Geo-registration System for Surgical Tissue Deformation Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern operating room and stereotactic surgical techniques face challenges in accurately registering free-standing objects and deformable tissues into a 3D coordinate system, leading to precision issues due to the inability to account for changing anatomical positions and deformations during surgery.

Innovation Solution

A geo-registration system is implemented in the operating room, using transmitters and receivers to establish a precise location system, allowing registration of various objects and tissues within the 3D coordinate system, and providing real-time updates through a computational system that tracks surgical device movements and anatomical changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional stereotactic systems use a fixed 3D coordinate system, then rigid structures can be precisely localized, but free-standing objects and deformable tissues cannot be registered into the coordinate system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization precisionVSAvoidregistration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal coordinate system that can register multiple types of objects including free-standing objects, deformable tissues, and rigid structures within the same 3D coordinate framework. The geo-registration system with transmitters and receivers enables any object in the surgical field to be localized and tracked, making the system adaptable to diverse surgical needs while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If pre-operative imaging is used for surgical guidance, then initial anatomical alignment can be achieved, but the mismatch between patient anatomy and imaging worsens as surgical changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical alignment accuracyVSAvoidsurgical guidance timeliness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously tracks the positions of anatomical landmarks and surgical devices using receivers that monitor transmitter signals throughout the surgery. This real-time feedback allows the coordinate system to update anatomical positions dynamically, maintaining alignment accuracy between the imaging data and actual patient anatomy despite surgical changes such as tissue removal or deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The coordinate system transitions from a static pre-operative framework to a dynamic system that continuously adapts to changing anatomical conditions. The geo-registration system updates the positions of deformable tissues and anatomical landmarks in real-time, allowing the surgical guidance system to reflect current anatomical states rather than relying on outdated pre-operative images

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If constant image-guidance (MRI, CT, ultrasound) is used for mobile deformable tissues, then precision can be maintained, but system complexity and procedural time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical precisionVSAvoidguidance system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex repeated imaging modalities (MRI, CT, ultrasound) with a lighter geo-registration system using transmitters and receivers. Instead of relying on heavy imaging equipment to track tissue positions, the system uses electromagnetic signal tracking to continuously monitor and update the positions of anatomical landmarks and devices, maintaining precision with reduced complexity and procedural overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 system enables precise localization and tracking of surgical instruments and tissues, improving surgical precision by maintaining accurate anatomical alignment and deformation accounting, thus enhancing surgical accuracy and safety.

Implementation Method 1

transmitters in radio frequency (RF) or in the electro-magnetic (EM) spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency electromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

differential timing system to reflect the precise location within the operating room coordinate system of the receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS11442534B1Smart glasses system

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 RED PACS LLC

AI summary

A physician performing a physical examination can miss subtle abnormalities, such as alterations of respiratory rate or dangerous skin lesion. A surgeon performing surgery can miss small areas of bleeding or tumor implants. This invention comprises head display unit comprising sensors including low light level TV (L3TV) cameras that gather data and in real time analyzes the data for potential hazards and alerts the user of a potential hazardous scenario.