Adjustable Surgical Tracking Array with Movable Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical navigation systems require multiple tracking arrays during complex procedures, which increases complexity and costs due to the need for multiple arrays to be purchased, prepared, and configured in the operating room.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable tracking array with a frame and movable markers that can be repositioned or reattached to different surgical components, allowing a single array to be used for multiple configurations identifiable by the tracking system, reducing the number of arrays needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tracking arrays are used during complex surgical procedures, then the surgical navigation system can track different surgical components, but the complexity and cost increase due to needing to purchase, prepare, and configure multiple arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking array is designed with a movable marker that can be repositioned to different locations on the frame, allowing a single array to track multiple different surgical components. The array can be detached from one component and reattached to another, with the movable marker enabling the system to identify and track each different configuration, thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate tracking arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The marker is made movable relative to the frame through a mechanical adjustment mechanism, allowing it to be repositioned to different locations. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the same physical array to present different marker configurations to the tracking system, allowing identification of different surgical components without requiring multiple static arrays
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tracking arrays are used during complex surgical procedures, then different surgical components can be tracked, but the time and resources required for preparation and configuration increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single tracking array with a movable marker serves multiple functions by tracking different surgical components through repositioning the marker. This eliminates the need to prepare and configure multiple separate arrays, significantly reducing the time and resources required for setup while maintaining the ability to track various surgical instruments throughout the procedure
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tracking arrays are used during complex surgical procedures, then comprehensive tracking is achieved, but the cost increases due to purchasing and maintaining multiple arrays
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking array is designed as a universal device that can track multiple different surgical components through the repositioning of a movable marker. This single multi-functional array replaces the need for multiple specialized arrays, reducing the quantity of tracking devices required and thereby lowering purchasing and maintenance costs while maintaining comprehensive tracking capability
Data Source
AI summary
An array for use with a surgical navigation system is provided. The array comprises a frame and first, second and third markers attached to the frame. The first, second and third markers are detectable by a tracking system used in image guided surgery, and the first marker is movable relative to the frame. In one embodiment, at least one marker slides along the frame from a first position where it is held in place to a second position where it is also held in place. In another embodiment, one or more of the markers is removed from the frame at a first position and reattached to the frame at a second position. In still another embodiment, a portion of the frame itself moves with the movable marker.