Adjustable Patella Clamp with Tracking for Surgical Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patella clamps are not adjustable, limiting their utility and providing inadequate visibility during patella resection procedures, and they lack integration with computer-assisted surgical systems for enhanced surgical planning and visualization.
Innovation Solution
A patella clamp with a moveable handle assembly relative to the clamping assembly, equipped with a multi-positional ratcheting mechanism, and a tracking system that includes a tracking element for use in computer-assisted and robotic surgical systems to generate a virtual patella model, allowing for improved visibility and precise surgical planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the handle assembly is fixed relative to the clamping assembly, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability and visibility during surgery are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is made movable relative to the clamping assembly through a ratcheting mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment of the handle position and orientation. This enables the surgeon to reposition the handle out of the surgical field for improved visibility while maintaining secure attachment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separable components: the clamping assembly and the handle assembly, connected through a ratcheting mechanism. This segmentation allows independent positioning and adjustment of each component, providing versatility without requiring complete redesign of the entire device.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional fixed clamps are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but visibility and working space during resection are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The movable handle assembly can be repositioned away from the surgical site, clearing the field of view and providing unobstructed access for surgical instruments. The ratcheting mechanism maintains secure attachment while allowing this repositioning for improved visibility and working space.
3Manufacturing precision
If free-hand cutting is used without tracking, then the surgical process is simple, but precision and confidence in resection planes are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A tracking element creates a virtual copy or representation of the physical clamping assembly position and orientation. This virtual model allows the surgical plan to be visualized and executed with precision while providing real-time feedback on the actual position of the device, enhancing confidence in resection planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system provides real-time feedback on the position and orientation of the clamping assembly relative to the patient's anatomy. This feedback loop allows the surgeon to verify the accuracy of the surgical plan and make precise adjustments, improving resection precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a patella clamp configured to grip a patient's patella. The patella clamp includes a clamping assembly, a ratchet arm assembly, and a handle assembly. The clamping assembly includes first and second patella grip portions mounted in opposing relationship. In use, actuation of the handle assembly moves the second patella grip portion towards the first patella grip portion to clamp the patient's patella. The handle assembly is configured to be moveably adjustable (e.g., rotatable) relative to the clamping assembly. In addition, and/or alternatively, the patella clamp may be configured as a tracking patella clamp arranged and configured to be used in an orthopedic computer-assisted and/or robotic surgical surgery to enable a surgeon to view a virtual patella model to visualize patella preparation steps in a computer-based environment prior to making the preparations on the patient.