System for determining proximity of a surgical tool to key anatomical features

Abstract

Multi-component systems and methods for determining the proximity of surgical tools to key anatomical features are provided. The inventive systems and methods can be applied in any surgical procedurerequiring precision to avoid damage to key anatomical features such as nerves, with a particular example being the robotic cochlear implantation minimally invasive approach to cochlear implantation. Use of purpose built surgical robots, electromyography and tissue impedance, stereotactic tracking and drilling force / bone density measurements are all key components, with inputs from these various modalities being dynamically weighted. In the example of robotic cochlear implantation, the inventive concepts are used to provide key surgical guidance so as to avoid damage to the facial nerve and thechorda tympani, among other anatomical features.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the field of multi-component systems and methods for determining the proximity of surgical tools to key anatomical features. In particular, the present invention relates to monitoring surgical tools and anatomical features such as nerves and functional components of body systems during surgical procedures as a method of reducing the risk of injury or damage to nerves or functional components The use of multiple modes of proximity. Monitoring modalities may include, but are not limited to: electromyographic and tissue impedance, stereotactic and force / density measurements. More specifically, the various modes of the present invention can be applied to systems and methods for reducing the risk to facial nerves and other skull base anatomy during head and neck surgery such as For example, surgery to place a cochlear implant. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method that combines intraoperati...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0012] Although significant advances in the safety and feasibility of RCI have been made due to the methods described above, since no known safety-improving strategy (in isolation) has been shown to provide a better understanding of the facial nerve and other cranial base anatomy. Necessary level of detection and protection so it is not yet common surgical practice

For example, Labadie et al. and others have developed various tracking methods to improve safety in minimally invasive CI, but they lack an integrated process control approach to improve safety, and thus, they have so far failed to provide Clinically widely used solutions

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