Geo-registration System for Deformable Tissue Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical techniques face challenges in accurately registering free-standing objects and deformable tissues within a 3D coordinate system, leading to mismatches between pre-operative imaging and real-time surgical anatomy, especially in mobile and deformable anatomical structures like the breast, where precision procedures require constant image-guidance.
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 a shared 3D coordinate system, including surgical instruments and anatomical landmarks, and providing real-time updates through a computational system with inertial motion sensors and augmented reality displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional 3D coordinate system is used for stereotactic surgery, then precise localization can be achieved for rigid structures, but free-standing objects and deformable tissues cannot be registered into the coordinate system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal coordinate system that can register multiple types of objects including rigid stereotactic frames, free-standing surgical instruments, and deformable tissues within the same 3D coordinate space. This is achieved through placing transmitters at 6 or more locations in the operating room and using receivers on various objects to determine their positions simultaneously, allowing all objects to be integrated into a unified spatial reference frame regardless of their physical characteristics or mounting status
2Measurement precision
If pre-operative imaging data is used for surgical guidance, then initial anatomical positioning is accurate, but the data becomes mismatched with real-time surgical anatomy as tissues deform or are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous feedback mechanisms where receivers on surgical instruments and tissues continuously transmit position data back to the coordinate system. This real-time feedback allows the system to detect and compensate for tissue deformation, displacement, or removal during surgery, maintaining alignment between the pre-operative imaging data and the actual surgical anatomy throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinate system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, continuously updating the positions of all registered objects and tissues. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to track tissue deformation and surgical changes in real-time, keeping the virtual 3D model synchronized with the physical surgical field despite ongoing anatomical changes
3Measurement precision
If constant image-guidance (MRI, CT, ultrasound) is used for mobile and deformable tissues, then surgical precision is maintained, but the complexity and time requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (MRI, CT, ultrasound) with an electromagnetic-based coordinate system using transmitters and receivers. This substitution maintains surgical precision for mobile and deformable tissues by continuously tracking their positions through RF or EM signals, while dramatically reducing system complexity, setup time, and procedural overhead compared to repeated heavy imaging examinations
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, maintaining accuracy even with deformable tissues, by continuously updating the 3D data to reflect changes during surgery, thereby improving surgical precision and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
transmitters in radio frequency (RF) or in the electro-magnetic (EM) spectrum
Implementation Method 2
a receiver for the transmitted signals coupled with a differential timing system to reflect the precise location within the operating room coordinate system of the receiver
Data Source
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 that gathers data and in real time analyzes the data for potential hazards and alerts the user of a potential hazardous scenario.