Hybrid Surgical Tracker with Subcutaneous Marker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical navigation systems either cause excessive tissue trauma due to large tracker sizes or are limited by the presence of ferromagnetic objects, which can distort electromagnetic signals used for tracking.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid surgical navigation system that includes a tracker head loosely fitted over the tissue and a subcutaneously positioned tissue marker with internal transducers, using EM or RF energy to minimize trauma and allow ferromagnetic objects near the surgical site without affecting tracking accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large tracker is used to ensure accurate tracking, then tracking precision is improved, but tissue trauma increases due to large incisions required for implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tracking functionality into two separate components: a small implantable marker (fiducial) that is minimally invasive and a larger external tracker that provides the computational and processing capabilities. The implantable marker contains only the essential electromagnetic transducers, while the external tracker housing contains the receivers, processors, and power sources. This segmentation allows the implantable component to be small enough to minimize tissue trauma while maintaining tracking precision through the collaboration of both components.
2Ease of operation
If electromagnetic transmitters and receivers are used for tracking, then tracking capability is achieved, but ferromagnetic objects distort the signals and reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary electromagnetic field transmission mechanism that operates at specific frequencies less susceptible to distortion by ferromagnetic objects. The implantable marker and external tracker communicate through controlled electromagnetic signals that can penetrate tissue and operate in the presence of ferromagnetic surgical instruments. The system includes signal processing capabilities to compensate for and filter out distortions caused by ferromagnetic objects, maintaining tracking accuracy despite the challenging electromagnetic environment.
3Reliability
If a large tracker with surface area of 4 cm2 or more is used, then tracking reliability is improved, but device complexity and surgical procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tracking device into a minimal implantable marker and a separate external tracker. The implantable marker is small and simple to implant, requiring minimal surgical intervention. The external tracker, which contains the complex electronics, receivers, and processing units, is placed outside the body and does not require implantation surgery. This segmentation dramatically simplifies the surgical procedure while maintaining tracking reliability through the coordinated operation of both components.
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 reduces tissue trauma and eliminates the need for large incisions, allows for accurate tracking with minimal power usage, and enables the use of ferromagnetic devices close to the surgical site without signal interference.
Implementation Method 1
The transducers are sensitive to the energy emitted by the tracker head transmitters and output signals representative of the strengths of the signals detected by the transducers
Data Source
AI summary
A marker for use with a surgical navigation system for tracking the tissue with which the marker is associated. The overall dimensions of the mark is such that it is shaped to be disposed below the skin of the patient in which the marker is implanted. The marker has a stem or a spike that allows the marker to be implanted in hard tissue such as bone. A head, containing navigation system components is located above the stem or spike. Once the procedure is completed the marker is removed from the patient by breaking the head free from the stem Alternatively the head may be rotated to cause the whole of the marker to break free from the bone in which the marker is implanted.