Electromagnetic Surgical Navigation Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image-guided therapy techniques for surgical procedures face challenges in accurately registering anatomical structures due to user variability and accessibility issues, particularly in minimally invasive surgeries like spine procedures, where traditional methods are time-consuming and lack sufficient accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The use of electromagnetic tracking devices attached to a C-arm fluoroscope, an interventional device, and a patient's anatomy, allowing for dynamic referencing and registration of intra-operative fluoroscopic images to a pre-operative 3D scan, enabling precise navigation and visualization of surgical tools relative to the patient's anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional registration methods are used to align the coordinate system of medical images to the tracking device, then the registration process can be completed, but the process is time-consuming and laborious with insufficient accuracy due to user variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical registration methods with an automated electromagnetic tracking system. Electromagnetic sensors track the positions of fiducial markers and surgical instruments in three-dimensional space, automatically calculating transformation matrices to align pre-operative imaging data with intra-operative anatomy, eliminating manual coordinate system alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic fiducial markers that create detectable signal patterns serving as digital copies of anatomical landmarks. These markers are tracked by electromagnetic sensors to establish precise spatial relationships, replacing manual identification and measurement of anatomical features
2Ease of operation
If traditional point-pair or surface registration methods are used for minimally invasive spine procedures, then registration can be performed, but the anatomy of interest is not easily accessible making the process difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fiducial markers as intermediary objects that are easily accessible on the patient's surface or attached to instruments. These markers serve as mediators between the inaccessible deep spinal anatomy and the electromagnetic tracking system, allowing indirect but precise tracking of the target anatomy through the markers' known spatial relationships
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical registration requiring direct anatomical access with an electromagnetic field-based tracking system. The electromagnetic sensors detect signals from fiducial markers without requiring physical contact with or exposure of the deep spinal anatomy, enabling registration in minimally invasive procedures
3Speed
If continuous x-ray updates are used to track device position, then real-time positioning information is available, but unnecessary tissue damage and radiation exposure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous ionizing radiation-based x-ray imaging with a non-ionizing electromagnetic tracking system. Electromagnetic sensors continuously track the positions of electromagnetic fiducial markers attached to the patient and surgical instruments, providing real-time three-dimensional positioning information without radiation exposure or tissue damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic signals from tracked fiducial markers to create real-time digital copies of device positions and anatomical landmarks. These digital representations are displayed on monitors to provide positioning information equivalent to continuous x-ray imaging but without the harmful effects of repeated radiation exposure
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 enhances the accuracy and efficiency of surgical navigation by providing real-time, precise positioning of surgical tools within the patient's anatomy, reducing reliance on continuous x-ray updates and minimizing tissue damage, while allowing for dynamic updates throughout the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
Signals or fields generated and received by the sensor elements, such as electromagnetic signals or fields, may be used to determine the positions and orientations of the sensor elements with respect to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A navigation system for use during a surgical procedure is provided. The navigation system is configured to use electromagnetic tracking data produced by electromagnetic tracking devices and 2D image data produced by a fluoroscope to intra-operatively register 2D images of a patient to a pre-operative 3D image of the patient. In some implementations, a surgeon may be able to perform an interventional or surgical procedure guided by the navigation system.