Guide-Sleeve Lateral Force Detection for Surgical Tool Skiving
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Solution Overview
Problem
During surgical procedures, especially in orthopedic and spinal surgeries, the tendency for surgical instruments to skive or deviate from their intended trajectory due to non-normal entry angles and bone flexibility leads to inaccuracies and instability, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a guide-sleeve with a surgical tool snugly disposed within, equipped with a force sensor to measure lateral forces and generate an alert signal when exceeding a threshold, along with a position/orientation controller to adjust the sleeve's position and orientation, thereby preventing skiving and maintaining alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the drill enters the bone at a non-normal incidence angle, then the surgical plan can accommodate topographical variations of bone surfaces, but the lateral component of thrust causes the bone to move or flex away from the drill center line, resulting in inaccurate bore positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor mounted on the guide sleeve provides real-time feedback on lateral forces applied by the surgical instrument. When the instrument is not perfectly aligned with the sleeve axis, lateral forces are detected and displayed to the surgeon, enabling continuous adjustment to maintain precise alignment and accurate bore positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods (such as visual alignment or mechanical stops) with a sensor-based detection system. The force sensor electronically detects lateral forces and provides quantitative feedback, replacing traditional mechanical alignment mechanisms with an electronic measurement and feedback system
2Stability of the object's composition
If the robot holds the sleeve firmly, then the drill trajectory is maintained, but the lateral component of thrust greater than a certain level causes bone movement or flexing away from the drill center line
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor provides real-time feedback on lateral forces, allowing the surgeon to adjust the drilling approach before excessive bone movement occurs. The feedback mechanism enables proactive correction rather than reactive adjustment, maintaining both trajectory stability and positioning accuracy
3Reliability
If a force sensor is added to detect lateral forces, then skiving can be detected and prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor is integrated into the existing guide sleeve structure, merging the detection function with the guiding function. The sensor becomes part of the guide sleeve assembly rather than a separate component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The guide sleeve serves multiple functions: it guides the surgical instrument, provides mechanical support, and now also houses the force sensor for lateral force detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture
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
The system effectively prevents skiving by detecting and alerting on lateral forces, ensuring the surgical tool remains aligned with the intended trajectory, thereby enhancing surgical precision and accuracy even on flexible bones.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor configured to measure (e.g. when the guide-sleeve is in a position and/or orientation determined by the guidance system) a lateral force between the surgical tool and the guide-sleeve or an indication thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for detecting or predicting surgical tool-bone skiving are disclosed. In some embodiments, the surgical tool is movably and/or snugly disposed within a guide-sleeve. In some embodiments, a magnitude of a lateral force between the surgical tool and the guide-sleeve is measured (e.g. by a force sensor or strain sensor). The present or future skiving may be detected or predicted according to the magnitude of the lateral force. In some embodiments, an alert signal is generated in response to the detecting or predicting of the skiving.