For patients suffering from chronic pain a neurostimulation implant can provide the life changing pain relief pharmaceuticals cannot. However the operation required to implant such a device is incredibly difficult using existing tools. Consequently only a small proportion of surgeons can perform the procedure.
At the heart of Chimaera is an innovative handheld device that integrates the surgical, sensing and implant delivery functions. Existing tools were consolidated into a single hand piece which is easier to manipulate accurately.
Instead of just 2D fluoroscopy images, Chimaera builds a moving 3D picture of the anatomy from preop data, and overlays a planned optimal route to the target nerve. This is updated in real-time with the location of critical structures from the tool sensors.
Chimaera enables surgeons to ‘see in the dark’, safely navigating to the target nerve. The tool senses both its location within the body and critical structures that are close by in real time.
This information is sent via bluetooth to the surgeon’s display where it is combined with pre-operative data. The UI directs the surgeon to safely navigate to the correct nerve.
The Chimaera system makes neurostimulation implant surgery easier. Chimaera uses preoperative CT scan data to create a 3D image of the area to be operated on. A safe implantation route can then be defined – and, during the operation, the actual view from the surgical tool is superimposed on this operative plan on a screen so that the surgeon can see at a glance their precise location at any time.
This content was originally posted on Cambridge Consultants' website. Cambridge Consultants develops breakthrough products, creates and licenses intellectual property and provides business consultancy in technology critical issues for clients worldwide. For more than 50 years, the company has been helping its clients turn business opportunities into commercial successes, whether they are launching first-to-market products, entering new markets or expanding existing markets through the introduction of new technologies.
