Revolutionizing The Delivery Of Next-Generation Miniaturized Neurostimulators

A unique surgical tool development from product design firm Cambridge Consultants is set to transform complex life-saving operations. Chimaera enables surgeons to identify and highlight critical structures, such as nerves and blood vessels, as never before. The technology then guides the surgeon to the precise location of a procedure, even deep within the body – helping to ensure the surgical device stays on a predetermined safe pathway.

Chimaera combines novel sensing with the latest user-interface, control and guidance technologies to create a revolutionary new way to deliver the next generation of miniaturized neurostimulators to specific nerves. It brings together preoperative and intraoperative data from multiple sources in real time. So a surgeon can ‘see’ exactly where they are within the body at any point during an operation, with a visualization of anatomical information – such as the location of nerves – not available from preoperative imaging such as CT scans.

At the heart of Chimaera is an innovative handheld device that integrates the surgical, sensing and implant delivery functions. Sensors on the device detect, in real time, anatomy like major blood vessels that need to be avoided. This information is combined with a preoperative plan to help the surgeon keep the surgical tool within a safe 3D ‘tunnel’. The sensors also let the surgeon know when the target nerve has been reached – and the implant can then be deployed down the device.

“This novel surgical device has the potential to fundamentally change the surgical experience by giving the surgeon a new dimension of information in an easy-to-use way,” said Simon Karger, head of surgical and interventional products at Cambridge Consultants. “Specifically, it opens the door to a new generation of neurostimulation implant procedures. And, more generally, it will enable more surgeons to carry out complex operations at lower risk and with better results for patients.

“Identifying and locating critical structures, such as nerves or blood vessels – to either avoid or target them – is a vital part of surgical skill. But today’s tools are largely passive, offering surgeons little support in this regard. Our Chimaera surgical concept delivers advanced sensing technology into the hands of the surgeon – giving them real-time, intraoperative feedback.”

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 his precise location at any time.

“This innovative surgical tool development is the result of our extensive experience of surgical equipment innovation and our understanding of the operating theatre environment and workflow,” said Karger. “It brings together our expertise in neurostimulation, next-generation device development, sensing technologies and software development in a truly revolutionary smart system.”

About Cambridge Consultants
Cambridge Consultants develops breakthrough products, creates and licenses intellectual property, and provides business consultancy in technology critical issues for clients worldwide. For 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. With a team of more than 400 staff, including engineers, scientists, mathematicians and designers, in offices in Cambridge (UK), Boston (USA) and Singapore, Cambridge Consultants offers solutions across a diverse range of industries including medical technology, industrial and consumer products, digital health, energy and wireless communications. For more information, visit www.CambridgeConsultants.com.

Cambridge Consultants is part of Altran, a global leader in innovation and high-tech engineering consulting which supports companies in the creation and development of their new products and services. With a staff of almost 21,000 employees in more than 20 countries, the Group generated revenues of €1,633m in 2013. For more information, visit www.altran.com.