Interchangeable Localizing Devices for Surgical Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic tracking systems face limitations in accurately tracking surgical instruments over long distances, particularly in procedures like total knee surgery and fracture repair, due to restrictions on transmitter and receiver placement and interference from metal objects, which restricts their operating range and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a dual fixator configuration with a first fixator carrying an electromagnetic receiver and a second fixator carrying a transmitter, allowing for extended tracking range by positioning localizing devices at multiple points along the area of interest, enabling accurate calculation of instrument position relative to images even at greater distances through communication between these devices and a C-arm imaging system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single transmitter and receiver are used in conventional electromagnetic tracking systems, then the system structure is simple, but the operating range is limited and accuracy deteriorates over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tracking system into multiple segments: a first localizing device (transmitter) at a first location, a second localizing device (receiver) at a second location, and a third localizing device at a third location. This segmentation allows the system to track instruments over extended distances while maintaining accuracy through multiple reference points, resolving the contradiction between operating range and tracking accuracy.
2Length of moving object
If transmitter and receiver are placed close together, then interference from metal objects is minimized, but the operating range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the localizing devices into multiple units distributed at different locations (first, second, and third locations), the system can maintain adequate spacing between transmitter and receiver to extend tracking distance while reducing the impact of localized metal interference through spatial distribution of the electromagnetic field sources and detectors.
3Length of moving object
If multiple localizing devices are deployed to extend tracking range, then operating distance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking system into modular localizing devices that can be independently positioned at different locations. Each device functions as a discrete unit, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving extended tracking range through their distributed arrangement, thus managing complexity through modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The localizing devices are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as transmitters and receivers depending on their operational context. This universal design reduces the need for specialized components for each location, thereby extending tracking range without proportionally increasing system complexity.
4Productivity
If conventional electromagnetic tracking is used, then real-time tracking is achieved, but X-ray exposure must be increased to verify instrument position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the computer system continuously receives signals from multiple localizing devices, calculates instrument positions in real-time, and displays this information overlaid on anatomical images. This real-time feedback loop allows surgeons to monitor instrument position continuously, reducing the need for repeated X-ray verification and thereby reducing cumulative X-ray exposure while maintaining surgical efficiency.
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
This configuration effectively extends the operating range of the tracking system, allowing for precise tracking of surgical instruments during procedures involving large distances, such as total knee surgery and fracture repair, by ensuring accurate positioning and minimizing interference, thereby enhancing surgical accuracy and reducing exposure to X-rays.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter generates an electromagnetic field and the receiver receives the field and generates signals to the computer based on the receiver's position in the electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tracking the position of an instrument relative to an area of interest includes a first fixator configured to carry first and second localizing devices. A second fixator is configured to carry the first localizing device. A third localizing device communicates with the first localizing device and the second localizing device communicates with the first localizing device such that the position of the second localizing device can be determined relative to the position of the third localizing device. The second localizing device is attachable to the instrument and the first localizing device is attachable to the first fixator such that the first localizing device communicates with the second localizing device on the instrument in order that the position of the second localizing device on the instrument can be determined relative to the third localizing device.