Embedded Instrument Tracking for Precise Image-Based Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In surgical procedures, particularly those involving minimally invasive techniques, there is a challenge in effectively tracking the location of instruments without significantly increasing the size or volume of the tracking device, which is crucial for precise navigation and minimally invasive surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A tracking device is integrated or attached to surgical instruments in a way that minimizes its spatial footprint, such as being wrapped around the instrument's axis or embedded in its surface, using electromagnetic coils to transmit and sense magnetic fields for precise location determination within a navigation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tracking device is attached to a surgical instrument for location tracking, then navigation precision is improved, but the volume and dimensional size of the instrument increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device is positioned within the interior cavity of the surgical instrument, nesting the tracking components inside the instrument structure rather than adding them externally. This allows the tracking device to be housed within the existing instrument volume, minimizing dimensional increase while maintaining six-degree-of-freedom tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from external surface mounting to internal three-dimensional positioning of tracking elements. By placing tracking devices within the instrument's interior space and using multiple spatial dimensions for element arrangement, the system achieves accurate tracking without increasing the instrument's external footprint
2Measurement precision
If a tracking device is attached to a surgical instrument for location tracking, then navigation precision is improved, but the instrument's dimensional increase is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device is positioned within the interior cavity of the surgical instrument, nesting the tracking components inside the instrument structure rather than adding them externally. This allows the tracking device to be housed within the existing instrument volume, minimizing dimensional increase while maintaining six-degree-of-freedom tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a reduced set of tracking elements (two coils) positioned strategically within the instrument interior, rather than requiring full external arrays. This partial configuration provides sufficient tracking precision for the application while minimizing the dimensional footprint of the tracking system
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 allows for accurate tracking of instruments during surgeries, enabling precise navigation and minimizing the instrument's size, which is essential for both minimally invasive procedures and other applications like airframe assembly, while maintaining the instrument's functionality and reducing the overall dimensional increase due to the tracking device.
Implementation Method 1
using electromagnetic coils to transmit and sense magnetic fields for precise location determination within a navigation system
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for a procedure that can be performed on any appropriate subject. Procedures can include assembling any appropriate work piece or installing members into a work piece, such as an airframe, autoframe, etc. Regardless of the subject, tracking a substantially small tracking device in a plurality of degrees of freedom is provided. The tracking device can be positioned on or be formed in an instrument to be tracked.