Surgical Instrument Tracker With Marker-Based Type Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical navigation systems require frequent re-registration of surgical instruments due to changes in configuration during procedures, which can be time-consuming and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A tracker system with a frame and arms, featuring surgical instrument positioning and instrument-type tracking markers, allows for continuous tracking and identification of instrument type without the need for re-registration, using optical, thermal, or radiofrequency markers detected by a sensor and processed by a processor for display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgical instruments are re-registered frequently due to configuration changes, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracker is pre-configured with multiple instrument-type tracking markers at different positions on the frame, corresponding to different instrument configurations. This preliminary setup allows the system to automatically identify the current instrument type without requiring re-registration, thus maintaining measurement precision while eliminating time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The tracker frame is designed with universal multi-functionality to accommodate different surgical instruments and configurations. By incorporating multiple instrument-type tracking markers that can represent various instrument states, the same tracker structure serves multiple purposes, eliminating the need for frequent re-registration while maintaining tracking accuracy
2Loss of information
If multiple tracking markers are added to identify instrument type, then information completeness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking information is segmented into two distinct components: positioning tracking markers for spatial location and instrument-type tracking markers for instrument identification. This segmentation allows each type of marker to serve its specific function independently, providing complete information without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different types of tracking markers are placed at specific locations on the tracker frame based on their functional requirements. The instrument-type markers are positioned at locations that provide optimal identification angles and visibility, while positioning markers are placed for accurate spatial tracking. This localized optimization ensures complete information capture with minimal structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to trackers for use in navigated and/or robotic-assisted surgical procedures. A tracker for use in navigated or robotic-assisted surgery comprises a frame connectable to a surgical instrument, and an arm extending from the frame from a first end to a second end. The arm may have a first tracking marker at the second end, where the first tracking marker is for determining a position of the surgical instrument. The tracker may include a second marker disposed on the frame, the second marker for determining a type of the surgical instrument. The tracker may include multiple arms.