Dynamic Reference Frame Registration for Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical navigation systems require invasive fiducial marker placement on patients, which can be cumbersome and limit the accuracy of image-to-physical space registration, especially in procedures requiring minimal invasiveness and precise instrument positioning.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing dynamic reference frames and tracking devices to non-invasively register image space to physical space, allowing for two registration methods: a first dynamic reference frame for coarse accuracy and a second, more invasive frame for fine accuracy, without the need for traditional fiducial markers, using techniques like soft tissue penetrating lasers and flexible tracking sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fiducial markers are fixed directly to bone through skin, then registration reliability is improved, but procedural invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic reference frames as intermediary elements that can be attached to the patient's head in multiple ways (adhesive, mechanical, or invasive). These reference frames serve as mediators between the imaging system and the patient's anatomy, allowing registration to be performed without directly embedding fiducial markers into bone tissue. The reference frames can be attached to the skull or to surgical instruments, providing a flexible intermediate reference system that reduces invasiveness while maintaining registration reliability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple fiducial markers are implanted for accurate registration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic reference frames are designed to serve multiple functions: they can be attached in different manners (adhesive or invasive), can be fixed to different structures (skull or instruments), and can support multiple registration methods. This multi-functionality allows a single reference frame system to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate fiducial markers and attachment procedures, reducing overall procedure complexity while maintaining high registration accuracy through multiple possible attachment strategies.
3Measurement precision
If invasive fiducial marker placement is performed, then registration accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic reference frames that can be attached and removed flexibly during the surgical procedure. Unlike traditional fixed fiducial markers that require invasive implantation and remain permanently attached, these dynamic reference frames can be attached using adhesive or mechanical means, allowing for easy adjustment, removal, or replacement if needed. This dynamic attachment capability significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining the ability to achieve high registration accuracy when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Registration can occur more than once to increase efficiency and speed of the procedure.