Neuro Surgical Smart Drill
Biomedical Engineering
Lina Ali, Alondra Davila, Veda Gajula, and Naina Misra
Abstract
Our project focuses on developing a neurosurgical smart drill to enhance precision and safety during craniotomies. Current drills in the market encounter issues such as overheating at the drill site leading to damage of neural tissue, loss of drill control due to plunging has risks of thermal necrosis leading to severe patient injury. To address these challenges, our design introduces an improved cooling system and automated stop mechanism for neurosurgeons with optimized tools for delicate procedures.
Globally, the neurosurgery market, valued at $3.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow $5.28 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 4.6%. With around 1.2 million procedures annually and over 7,000 neurosurgeons in the United States alone, there is remarkable demand for innovations that reduce risks during surgeries and improve patient outcomes. Clinically, this device targets the need for efficient and safer surgical tools in the rapidly growing neurosurgical field.
The design incorporates an optimized drill bit where the material composition/ shape are specifically engineered to draw heat away from the drill site, minimizing risk of overheating. Additionally, an automated stop mechanism will stop the drill once it has penetrated through the skull, preventing accidental penetration into brain tissue. This feature operates independently of the drill’s clutch system to add an extra layer of protection.
To ensure the drill is cost effective while meeting clinical demands, the manufacturing will prioritize materials that enhance safety and efficiency. High thermal conductivity metals such as aluminum-copper, titanium will be used for the drill bit to optimize heat dissipation while the drill housing will incorporate biocompatible, sterilizable polymers or stainless steel. Estimated per-unit cost ranges from $500-$600 with retail value of $700-$900, ensuring the drill remains competitively priced while delivering advanced safety features aligning with the needs in neurosurgery.
