Trajectory Verification for Bone Guide Wires Using Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures face challenges in accurately determining the trajectory of elongated members, such as guide wires, in bone due to low-quality intra-operative image data and high cognitive load on surgeons, which can lead to safety risks and improper placement.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that processes image data to determine the trajectory of elongated members placed in bone by segmenting the data, selecting a portion of the member's extension, and generating display information to visualize the trajectory, reducing cognitive load and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image data is acquired intra-operatively to verify guide wire placement, then placement accuracy can be verified, but image data quality is low due to time constraints and radiation exposure reduction, making identification difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the low-quality intra-operative image data and the surgeon's interpretation. This system automatically detects guide wire trajectories, enhances image contrast, and provides visual overlays that make low-quality images interpretable without requiring higher quality acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of surgeon-based image interpretation with an automated computer vision system. The system uses algorithms to detect guide wire trajectories and generate visualizations, substituting human cognitive processing with automated image analysis that can extract meaningful information from low-quality data.
2Reliability
If manual image data analysis is performed by the surgeon, then trajectory verification is possible, but cognitive load is high and significant mental resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the computer vision algorithm automatically performs trajectory detection and verification without requiring surgeon intervention. The system independently processes image data, identifies guide wire positions, and generates trajectory visualizations, freeing the surgeon from manual analysis tasks while maintaining verification reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated image processing system acts as an intermediary that handles the cognitively demanding task of trajectory analysis. This mediator between the image data and the surgeon transfers the computational burden from human cognition to automated processing, reducing mental resource consumption while preserving verification accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If guide wire placement is performed with high precision requirements, then proper screw trajectory can be achieved, but any misplaced guide wire creates significant safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements immediate visual feedback by overlaying detected guide wire trajectories on enhanced images. This real-time feedback allows surgeons to verify correct placement before proceeding with screw insertion, enabling correction of potential misplacements and preventing safety risks associated with improper guide wire positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary trajectory verification through automated detection and visualization before the actual screw placement procedure. By identifying and confirming correct guide wire positioning in advance, the system prevents harmful outcomes that would result from misplaced guide wires, addressing safety risks proactively rather than reactively.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented technique of determining a trajectory defined by a guide wire or other elongated member is presented. A method implementation of the technique in one variant comprises obtaining image data representative of a guide wire placed in a bone, processing the image data to determine an extension of the guide wire, and selecting a portion of the guide wire extension. The method further comprises determining, from the selected portion of the guide wire extension, trajectory data indicative of a guide wire-defined trajectory.