Hybrid Radiolucent Surgical Tube for Direct X-Ray Tool Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal surgical tubes used in orthopedic procedures obstruct x-ray visualization of instruments passed through them, necessitating reliance on indirect methods for determining tool position, which is inefficient and potentially harmful due to excessive radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
Development of a radiolucent surgical apparatus and method using a tube made of a material that allows x-ray visualization of instruments passing through it, featuring removable anchoring tips and quick-change retaining mechanisms for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal surgical tubes are used for durability, then the tube strength is improved, but the x-ray visualization of instruments passing through the tube deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical tube is constructed from composite materials including a radiolucent polymer matrix reinforced with radiopaque markers or coatings. This allows the tube to maintain structural strength while enabling x-ray visualization of instruments passing through it, as the radiopaque elements provide contrast without completely blocking the x-ray beam.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube incorporates radiopaque markers, coatings, or reinforced sections only at specific locations where structural support is needed, while the majority of the tube wall remains radiolucent. This localized application of radiopaque material maintains overall tube strength while minimizing interference with x-ray imaging of surgical instruments.
2Reliability
If metal tubes are used for surgical procedures, then the durability is improved, but the ability to visualize surgical tools during x-ray imaging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tube combines radiolucent polymer materials with strategically placed radiopaque components, creating a composite structure that maintains durability while allowing x-ray penetration. This enables continuous visualization of surgical tool positions and depths without compromising tube reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiopaque markers and coatings on the tube serve as intermediaries that provide reference points for visualizing instrument positions. These markers allow surgeons to track tool locations on x-ray images without the tube itself blocking the view, effectively mediating between the need for durable tubing and clear imaging.
3Strength
If radiopaque materials are used for the tube, then the structural integrity is improved, but the radiation exposure during imaging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube uses a composite construction with radiolucent polymer as the base material and minimal radiopaque additives or markers. This reduces the overall radiation attenuation compared to solid metal tubes, lowering radiation exposure to the patient and surgical team while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through the composite design.
Solution Approach 2:
Radiopaque materials are applied only in localized areas where structural reinforcement is specifically needed, rather than throughout the entire tube. This minimizes the total amount of radiation-blocking material, reducing overall radiation exposure while providing structural support only where required.
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 clear x-ray imaging of surgical tools and implants during procedures, reducing the need for harmful radiation exposure and improving surgical precision by allowing direct visualization.
Implementation Method 1
The tube is made of a material that is radiolucent and permits x-ray visualization of objects that are passed through the tube
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for sacroiliac fusion surgery is provided. The apparatus includes a tube that allows x-ray visualization of objects passing through the tube, the tube having a proximal end with an opening and a distal end with an opening. The tube further has one or more mounts on its distal end for attaching removable anchoring tips thereto. The apparatus further has one or more removable anchoring tips attached to the distal end of the tube with the one or more mounts. The tube is made of a material that is radiolucent and permits x-ray visualization of objects that are passed through the tube.