C-Arm Positioning via Navigation Marker Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical operating procedures, positioning apparatuses like x-ray units manually by physicians or assistants is inefficient, requiring repeated alignment and potentially compromising sterility and safety, especially in sterile areas.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system is used to detect the positions of a pointer instrument with a first navigation marker and an apparatus with a second marker, allowing an evaluation and control unit to determine alignment specifications and control the positioning of the apparatus, enabling intuitive and precise alignment while avoiding collisions and allowing use within sterile areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning of apparatuses is performed by physicians or assistants, then the apparatus can be positioned in the operating room, but the physician cannot concentrate on the patient and repeated alignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated navigation system that uses navigation markers, optical tracking, and computer-controlled movement to position apparatuses. The navigation system detects markers on the apparatus and pointer instrument, calculates positions in 3D space, and automatically guides the apparatus to the correct location, eliminating the need for repeated manual alignment by the physician or assistants.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system enables the apparatus to be positioned autonomously based on pre-planned trajectories and real-time tracking. The system self-regulates the positioning process by continuously monitoring the apparatus location via navigation markers and automatically adjusting its position without requiring repeated manual intervention, thereby reducing time loss and allowing the physician to focus on the patient.
2Reliability
If apparatuses are moved up to the patients manually, then positioning can be achieved, but sterility precautions are compromised and collisions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual transport and positioning operations with an automated navigation system that uses optical tracking and computer control. The system maintains sterility by allowing the apparatus to be positioned remotely without manual handling in sterile areas, while the navigation system guides precise positioning through calculated trajectories, eliminating collisions and maintaining sterile barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system acts as an intermediary between the physician and the apparatus positioning. It provides real-time spatial information and automated guidance, allowing the physician to control apparatus positioning remotely without direct manual intervention in sterile areas. The system mediates the positioning process through virtual navigation markers and computer-controlled movement, ensuring both sterility and precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If repeated manual alignment is performed, then apparatus positioning is achieved, but radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces repeated manual alignment operations with a single automated positioning process guided by the navigation system. The system uses navigation markers and optical tracking to achieve precise apparatus alignment in one operation, eliminating the need for multiple alignment attempts that would increase radiation exposure. The automated system provides precise positioning based on pre-planned trajectories and real-time tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
In an arrangement and associated method for positioning of apparatuses (in particular of a C-arm), the position and orientation of a C-arm and of a pointer instrument are determined by a navigation system, and an alignment of the C-arm is conducted based on the orientation of the pointer apparatus.