Adaptable Reference Frame Mount for Image-Guided Surgery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In image-guided surgery, particularly for the spine, existing reference frame mounts offer limited adjustability, leading to potential interference with surgical instruments and the need for frequent re-registration, which can result in accidental displacement and subsequent re-acquisition of images.
Innovation Solution
The development of adaptable reference frame mounts with multiple degrees of movement, including telescoping, sliding, and swivel joints, allowing for precise positioning adjustments without requiring new image acquisition, and incorporating visual tracking systems to correct registration based on discrete position changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid mounting clamp is used to secure the reference frame, then the reference frame's position is fixed and stable, but the reference frame cannot be adjusted to avoid interference with surgical instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device incorporates multiple joints (first joint with first and second degrees of movement, second joint with third degree of movement, third joint with fourth degree of movement) that enable dynamic adjustment of the reference frame's position and orientation. These joints allow the reference frame to be positioned in various discrete poses throughout the surgical field while maintaining stable registration when locked in place.
2Measurement precision
If the reference frame is positioned close to the surgical area for better visualization, then surgical precision is improved, but the reference frame becomes more susceptible to accidental displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is segmented into multiple independent joints and components that can be individually adjusted and locked. This segmentation allows the reference frame to be precisely positioned near the surgical site while each joint can be independently secured to prevent accidental displacement. The modular design with discrete position features enables precise positioning without compromising stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the reference frame is moved to a different position during surgery, then interference with instruments is avoided, but image re-acquisition and re-registration are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device enables dynamic repositioning of the reference frame to multiple discrete poses throughout the surgical field. The visual tracking system continuously monitors the reference frame's position and automatically updates the registration, eliminating the need for time-consuming re-acquisition of images and re-registration procedures when the reference frame is repositioned.
Solution Approach 2:
A visual tracking system is implemented that provides real-time feedback on the reference frame's position and orientation. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically correct and maintain accurate registration even when the reference frame is moved to different positions, eliminating the need for manual re-registration and reducing surgical time.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods used to mount a patient reference frame for image-guided surgery are disclosed. The devices include an adaptable mount having first, second, and third joints that provide up to five axes of movement. One or more of the joints include discrete positions detectable by a visual tracking device to allow re-registration of the patient reference frame.