Active Robotic Pin Placement for Precise Knee Cutting Guide Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting guide systems for total knee arthroplasty are complex, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, requiring extensive user training and manual adjustments to align guide slots in six degrees of freedom, leading to potential misalignment and increased revision surgery rates due to implant misplacement.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system and method using bone pins inserted within a virtual plane to align a cutting guide, facilitated by a hand-held device with actuators and a tracking system to maintain the tool axis within defined virtual planes, reducing the need for manual alignment and monitor reference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used to align cutting guides in six degrees of freedom, then the cutting guide can be positioned on the bone, but the system becomes complex and requires extensive user training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a robotic system that uses actuators and computer control to position the cutting guide. The robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom automatically aligns the cutting guide based on pre-planned coordinates, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms and extensive user training.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs self-alignment by automatically positioning the cutting guide according to pre-programmed coordinates and surgical plans. The system uses sensors and feedback mechanisms to self-correct positioning errors, reducing dependence on operator skill and manual adjustment complexity.
2Measurement precision
If passive navigation with monitor reference is used to align cutting guides, then alignment feedback is provided, but surgical time is prolonged and errors are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system incorporates real-time feedback through sensors that continuously monitor the position and orientation of the cutting guide. This feedback is processed by computer control systems that automatically adjust the robotic arm's position, providing precise alignment without requiring the surgeon to constantly reference external monitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive navigation systems that require visual monitoring with an active robotic system that autonomously maintains precise positioning. The robotic actuators continuously adjust the cutting guide position based on real-time sensor data, eliminating the need for surgeon attention to external feedback displays.
3Ease of operation
If anatomical landmark referencing is used to orient cutting guides, then alignment can be achieved, but variations in patient anatomy cause difficulty in consistent accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system creates a virtual copy of the patient's anatomy through pre-operative imaging and 3D modeling. This digital replica allows for precise measurement and planning without relying on physical anatomical landmarks. The cutting guide positioning is based on this virtual model, ensuring consistent accuracy regardless of variations in actual patient anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces anatomical landmark referencing with a robotic system that uses computer-vision-based tracking and pre-planned coordinates. The robotic arm positions the cutting guide based on digital anatomical models rather than physical landmarks, eliminating the inconsistency introduced by anatomical variations.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple planar bone cuts are required for femoral prosthesis, then proper implant orientation is achieved, but the difficulty and time required for accurate alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs pre-operative planning and virtual surgical simulation before the actual procedure. All cutting parameters, angles, and positions are predetermined in the virtual model. During surgery, the robotic arm automatically executes these pre-planned cuts, eliminating the need for intraoperative alignment adjustments and significantly improving surgical efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual alignment procedures for multiple planar cuts with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom can precisely position and execute all required cuts based on pre-programmed coordinates, maintaining high precision while dramatically reducing the time and complexity compared to manual methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device is provided includes a hand-held portion with a working portion movably coupled to the hand-held portion for driving a tool. Actuators are provided for moving the working portion with each of the actuators having a travel range. An indicator notices a user when at least one of actuators is: (i) within the travel range; (ii) approaching a travel limit of the travel range; or (iii) outside the travel range. A surgical system is also provided inclusive the surgical device and a computing system configured to activate the indicator.