Augmented Reality Overlays for Unobstructed Surgical Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Orthopedic surgical procedures face inefficiencies due to the reliance on physical instruments and instructions, which can obstruct the surgical field and require time-consuming assembly, and existing augmented reality solutions are limited in their ability to enhance surgical workflows.
Innovation Solution
The use of augmented reality devices that overlay virtual objects onto the real surgical environment, allowing surgeons and assistants to interact with virtual representations of instruments, tools, and procedural steps, enhancing visibility and efficiency through AR displays and interactive interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical instruments and printed instructions are used during surgery, then surgical procedure can be performed, but the instruments and physical objects obstruct the surgical field and reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses augmented reality to create virtual copies of physical instruments and instructions that are overlaid onto the surgical field. Instead of using actual physical manuals or guides that block the view, the system projects virtual representations that provide the same information without physical obstruction. This allows surgeons to access instrument identification and assembly instructions while maintaining an unobstructed view of the surgical area.
2Productivity
If physical assembly instructions are provided during surgery, then instruments can be assembled, but the instructions are often unavailable or require time-consuming physical reference
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads all necessary assembly instructions and instrument information into the augmented reality device before surgery begins. When a surgeon needs to assemble an instrument, the relevant instructions are immediately available through the AR interface, eliminating the need to search for physical manuals or wait for sales representatives. The system has already prepared and organized the information in advance, making it instantly accessible during the procedure.
3Ease of operation
If sales representatives provide assembly instructions using laser pointers, then instrument assembly can be guided, but laser pointers are not allowed or desirable in the surgical field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical laser pointer system with an augmented reality optical display system. Instead of using a laser pointer to highlight instruments, the AR device projects virtual indicators and highlights directly onto the surgical field or instrument trays. This substitution eliminates the safety hazards associated with laser pointers while maintaining the ability to guide surgeons to specific instruments and provide assembly instructions in real-time.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for using augmented reality device for use during a surgical procedure are described. A system may include an augmented reality device to present a virtual indication, such as a virtual indication of a surgical instrument, a force vector, a direction, or the like. The augmented reality device may present a virtual aspect of a procedure, such as a virtual animation of a step of a procedure. The augmented reality device may present a virtual object, indication, aspect, etc., within a surgical field while permitting the surgical field or aspects of the surgical field to be viewed through the augmented reality display (e.g., presenting virtual objects mixed with real objects).