Bone Entry Point Verification Using Intraoperative Surface Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical procedures face challenges in accurately verifying the entry point and trajectory of surgical tools into anatomical tissues, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries, due to issues like tool skiving, patient movement, misaligned registration, and lack of real-time feedback.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing intraoperative imaging and comparison with preoperative models to confirm the accuracy of the entry point and trajectory by comparing features of the anatomical tissue using imaging devices, such as ultrasound probes, and generating real-time feedback through a binary scoring system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive surgery is performed with limited imaging access, then patient trauma is reduced, but verification of entry point accuracy becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
An imaging device is introduced as an intermediary element through the MIS port to capture images of the bone surface. This mediator enables verification of entry point accuracy without requiring larger incisions or direct visual access, thus maintaining the benefits of minimally invasive surgery while achieving accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct visual verification to indirect imaging verification by capturing two-dimensional images of the bone surface features. This dimensional transformation allows entry point verification through image analysis rather than direct line-of-sight observation, solving the contradiction between minimal access and accurate verification.
2Measurement precision
If real-time imaging verification is implemented, then entry point accuracy is improved, but surgical procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical plan pre-identifies target bone entry points and their surrounding surface features from preoperative imaging. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid comparison with intraoperative images, reducing the time required for verification during the actual surgical procedure while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual measurement and visual verification methods with automated image processing and feature comparison algorithms. This substitution of mechanical/visual processes with computational analysis significantly reduces verification time while improving measurement precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If patient anatomy is imaged preoperatively for surgical planning, then surgical precision is improved, but anatomical changes over time reduce accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures a second image of the bone surface features during the surgical procedure and compares it with the preoperative image. This feedback loop identifies and compensates for anatomical changes that occurred between preoperative imaging and surgery, maintaining surgical precision despite temporal variations in patient anatomy.
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
Ensures accurate and safe entry of surgical tools by providing real-time confirmation of the entry point and trajectory, reducing the risk of patient injury and ensuring precise bone removal during minimally invasive surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
the imaging device is an ultrasound probe
Data Source
AI summary
A method for verifying a bone entry point includes receiving a surgical plan that defines a target bone entry point and a first portion of a bone surface at least partially surrounding the target bone entry point; positioning an imaging device near an identified bone entry point; receiving, from the imaging device, an image of a second portion of the bone surface surrounding the identified bone entry point; comparing at least one feature of the first portion to at least one feature of the second portion to quantify a degree of similarity therebetween; and generating, when the quantified degree of similarity between the first portion and the second portion exceeds a threshold, a confirmation.