Dynamic Reference Frame for Non-Invasive Surgical Navigation Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical navigation systems face challenges in minimizing invasiveness and efficiently registering image space to physical space, particularly in procedures where fiducial markers need to be inserted into bone, and there is a desire for non-invasive and marker-less registration methods to improve visualization and accuracy during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing dynamic reference frames attached to patients in different manners, along with tracked devices to determine fiducial points and correlate image data to physical space, allowing for both invasive and non-invasive registrations to enhance navigation accuracy and reduce invasiveness, using techniques such as soft tissue penetrating lasers and flexible members with tracking devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fiducial markers are fixed directly to bone through skin for reliable registration, then measurement precision is improved, but invasiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-invasive intermediary method using dynamic reference frames attached to the skin surface and optical tracking systems to register image space to physical space, eliminating the need for direct bone penetration while maintaining registration accuracy through multiple fiducial markers placed on the skin and correlation algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive bone fixation system with an optical tracking system that uses cameras and reflective markers on the skin surface, substituting direct physical contact with non-contact optical field-based tracking to achieve the same registration function
2Measurement precision
If separate procedures are performed to implant fiducial markers for registration, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the registration procedure with the main surgical procedure by placing fiducial markers on the skin during the initial setup phase before the surgical incision, allowing image space to physical space registration to be completed as part of the surgical workflow rather than as a separate pre-operative or intra-operative step
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs fiducial marker placement and registration in advance during the surgical setup phase before the actual surgical procedure begins, allowing the navigation system to be calibrated and verified beforehand, thus eliminating time loss during the critical surgical execution phase
3Measurement precision
If fiducial markers are placed on patient for registration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal dynamic reference frame system that serves multiple functions: it provides fiducial markers for registration, acts as a tracking target for optical systems, and establishes the coordinate transformation between image space and physical space, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copies (images) of fiducial markers captured by cameras to create a virtual representation of the physical marker positions, allowing the system to track and register spatial coordinates through image processing rather than requiring direct physical measurement devices
4Reliability
If invasive methods are used to ensure reliable fiducial marker fixation, then reliability is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the skin surface as an intermediary layer between the external tracking system and the underlying bone structure, allowing fiducial markers to be placed on the skin which then serve as reliable proxies for bone position without requiring direct bone contact, thus maintaining reliability while avoiding tissue damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical fixation to bone with optical field-based tracking of skin-mounted markers, substituting invasive mechanical anchoring with non-invasive optical detection that achieves the same reliability through field interactions rather than physical penetration
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 approach enables precise and efficient registration of image space to physical space, reducing invasiveness and improving visualization during surgical procedures, allowing for more accurate placement of instruments and implants without the need for extensive bone penetration or external markers.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam 104 that can penetrate through soft tissue 106, including dermis, circulatory tissues, muscle, vasculature, and the like, and reflect off a bone structure
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. One or more tracking devices can be the associated with the patient and with guiding instruments for tracking guiding devices relative to the patient.