Distal Tip Tracking for Flexible ENT Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-guided surgery systems for ENT procedures, particularly those involving flexible and malleable instruments, face challenges in accurately tracking the position of distal tips of instruments within the body, as sensors are typically mounted on the proximal portions of rigid instruments, making it difficult to achieve precise positioning and movement in minimally invasive procedures like Flexible Transnasal Sinus Intervention (FTSI).
Innovation Solution
The development of sensor-equipped devices with sensors positioned at the distal tips or within the instruments that are inserted into the body, allowing for real-time tracking and precise positioning during procedures, combined with an image guidance system that integrates preoperative tomographic data with real-time instrument positioning, enabling accurate display on a monitor for the surgeon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted on proximal portions of rigid instruments, then the instrument structure is simple and rigid, but the tracking precision of distal tips during flexible procedures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into multiple segments with sensors positioned at different locations (distal tip and proximal portions). Each segment's position is tracked independently, and the computer integrates this data to calculate the precise position of the distal tip, resolving the contradiction between simple sensor mounting and accurate distal tip tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
A computer acts as an intermediary that receives position data from multiple sensors mounted on the instrument, processes this information, and calculates the precise location of the distal tip. This mediator enables accurate tracking without requiring direct sensor mounting at the distal tip, thus maintaining device simplicity while achieving measurement precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid instruments are used with proximal sensors, then device structure is simple, but positioning accuracy of distal tips in flexible procedures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static rigid instruments to dynamic flexible instruments that can change shape during procedures. Multiple sensors positioned at different locations allow the system to track and calculate the position of distal tips even when the instrument bends or flexes, maintaining positioning accuracy while improving ease of operation in confined anatomical spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of instrument rigidity to flexibility by using flexible catheters and guidewires. Combined with multiple sensor positions and computer-based position calculation, this allows the instrument to adapt to anatomical variations while maintaining precise positioning accuracy through computational methods.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are positioned along the instrument, then tracking accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The computer-based position calculation system serves multiple functions: it processes data from multiple sensors, calculates distal tip positions, guides instrument navigation, and provides real-time feedback. This multi-functional approach allows the use of multiple sensors without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the computer handles multiple tasks through a unified processing framework.
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices, systems and methods for performing image guided interventional and surgical procedures, including various procedures to treat sinusitis and other disorders of the paranasal sinuses, ears, nose or throat.