Instrument Guide with Electromagnetic Sensor for Spinal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical navigation systems face challenges in accurately tracking and visualizing the position and trajectory of surgical instruments during spinal surgery, particularly in complex procedures where precision is critical, such as in the cervical spine, due to the need for different instrument guides and the risk of tissue damage or over-tapping.
Innovation Solution
An instrument guide system with a handle assembly, electromagnetic sensor assembly, and shaft, allowing for real-time tracking and visualization of surgical instruments within the surgical navigation system, using electromagnetic fields to calculate and display the instrument's position and orientation on patient anatomy images, and featuring calibration and guide instruments for precise placement and prevention of tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different instrument guides are used for different surgical instruments, then the ability to accommodate various instrument types and sizes is improved, but the device complexity and risk of error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument guide is designed with a universal interface system comprising a guide receiver with a bore and engagement features, and a guide instrument with a complementary engagement mechanism. This universal design allows a single guide receiver to accommodate multiple different guide instruments (drills, taps, screws, K-wires) of various types and sizes through standardized engagement, eliminating the need for multiple specialized guides and reducing surgical complexity
2Measurement precision
If traditional instrument guides without navigation tracking are used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the measurement precision and ability to track instrument position are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic sensor assembly is integrated directly into the handle assembly of the instrument guide, merging the navigation tracking capability with the mechanical guide structure. This integration allows real-time tracking of the guide's position and trajectory during surgery without requiring separate tracking devices, improving measurement precision while minimizing additional complexity through unified design
3Manufacturing precision
If instrument guides without calibration capability are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the manufacturing precision and accuracy of instrument placement are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes a calibration instrument with a pointed tip and engagement mechanism that can be attached to the guide instrument before surgery. The calibration is performed in advance by registering the calibration instrument's known geometry with the navigation system, establishing accurate spatial relationships before actual surgical use. This preliminary calibration ensures manufacturing precision while keeping the surgical procedure itself straightforward
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
Enhances precision and safety in spinal surgery by providing real-time navigation and visualization, reducing the risk of tissue damage and ensuring accurate placement of instruments, while allowing for multiple instrument types and sizes to be used effectively.
Implementation Method 1
Surgical navigation systems track the precise location of surgical instruments in relation to multidimensional images of a patient's anatomy
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument guide system for use with a surgical navigation system, the instrument guide system comprising a handle assembly, an instrument attachment assembly, a shaft connecting the handle assembly to the instrument attachment assembly, an electromagnetic sensor assembly removably mounted within an opening in the handle assembly, and an instrument removably attachable within a bore of the instrument attachment assembly.