Adjustable Electromagnetic Localizers for Surgical Instrument Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic tracking systems in surgery face limitations due to restricted distances and orientations of transmitters and receivers, as well as interference from metal objects and surgical devices, making it difficult to maintain effective communication and accurate tracking of surgical instruments.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable system comprising a movable instrument guide with a first localizer and a movable fixator with a second localizer, allowing for optimal positioning to ensure communication between the localizers, even in the presence of interference, by using a stem and post configuration that can be adjusted relative to each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transmitter and receiver are positioned close to each other, then the electromagnetic communication is stronger, but interference from metal objects and surgical devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the transmitter and receiver to be dynamically repositioned during surgery. The receiver can be moved along the instrument shaft, and the transmitter can be repositioned on the patient's body, enabling the system to adapt to changing surgical conditions and avoid interference zones while maintaining effective communication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the positioning problem from simple distance to three-dimensional spatial arrangement. By allowing adjustment in multiple directions and orientations, the system can find optimal positions that avoid metal objects and surgical devices while maintaining electromagnetic communication, effectively adding spatial dimensionality to the solution space
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the transmitter and receiver are positioned far apart, then interference from metal objects is reduced, but the electromagnetic communication becomes weaker or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable positioning mechanisms enable dynamic optimization of the distance between transmitter and receiver during surgery, allowing the system to find the optimal balance between avoiding interference and maintaining effective electromagnetic communication
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing of critical parameters including distance between transmitter and receiver, orientation angles, and positional coordinates, enabling optimization of communication quality while avoiding interference zones through parameter adjustment rather than fixed positioning
3Measurement precision
If the receiver is securely mounted to the instrument, then the tracking accuracy is improved, but the ability to adjust the localizer position is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mounting system where the receiver can be securely fixed at multiple discrete positions along the instrument shaft. This allows the receiver to be firmly mounted for accurate tracking while maintaining the ability to reposition it if interference issues arise, combining security with adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument shaft is divided into multiple discrete positioning locations for the receiver, allowing selective mounting at different segments. This segmentation provides both secure mounting (when fixed at a position) and adjustability (by choosing different segments), resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility
4Stability of the object's composition
If the transmitter is securely fastened to the patient's bone, then the tracking stability is improved, but the ability to adjust the localizer orientation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fixator assembly includes adjustable components that allow the transmitter to be securely fastened to the bone while maintaining the ability to adjust its orientation. The universal joint or spherical interface enables the transmitter to be firmly attached yet repositioned if optimal orientation is not achieved or if interference occurs
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and accurate tracking of surgical instruments by allowing for adjustments to maintain communication between localizers, reducing the risk of lost tracking or decreased accuracy due to interference or distance issues, thereby improving surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter that emits an electromagnetic field is secured to the patient's body... The instrument that is to be tracked during surgery has a receiver mounted thereto that receives the electromagnetic signals from the transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tracking the position of an instrument relative to an area of interest. The system includes an instrument and an instrument guide mounted to the instrument. The instrument guide carries a first localizer proximate the instrument. The first localizer is movable relative to the instrument. The system also includes a fixator configured to be attached to the area of interest. The fixator carries a second localizer proximate the area of interest. The second localizer is movable relative to the area of interest. The first and second localizers are movable in order that the first and second localizers are in communication such that the position of one of the first and second localizers is known relative to the position of the other of the first and second localizers.