Body Part Motion Tracking with Radiographic 3D Model Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for creating virtual anatomical models for surgical navigation are time-consuming and costly, often requiring off-site reconstruction and manual registration of bony landmarks, which can be inaccurate and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method combining intraoperative radiography with inertial tracking systems to register patient anatomy without the need for patient-specific instruments, using motion sensors and radiographic images to construct a virtual 3D model, calibrating and integrating sensor data for real-time tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT or MRI imaging is used to create virtual anatomical models, then measurement precision and model accuracy are improved, but loss of time and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary anatomical information needed for surgical navigation from complex CT/MRI datasets, rather than processing complete volumetric data. This selective extraction approach maintains measurement precision for critical structures while dramatically reducing processing time and computational resources required for model creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary segmentation and model creation operations during the imaging process itself or in advance, so that when surgery begins, the virtual anatomical models are already prepared and ready for immediate use in surgical navigation, eliminating post-imaging processing delays.
2Device complexity
If manual registration of bony landmarks is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical landmark identification with an automated image processing system that uses computer vision algorithms to detect and register anatomical landmarks. This substitution maintains system simplicity while dramatically improving registration precision and reliability through consistent, repeatable automated measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The registration system performs self-calibration and automatic landmark identification without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously processes imaging data, identifies anatomical features, and completes registration, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If patient-specific instruments are manufactured for registration, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing physical patient-specific instruments, the system creates virtual copies of patient-specific anatomical models and registration parameters through digital imaging and 3D reconstruction. These virtual models provide the same patient-specific precision needed for accurate registration and surgical planning, but are generated instantly from imaging data without manufacturing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of patient-specific customization from physical manufacturing to digital parameter generation. By storing and processing anatomical measurements as digital parameters and transformations rather than physical instrument geometries, the system achieves patient-specific precision immediately without the weeks-long manufacturing timeline required for custom instruments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additive manufacturing is used for patient-specific instruments, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability worsen due to material porosity
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical additive manufacturing with digital 3D modeling and virtual instrumentation. Virtual instruments and guides are created as precise digital copies tailored to each patient's anatomy, eliminating the porosity and tolerance issues inherent in additive manufacturing while maintaining full adaptability to patient-specific geometry through customizable digital models.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of tracking motion of a body part, the method comprising: (a) gathering motion data from a body part repositioned within a range of motion, the body part having mounted thereto a motion sensor; (b) gathering a plurality of radiographic images taken of the body part while the body part is in different positions within the range of motion, the plurality of radiographic images having the body part and the motion sensor within a field of view; and, (c) constructing a virtual three dimensional model of the body part from the plurality of radiographic images using a structure of the motion sensor identifiable within at least two of the plurality of radiographic images to calibrate the radiographic images.