Guidewire Hook Anchoring for Accurate Bone Hole Depth Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current depth gauges used in orthopedic surgical procedures for measuring bone hole depths are inaccurate and difficult to read, often requiring surgeons to bend and risking loss of securement, with small markings being hard to differentiate under operating room lights, leading to potential errors in screw length selection.
Innovation Solution
A medical system featuring a guidewire with a deployable hook member made of resilient materials that securely anchors within a drilled hole, allowing for precise depth measurement using a sensor system that generates electronic signals for accurate digital readouts, reducing reliance on manual interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a depth gauge with small markings is used to measure bone hole depth, then measurement precision can be improved, but the markings become difficult to read under operating room lights and require surgeons to bend over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical reading system (graduated markings on a depth gauge) with an electronic sensing system. Sensors detect the position of the probe relative to the bone surface and transmit this data electronically to a display device, eliminating the need for visual interpretation of small markings while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional visual display (markings on a gauge) to a digital electronic display system that can present measurement data in multiple formats and dimensions, improving readability without compromising measurement accuracy.
2Device complexity
If a depth gauge requires manual interpretation of markings, then device complexity can be reduced, but measurement accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to potential reading errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual interpretation with an electronic sensing and display system that automatically provides digital readouts of depth measurements, eliminating human reading errors while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback about probe position and depth measurements to a display system, enabling automatic verification and correction of measurements, thereby improving accuracy without significantly increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If surgeons use traditional depth gauges, then the procedure can be simpler, but the risk of errors in screw length selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical depth gauges with an electronic measurement system that provides digital readouts, maintaining procedural simplicity through intuitive operation while dramatically improving reliability by eliminating ambiguous visual readings and providing precise electronic measurements for screw length selection.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures, including bone implant fixation procedures. The assembly is configured to provide a faster and more accurate measurement of depth of holes for placement of bone screws and fasteners. The assembly includes a guidewire having a deployable distal hook member configured to securely anchor into a desired position relative to a hole drilled in a bone and thereby provide an accurate datum for a measuring instrument for determining a depth of the hole for subsequent screw placement. The assembly further includes a surgical depth instrument to cooperatively function with the guidewire and obtain one or more measurements while operably coupled to the guidewire.