Biopsy Needle Trajectory Guidance via Optical Tracking Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical systems lack the capability to accurately track the 3D trajectory and position of biopsy needles during neurological procedures, which is essential for precise neuronavigation and robotic trajectory guidance in surgical environments.

Innovation Solution

A surgical robot system is developed, comprising a robot base with a computer, a robot arm, an end effector, and a biopsy needle equipped with tracking markers visible to a camera, allowing for precise planning, insertion, and monitoring of the biopsy needle's position and trajectory within the patient's skull.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional biopsy needle procedures are used, then the procedure is simple and quick, but the trajectory and position of the biopsy needle cannot be tracked in 3D space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D position tracking precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces tracking markers as an intermediary element attached to the biopsy needle. These markers serve as mediators between the physical needle and the optical tracking system, enabling 3D position detection without directly modifying the needle's core function. The markers reflect or emit light that can be captured by cameras, translating physical position into measurable optical signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an optical detection system. Instead of relying on mechanical guides or physical reference systems, the invention uses optical fields (cameras and light) to detect and track the biopsy needle's position and trajectory in 3D space, providing non-contact and more precise measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If position recognition systems with sensors and markers are implemented, then 3D position tracking is achieved, but the system complexity and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrajectory tracking accuracyVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking markers designed in this patent serve multiple functions: they enable 3D position tracking, provide trajectory guidance, and can be integrated with various biopsy needle designs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby simplifying the overall system and reducing setup time while maintaining high tracking accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If real-time feedback on insertion depth and trajectory is provided, then surgical precision is enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion depth precisionVSAvoidfeedback system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical tracking system continuously monitors the biopsy needle's position and provides real-time information about insertion depth and trajectory. This feedback loop allows surgeons to adjust their actions based on actual position data, ensuring precise needle placement while the system remains relatively simple in architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This system enables accurate and efficient navigation of biopsy needles, providing real-time feedback on insertion depth and trajectory, enhancing the precision and safety of neurological procedures by integrating neuronavigation and robotic trajectory alignment.

Implementation Method 1

monitoring the position of the biopsy needle using tracking markers disposed on the biopsy needle configured to being viewable by a camera of the surgical robot system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3733112A1System for robotic trajectory guidance for navigated biopsy needle
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 GLOBUS MEDICAL INC
  • EP3733112A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3733112A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3733112A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Devices, Systems, and Methods for determining a trajectory of a biopsy needle using a surgical robot. A surgical robotic may be configured to plan a trajectory and move to a location along the planned trajectory. The surgical robot may be configured to receive the biopsy needle and hold its position along the trajectory while the biopsy needle is used to aspirate a tissue sample from a patient.