Patient-Specific Bone Tunnel Guide for Surgical Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical techniques lack precision and accuracy in locating and orienting instruments for tendon transfer and soft tissue rearrangement procedures, particularly in complex anatomical areas like the ankle, foot, or hand, due to inadequate guides and tools for translating patient-specific anatomy models into real-world surgical settings.
Innovation Solution
Development of patient-specific bone tunnel guides and tendon transfer systems with trajectory ports and bone engagement features based on medical imaging, allowing for precise alignment and positioning of instruments according to individual patient anatomy, including haptic feedback for correct placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surgical techniques are used, then surgical procedures can be performed, but precision and accuracy in locating and orienting instruments are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical system is divided into separate functional components: patient-specific bone tunnel guides with trajectory ports for precise drilling, tendon transfer systems with alignment guides, and customization tools. Each component addresses a specific surgical step, allowing high precision without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
Patient-specific anatomical models are created from medical imaging data (CT or MRI scans) to replicate the unique bone geometry and soft tissue arrangements. These digital and physical models serve as accurate copies of the patient's anatomy, enabling precise preoperative planning and customization of surgical guides that match the individual patient's anatomy.
2Manufacturing precision
If patient-specific customized guides are developed, then precision and accuracy are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Surgical guides and trajectory ports are designed and manufactured before the surgical procedure based on preoperative medical imaging and 3D modeling. This allows precise customization to match the patient's unique anatomy ahead of time, eliminating the need for complex intraoperative adjustments and reducing actual surgical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical guides are customized by varying key parameters such as trajectory angles, drill hole positions, and guide orientations based on the patient's specific anatomical measurements derived from imaging data. This parameter-based customization approach allows precise fitting to individual anatomy while using standardized guide components and manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If conventional techniques are used for soft tissue rearrangement, then procedures can be completed, but errors in positioning and orienting tendons and grafts occur
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical trial-and-error positioning methods are replaced with computer-aided design and manufacturing systems that calculate optimal tendon and graft positioning based on patient anatomy. Digital modeling and 3D printing technologies substitute for manual measurement and estimation, reducing positioning errors while maintaining ease of implementation through standardized digital workflows.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for remediating a condition present in a patient. In some implementations, the apparatus may include a body and a trajectory port that extends through the body. The trajectory port guides a tool to form a bone tunnel in a bone of a patient. The trajectory port is defined at least partially on a bone model of at least a portion of bone of the patient. The apparatus may include a bone engagement feature that extends from the body, the bone engagement feature configured to engage at least a portion of the bone such that the bone engagement feature positions the bone tunnel guide in a position that corresponds to a modeled position of a bone tunnel guide model engaging a bone model.