Automatic identification of tracked surgical devices using an electromagnetic localization system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical procedures often require large access portals and multiple instruments, which can cause collateral injury and prolonged recovery, and there is a need for a system that can identify and navigate these instruments without direct visibility and minimal intervention.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic tracking system is used to identify surgical instruments by detecting distortion patterns, allowing automatic identification and navigation through a navigation system that includes an instrument with an identification member and a tracking device, processed by a navigation system to determine the instrument's position and identity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple instruments are used during a surgical procedure, then the surgical procedure can be performed with various functions, but it becomes difficult to identify and track each particular instrument without additional intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical functionVSAvoidinstrument identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by providing a standardized tracking device that can be attached to multiple different surgical instruments. The tracking device serves as a universal identifier that works across various instrument types, allowing the navigation system to track and identify each instrument automatically without requiring different identification methods for each tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking device acts as an intermediary between the surgical instrument and the navigation system. This intermediary component enables automatic identification and tracking by mediating the communication between the physical instrument and the digital navigation system, eliminating the need for direct surgeon intervention in instrument identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If large access portals are used to perform surgical procedures, then instruments can be accessed and manipulated, but collateral injury to the anatomy increases and recovery time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument accessVSAvoidcollateral injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by enabling precise localization and navigation of instruments to specific anatomical targets. The electromagnetic tracking system provides detailed positional information, allowing surgeons to access only the specific local area needed for the procedure rather than requiring large broad access portals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical navigation methods with an electromagnetic tracking and navigation system. This substitution allows for more precise instrument guidance through smaller access portals, as the electromagnetic field-based tracking provides continuous positional feedback without requiring large surgical openings for manual navigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If manual identification of instruments is performed by the surgeon, then instrument identity can be confirmed, but human error increases and procedural efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument identification accuracyVSAvoidprocedural efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having the navigation system automatically detect and confirm instrument identity through the tracking device. The system provides continuous feedback about which instrument is currently being used, allowing for automatic verification without relying on manual surgeon identification, thereby reducing human error and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking device enables self-service identification where the instrument automatically provides its own identification information to the navigation system. The system self-identifies and tracks each instrument without requiring external manual intervention from the surgeon, improving both reliability and procedural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables precise and minimally invasive surgical navigation by automatically identifying and tracking surgical instruments, reducing human error and enhancing procedural efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

when using an electromagnetic tracking system in a navigation system, a distortion in a field can be used to identify a particular instrument

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field distortion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12472031B2Automatic identification of tracked surgical devices using an electromagnetic localization system

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 MEDTRONIC NAVIGATION INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for identifying a member used in a navigation system. The navigation system can determine the identification of an instrument via an input. The input can be substantially automatic when an instrument is introduced into the navigation system field or assembly.