Universal Surgical Tool Adapter With Conductivity-Based Advancement Arrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical navigation systems face limitations in accurately determining the location of surgical tools in three dimensions and provide inadequate real-time alerts for potential tool advancement into sensitive anatomical structures, often requiring repeated x-ray imaging to correct mis-registration and lacking confidence in tool positioning.
Innovation Solution
A universal adapter for surgical tools, equipped with a sleeve, brake mechanism, and controller, which senses electrical conductivity changes to arrest tool advancement when transitioning from bone to tissue, providing real-time alerts and automatic stops to prevent injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopic or CT-images are periodically updated during the surgical procedure, then the accuracy of surgical navigation is improved, but the patient and surgeon are exposed to greater ionizing radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary registration of the surgical tool with the navigation system before the surgical procedure begins. This preliminary action establishes the spatial relationship between the tool and patient anatomy in advance, eliminating the need for repeated periodic updates during the procedure, thereby reducing radiation exposure while maintaining navigation accuracy.
2Loss of information
If multiple views of patient anatomy and surgical tool are provided, then the completeness of anatomical information is improved, but the difficulty of real-time mental integration by the surgeon increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple anatomical views and surgical tool representations into a single integrated three-dimensional display. This combines comprehensive anatomical information from multiple angles while presenting it in a unified format that eliminates the need for the surgeon to mentally integrate separate two-dimensional views, thereby improving both information completeness and ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If the surgical navigation system provides only two-dimensional displayed images, then the simplicity of the display system is maintained, but the confidence in three-dimensional location of the surgical tool is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from displaying only two-dimensional images to providing three-dimensional visual representation of the surgical tool location within patient anatomy. This dimensional enhancement maintains relative display simplicity while dramatically improving the surgeon's confidence in accurately determining the three-dimensional position of the surgical tool, especially when approaching sensitive structures.
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
Enhances surgical precision by accurately stopping tool advancement near sensitive anatomical structures, reducing the need for repeated x-ray imaging and enhancing safety during procedures like spinal implant placement.
Implementation Method 1
sense changes in electrical conductivity caused by the elongated drilling portion transitioning from bone to tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Adapters for surgical drilling systems, and methods of use, are provided for performing surgical procedures, such as surgical drilling into bony structures, while guided by a conductivity sensing system. The adapters may be configured to be coupled to a surgical drilling tool such as a conventional surgical drill and a drill bit having conductivity sensing capabilities, or a surgical hand tool having conductivity sensing capabilities. The adapters further include a controller configured to receive one or more signal indicative of measured electrical conductivity and/or penetration depth measurement, detect a condition associated with a change of measured electrical conductivity based on the signal, and arrest advancement of the surgical drilling tool responsive to detection of the condition.