A Magnetic Actuator Device for Fully Automated Blinking in Total Bidirectional Eyelid Paralysis: First Proof of Concept in a Human Participant.

Purpose: Currently, no solution exists to restore natural eyelid kinematics for patients with complete eyelid paralysis due to loss of function of both the levator palpebrae superioris and orbicularis oculi. These rare cases are prone to complications of chronic exposure keratopathy which may lead to corneal blindness. We hypothesized that magnetic force could be used to fully automate eyelid movement in these cases through the use of eyelid-attached magnets and a spectacle-mounted magnet driven by a programmable motor (motorized magnetic levator prosthesis [MMLP]). Methods: To test this hypothesis and establish proof of concept, we performed a finite element analysis (FEA) for a prototype MMLP to check the eyelid-opening force generated by the device and verified the results with experimental measurements in a volunteer with total bidirectional eyelid paralysis. The subject was then fitted with a prototype to check the performance of the device and its success. Results: With MMLP, eye opening was restored to near normal, and blinking was fully automated in close synchrony with the motor-driven polarity reversal, with full closure on the blink. The device was well tolerated, and the participant was pleased with the comfort and performance. Conclusions: FEA simulation results conformed to the experimentally observed trend, further supporting the proof of concept and design parameters. This is the first viable approach in human patients with proof of concept for complete reanimation of a bidirectionally paretic eyelid. Further study is warranted to refine the prototype and determine the feasibility and safety of prolonged use. Translational Relevance: This is first proof of concept for our device for total bidirectional eyelid paralysis.

Virtual Surgical Planning: Modeling from the Present to the Future.

Virtual surgery planning is a non-invasive procedure, which uses digital clinical data for diagnostic, procedure selection and treatment planning purposes, including the forecast of potential outcomes. The technique begins with 3D data acquisition, using various methods, which may or may not utilize ionizing radiation, such as 3D stereophotogrammetry, 3D cone-beam CT scans, etc. Regardless of the imaging technique selected, landmark selection, whether it is manual or automated, is the key to transforming clinical data into objects that can be interrogated in virtual space. As a prerequisite, the data require alignment and correspondence such that pre- and post-operative configurations can be compared in real and statistical shape space. In addition, these data permit predictive modeling, using either model-based, data-based or hybrid modeling. These approaches provide perspectives for the development of customized surgical procedures and medical devices with accuracy, precision and intelligence. Therefore, this review briefly summarizes the current state of virtual surgery planning.

Proposed solution for dorsal internal carotid artery aneurysms: Suggestion of a novel new clip design.

Dorsal internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms are notorious for their high morbidity and mortality. They have an extremely fragile wall and have a high chance of rupture and clip slippage during the intraoperative and postoperative period. Strategies proposed to mitigate these problems encompass including part of the normal ICA wall in addition to neck of aneurysm in clip blades, as well as the use of encircling materials (silicon, cellulose, Weck's clip) over a clip. The Achilles' heel of the problem is to take an appropriate thickness of the normal ICA in clip blades. Too less or too much of this can spell disaster. This is easier said than done during an actual surgical procedure. So, in this difficult situation, is there any better method of clipping? We propose a fenestrated clip in which the clip blades are placed just at the beginning of fenestration and at right angles to the clip. This occludes the aneurysm taking part of the normal ICA wall in the clip blades. The fenestration hugs the ICA and prevents clip slippage. This has been explained with appropriate figures in the two and three-dimensional format. There cannot be a single stop solution for a complex disease like dorsal ICA aneurysm. The present proposed design is an attempt to provide a better clipping chance in these difficult aneurysms. Future work on this design can prove its usefulness.