Gravity-Based Intraoperative Angle Measurement for Surgical Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures lack precise intraoperative methods for confirming angles and orientations of internal structures without relying on expensive and disruptive medical imaging technologies, which can prolong procedures and increase patient risks.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with a shaft and electronic circuit for measuring orientation angles relative to a reference axis, using a bone probe to engage cortical bone, and a housing for calibration, allowing accurate angle determination without expensive imaging equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If medical imaging technologies (X-ray fluoroscopy, CT scans, MRI) are used during surgery to confirm angles and orientations, then measurement precision is improved, but procedure duration increases and patient risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calibrating the angle measurement device before surgery using anatomical landmarks. The device is configured with reference axes and calibration parameters prior to the surgical procedure, eliminating the need for intraoperative imaging to determine angles. This allows surgeons to obtain precise angle measurements immediately during surgery without time-consuming imaging procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a mechanical angle measurement device with electronic sensors as a mediator between the surgeon and the anatomical structures. Instead of using complex medical imaging systems, the device provides direct mechanical and electronic measurement of angles through physical contact with bone surfaces, offering a simpler alternative that reduces procedure time while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If medical imaging technologies are used during surgery to confirm angles and orientations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by isolating and implementing only the essential angle measurement function without the complex infrastructure of medical imaging systems. The device extracts the core need for angle measurement and provides it through a simplified mechanical and electronic system, removing unnecessary complexity while maintaining measurement precision for surgical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable angle measurement devices that are inexpensive compared to medical imaging equipment. These single-use devices provide precise angle measurements without the high cost and complexity of reusable imaging systems, eliminating the need for expensive equipment while achieving the same measurement precision for surgical guidance.
3Measurement precision
If medical imaging technologies are used during surgery to confirm angles and orientations, then measurement precision is improved, but patient risk increases due to extended sedation and procedural interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces patient risk by performing all necessary calibration and setup before the patient is sedated. The angle measurement device is pre-configured with reference axes and calibration parameters prior to surgery, allowing continuous measurement during the procedure without interruptions that would require extending sedation time or reconfiguring the surgical field, thereby minimizing patient exposure to surgical risks.
4Device complexity
If a simple mechanical protractor is used for angle measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical simplicity with electronic precision by combining a simple mechanical protractor structure with electronic sensors and digital display. The mechanical components provide ease of operation and low complexity, while the electronic addition enhances measurement precision and provides digital readouts, achieving both simplicity and accuracy in the angle measurement device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional device that serves both as a simple mechanical alignment tool and as an electronic measurement system. The device can operate in multiple modes: basic mechanical protractor function for alignment and electronic sensor function for precise digital measurement, providing universal applicability that maintains simplicity while enhancing precision for different surgical needs.
5Device complexity
If a simple mechanical protractor is used for angle measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automatic calibration functions that eliminate manual adjustment requirements. The device automatically calibrates itself using pre-programmed reference axes and electronic sensors, removing the need for operators to perform complex manual calibration procedures. This maintains low device complexity while significantly improving ease of operation through automated functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An intraoperative angle measurement apparatus that relies on gravity to safely and accurately determine the angulation of an attached medical instrument. In some embodiments, the intraoperative angle measurement apparatus is compact, lightweight, and can be installed on (e.g., attached to or integrated into) any surgical instrument without adding noticeable weight or bulk, thus improving surgical functionality and efficiency. The intraoperative angle measurement apparatus is configured for single-hand operation and allows for a surgeon to accurately determine the angulation of an instrument (and for example a trajectory through adjacent tissue in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the instrument) in multiple angles in real time without the use of additional equipment.