Dynamic Reference Array for Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical navigation systems face challenges in accurately localizing anatomy during procedures due to the need for separate placement of radio-opaque fiducial markers and tracking markers, which can interfere with surgical tools and increase preparation time.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic reference array with a scaffold, multiple markers, and an attachment member featuring a swivel mechanism that allows secure attachment to a patient while allowing movement, enabling both radio-opaque fiducial and tracking markers to be positioned close to the anatomy without interfering with surgical tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate placement of radio-opaque fiducial markers and tracking markers is used, then accurate localization of anatomy is achieved, but surgical tools are interfered with and preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radio-opaque fiducial markers and tracking markers into a single integrated reference array structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate placement procedures, reducing preparation time while maintaining localization accuracy through the unified design that allows simultaneous acquisition of both marker types during a single surgical setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference array is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both radio-opaque fiducial markers for imaging localization and optical tracking markers for real-time position tracking. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate devices, streamlining the surgical preparation process without compromising measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If separate placement of radio-opaque fiducial markers and tracking markers is used, then accurate localization of anatomy is achieved, but surgical tools are interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
By merging fiducial and tracking markers into a single reference array, the patent reduces the number of separate components that could interfere with surgical tools. The integrated design consolidates marker placement in one organized structure, improving surgical tool accessibility while preserving localization accuracy.
3Reliability
If multiple separate marker arrays are used, then comprehensive tracking and localization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple marker arrays into a single integrated reference array that contains both radio-opaque fiducial markers and optical tracking markers. This consolidation maintains comprehensive tracking and localization capabilities while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate arrays and their associated placement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference array is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: providing radio-opaque fiducials for imaging, optical tracking markers for real-time tracking, and a unified structural framework. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable tracking accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If fiducial markers are placed close to anatomy, then localization precision is improved, but tracking markers may interfere with surgical tools
Solution Approach 1:
By combining fiducial and tracking markers in a single integrated reference array, the patent allows both marker types to be positioned close to the anatomy without the tracking markers interfering with surgical tools. The unified structure organizes all markers in a coordinated arrangement that maintains localization precision while preserving surgical accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamic reference arrays use markers and trackers to register a patient's anatomy to computer system. Wherein the dynamic reference array may be screwed into a patient's spinous process, clamped on to a spinous process, or attached to the spinous process using posts. In embodiments, a dynamic reference array may comprise a single structure comprising and attachment member and a scaffold. In alternate embodiments, the dynamic reference array may comprise distinct structures that allow the dynamic reference array to swivel and collapse in order to facilitate registration, while not interfering with a surgical procedure.