3D Instrument Positioning via External Sensor Inference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for instrument placement within closed or semi-closed containers, such as the human body, face challenges due to the inability to visualize the instrument tip, leading to difficulties in precise positioning, increased risk of complications, and inefficiencies, especially in procedures involving obese patients or those requiring multiple planes of alignment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a three-dimensional image sensor, output display, and controller that recognizes instruments both inside and outside a closed container, allowing for real-time or near-real-time tracking and display of the instrument's three-dimensional positions and orientations, enabling precise triangulation without direct visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional triangulation methods using anatomic landmarks are used for instrument positioning, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but positioning precision deteriorates especially in obese patients or unusual anatomy cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coordinate transformation system that maps instrument positions from the easy-to-measure external body surface coordinate system to the internal organ coordinate system. This intermediary transformation layer resolves the contradiction by enabling precise internal positioning through indirect measurement rather than direct visualization, maintaining simplicity while improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy or model of the internal body anatomy and instrument positions, allowing the operator to visualize and plan the procedure on this copied representation. This virtual model enables precise positioning planning without requiring complex real-time 3D imaging equipment during the actual procedure.
2Reliability
If multiple instrument passes are performed to achieve proper positioning, then the desired position can be obtained, but harmful factors increase including infection risk, bleeding, and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary planning of the instrument trajectory by visualizing the projected path on the display device before actual insertion. This preliminary action allows the operator to identify and avoid critical structures in advance, ensuring procedure success on the first attempt and eliminating the need for repeated passes that would increase infection and tissue damage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides real-time feedback by displaying the instrument's projected position and trajectory during the procedure. This feedback mechanism allows continuous monitoring and adjustment, ensuring the instrument reaches the desired position accurately on the first pass without requiring multiple attempts.
3Productivity
If procedures are performed under strict time constraints to improve productivity, then operational efficiency increases, but positioning precision deteriorates due to reduced time for careful triangulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-aligning system where the display device automatically calculates and presents the optimal instrument trajectory and target position based on pre-programmed anatomical data. This self-service capability eliminates the need for time-consuming manual triangulation calculations, allowing rapid yet precise positioning that maintains both high productivity and positioning precision.
4Measurement precision
If complex navigation systems are implemented to improve positioning precision, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential calculation and visualization functions needed for precise positioning, separating them from complex full 3D navigation systems. By taking out only the necessary coordinate transformation and trajectory display capabilities, the system achieves high positioning precision without the time-consuming complexity of complete surgical navigation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a three-dimensional image sensor configured to scan an area including a closed or partially closed container, an output display, and a controller. The controller may be configured to: recognize an instrument that is detected by the three-dimensional image sensor, where a first section of the instrument is located inside of the container and a second section of the instrument is located outside of the container, and represent, on the output display, three-dimensional positions and orientations of the instrument, where a first position and a first orientation of the first section of the instrument is inferred from a second position and a second orientation of the second section of the instrument.