Dual-Surface Marker Image Guide for Surgical Instrument Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical systems for treating musculoskeletal disorders, such as spinal pathologies, face challenges in accurately guiding surgical instruments and implants due to limitations in instrument orientation and alignment with sensors, which can lead to suboptimal placement and increased procedural complexity.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an image guide system that includes a member defining a plane with markers extending from both surfaces, allowing for detectable alignment with sensors in multiple orientations, enabling precise tracking and display of surgical instrument position relative to the body anatomy, facilitating accurate placement of implants without the need for frequent re-orientation of tracking devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single-surface marker system is used for surgical instrument tracking, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of instrument position tracking deteriorates when the instrument changes orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a single-surface marker system to a dual-surface marker system. Markers are placed on both the first and second surfaces of the image guide member, extending in opposite directions from the plane. This three-dimensional dual-surface configuration allows the sensor to detect markers regardless of the instrument's orientation relative to the sensor, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If markers extend from only one surface of the image guide member, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability of the tracking system to multiple instrument orientations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a dual-surface marker system that functions across multiple instrument orientations. The markers on both surfaces serve the same detection function, but their opposing extensions ensure that at least one set of markers remains visible to the sensor regardless of how the surgical instrument is oriented. This multi-orientated adaptability is achieved without substantially complicating the manufacturing process, as both surfaces can be processed similarly during fabrication.
3Productivity
If the surgical instrument requires frequent re-orientation to maintain sensor alignment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and efficiency of the surgical procedure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring markers on both surfaces of the image guide member before the surgical procedure begins. This advance preparation ensures that regardless of how the surgical instrument is positioned or oriented during the procedure, the sensor will always be able to detect at least one set of markers. This eliminates the need for frequent instrument re-orientation during surgery, thereby improving procedural efficiency and reducing the complexity of intraoperative adjustments.
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 accuracy and efficiency of surgical procedures by allowing for real-time, multi-directional tracking of surgical instruments and implants, reducing the complexity of instrument repositioning and improving the precision of spinal implant placement, thereby addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The member is oriented relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of a surgical instrument. At least one marker is connectable with the member and extends relative to the plane from the first surface and the second surface for detectable alignment with the sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
An image guide includes a member having a first surface and a second surface. The member defines a plane. The member is oriented relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of a surgical instrument. At least one marker is connectable with the member and extends relative to the plane from the first surface and the second surface for detectable alignment with the sensor. In some embodiments, surgical systems, surgical instruments, implants and methods are disclosed.