Curette With Integrated Navigation Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image-guided surgery (IGS) procedures, particularly in ENT surgeries, navigating three-dimensional views of the operative field can be cumbersome due to the need for clinicians to relay instructions to assistants, leading to time-consuming and error-prone processes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a navigation sensor into surgical instruments, such as a curette, allows for real-time positioning and orientation within the patient's body, enabling direct navigation without the need for external interface devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If clinicians use external interface devices (keyboard or mouse) to navigate three-dimensional views in IGS systems, then the system can provide real-time positioning information, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone due to the need to relay instructions to assistants
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument performs navigation functions autonomously through its integrated sensor, eliminating the need for clinicians to relay instructions to assistants. The instrument self-navigates by detecting its own position through the electromagnetic sensor, directly providing positioning information without requiring external interface devices or assistant intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation sensor is integrated directly into the surgical instrument, merging the navigation function with the surgical tool. This integration allows the instrument to simultaneously perform surgical functions and navigation tasks, eliminating the separation between the clinician, the instrument, and the navigation system that causes time loss and errors.
2Ease of operation
If clinicians relay navigation instructions to assistants in another room or area, then the interface device can be operated, but the process becomes error-prone and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument autonomously performs navigation operations through its integrated sensor, eliminating the need for clinicians to relay instructions to assistants. The instrument self-navigates by detecting its own position through the electromagnetic sensor, directly providing positioning information without requiring external interface devices or assistant intervention.
3Ease of operation
If interface devices are placed within reach of clinicians in the sterile environment, then navigation can be performed directly, but the interface device must be sterile-compatible which limits device options
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation sensor is integrated directly into the surgical instrument, merging the navigation function with the surgical tool. This integration allows the instrument to simultaneously perform surgical functions and navigation tasks, eliminating the separation between the clinician, the instrument, and the navigation system that causes time loss and errors.
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
This solution enhances the precision and efficiency of surgical procedures by allowing clinicians to navigate instruments directly, reducing reliance on assistants and minimizing errors associated with remote navigation.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that is configured to generate a signal in response to a magnetic field, wherein the signal is configured to indicate a position of the end effector within three-dimensional space
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a sensor. The shaft assembly defines a longitudinal axis. The end effector is positioned at a distal end of the shaft assembly. A portion of the end effector is offset from the longitudinal axis. The sensor is configured to generate a signal in response to a magnetic field. The signal is configured to indicate a position of the end effector within three-dimensional space. The sensor is coaxially positioned about the longitudinal axis.