the processed angular velocity signal. The articulation may be the wrist articulation of the patient and the limb is the respective hand. The device may comprise a skin-contacting patch for applying to the limb of the patient wherein the one-axis angular velocity sensor is attached to said skin-contacting patch. The skin-contacting patch may be applied to the palm or back of the hand.