Augmented Reality Implant Alignment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical implant alignment methods are cumbersome and time-consuming, leading to potential errors and increased surgical trauma, as well as the need for additional procedures to correct misalignments, which can cause further patient discomfort and hospital strain.
Innovation Solution
A patient implant alignment system utilizing a patient-reference imaging apparatus and an augmented display apparatus to create a virtual overlay of a digital implant model, allowing surgeons to align implants accurately and efficiently during surgery, reducing the reliance on traditional guide tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional guide tools are used for implant alignment, then alignment accuracy can be achieved, but the surgical procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's anatomy and implant through 3D imaging and digital modeling. This virtual model is then overlaid onto the surgical field using augmented reality, allowing surgeons to see the precise alignment of the implant without physical guide tools. The virtual copy replaces complex physical alignment devices while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical guide tools and alignment devices with a digital/augmented reality system. Instead of using physical jigs, blocks, and alignment instruments that complicate the surgical field, the system uses computer-generated images displayed through augmented reality to guide implant placement, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional guide tools are used for implant alignment, then alignment accuracy can be achieved, but surgical time increases leading to fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs alignment planning and 3D modeling before the surgical procedure begins. All measurements, implant selections, and alignment parameters are determined in advance using patient-specific imaging data. During surgery, the augmented reality system simply displays the pre-calculated alignment information, eliminating time-consuming intraoperative alignment adjustments and reducing surgical time while maintaining accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment methods are used, then alignment can be attempted, but errors require additional surgical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The augmented reality system provides real-time visual feedback to the surgeon during implant placement. The virtual overlay shows the exact position and orientation of the implant as it is being inserted, allowing the surgeon to make immediate adjustments to achieve precise alignment. This real-time feedback mechanism prevents alignment errors that would otherwise require corrective surgery, thereby reducing patient trauma from additional procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for aligning a patient implant, the method comprising the steps of: generating a digital implant model of the patient implant; determining a desired alignment of the patient implant based on predetermined alignment data; imaging an operative area of the patient to create patient-specific implant reference data; creating a virtual overlay of the digital implant model in the determined desired alignment relative to the patient-specific implant reference data; and operatively aligning the patient implant using the virtual overlay. A patient implant system to implement the method is also provided.