Microcontroller-Based Clip Force Reading System for Brain Aneurysms

Purpose An aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge on an artery wall. Aneurysms can rupture easily, potentially causing a cerebral hemorrhage. To prevent this, a small clip is surgically installed. Importantly, if the clip is opened repeatedly during the operation, the clip closing force may change. Sometimes, the closing force of the clip cannot be accurately predicted during the operation. The main objectives of the present study were to prevent re-bleeding and to accurately measure the force of the clip for reducing the duration of the procedure. Methods A well-designed aneurysm clip microforce sensing system was developed in this study. The Brain Aneurysm Clip Force Reading System allows the clip force in the surgical operation to be measured by using an S-type load cell. The system has a simple structure that includes a clip force sensor and a liquid-crystal display screen. The main contribution of the study is a small, low-cost printed circuit board design that can be used in surgery. Results The proposed system was verified with 12 differently shaped aneurysm clips, and the results were analyzed. For the obtained and measured values, the mean squared error and maximum variance were 1.53 and 6.76 g(2), respectively. Conclusion The results indicated that the proposed system can be used in surgical operations. Because the developed system informs doctors of the correct clip force, it can save lives in operations.