Implant Applicator Offset Sensing for Angular Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer-assisted surgical systems face challenges in accurately determining the rotational and translational positioning of implants, particularly when obstructions from patient anatomy hinder direct visualization, such as in the placement of transforaminal lumbar cage systems.
Innovation Solution
A surgical system comprising an applicator with a first shaft and a pivotably coupled implant, utilizing a second shaft for translational offset determination, equipped with sensors or indicators to measure the offset, and a controller to calculate the implant's angle and position relative to patient anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct visualization methods are used to determine implant positioning, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but measurement precision deteriorates due to obstructions from patient anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of sensors, indicators, and a controller that indirectly determines implant positioning. Instead of directly visualizing the implant through obstructed anatomy, the system uses sensors to detect offset distances and a controller to calculate angular displacement, providing accurate positioning data without requiring direct line-of-sight visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical visualization methods (direct observation through fluoroscopy or anatomical exposure) with an electronic sensing and computational system. Sensors detect physical offset distances, and a controller processes this data to determine implant angle and position, substituting mechanical/optical measurement with electronic detection and mathematical calculation.
2Measurement precision
If sensors and controllers are added to determine offset and calculate angular displacement, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it receives offset data from sensors, calculates angular displacement of the implant, determines implant position relative to patient anatomy, and displays the current position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each measurement and calculation task, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
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 precise determination of implant positioning, allowing for accurate placement by correlating offset measurements to angular displacement, thereby ensuring proper implant alignment according to treatment plans.
Implementation Method 1
a second member for converting rotational motion of the implant to a translational offset
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for surgical systems comprising an applicator having a first shaft, an implant having a first member pivotably and detachably coupled to the first shaft, and a second member for converting rotational motion of the implant to a translational offset, and at least one of a sensor for determining the offset or an indicator for indicating the offset, provided that the indicator is not a protrusion located at an end of the applicator. A controller may be provided, the controller being configured to receive offset data from the sensor, determine an angle of the implant in a patient using dimensions of the implant and the offset, and display a current position of the implant relative to patient anatomy. The applicator may have a second shaft slidably disposed on the first shaft along an axis defined by a longitudinal axis of the applicator.