Computer-Assisted Hip Arthroscopy Navigation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Arthroscopy procedures, particularly for joints like the hip, are challenging due to the need for precise target zone access, often requiring fluoroscopy, which increases radiation exposure and risks damage to surrounding structures, and can be delayed by anatomical variations and poorly placed portals.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted surgical system using electromagnetic sensors and tracking systems to navigate guide wire placement accurately without fluoroscopy, merging high-resolution pre-operative images with low-resolution intra-operative data to guide portal placement and ensure precise access to the joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used to guide guide wire placement, then measurement precision is improved, but radiation exposure increases and procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs pre-operative imaging (CT or MRI) to create a 3D model of the patient's anatomy and pre-calculates the optimal guide wire trajectory and portal placement. This preliminary action allows the surgeon to proceed with the actual procedure without needing intraoperative fluoroscopy for guidance, thereby reducing both radiation exposure and procedural time while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the patient's joint anatomy through pre-operative imaging and 3D reconstruction. This digital model serves as a roadmap for the procedure, allowing the surgeon to plan and execute guide wire placement based on the virtual model rather than relying on real-time fluoroscopic imaging, thus eliminating radiation exposure while preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used to guide guide wire placement, then measurement precision is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs pre-operative imaging (CT or MRI) to create a 3D model of the patient's anatomy and pre-calculates the optimal guide wire trajectory and portal placement. This preliminary action allows the surgeon to proceed with the actual procedure without needing intraoperative fluoroscopy for guidance, thereby reducing both radiation exposure and procedural time while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the patient's joint anatomy through pre-operative imaging and 3D reconstruction. This digital model serves as a roadmap for the procedure, allowing the surgeon to plan and execute guide wire placement based on the virtual model rather than relying on real-time fluoroscopic imaging, thus eliminating radiation exposure while preserving measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If traditional methods are used without computer assistance, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and portal placement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical guidance methods (physical guides, fluoroscopy-based navigation) with a computer-based navigation system that uses pre-operative imaging data and real-time tracking. This substitution enables highly accurate portal placement and guide wire trajectory control through software algorithms and digital modeling, achieving precision levels unattainable with simple mechanical devices while providing the surgeon with enhanced situational awareness.
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
Enables rapid, accurate access to joints like the hip during arthroscopy, reducing radiation exposure and procedural delays, while minimizing risk to patient tissues by providing real-time, precise navigation of surgical instruments.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic sensor device to detect a position and an orientation of the at least one surgical instrument
Implementation Method 2
merging high-resolution pre-operative images with low-resolution intra-operative data to guide portal placement
Data Source
AI summary
A method of establishing access to a hip joint is disclosed. Pre-operative images of the hip joint are processed to produce a first three-dimensional model (pelvis) and a second three-dimensional model (femur). Data from the first probe and data from the second probe are collected and processed to produce a third three-dimensional model (pelvis) and a fourth three-dimensional model (femur), respectively. The first and third three-dimensional models are aligned to produce a first aligned model (pelvis), and the second and fourth three-dimensional models are aligned to produce a second aligned model (femur). A target location is determined between the first and second aligned models, and an entry vector cone is determined from the target location. A navigated guide wire is inserted along the entry vector cone to the target location.