Intramedullary Visualization Assembly with Robotic Steerable Guide Wire
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for correcting bone fractures and bony lesions face challenges due to limited visualization and potential damage from external corrections, and internal corrections often lack optimal placement and connection information, especially within intramedullary cavities which can be obstructed by blood, bone fragments, and other biological materials, limiting medical personnel's freedom of action and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a guide wire, emitter, and sensors, operable with robotic control, that emits radiation or energy for visualization and includes elements for fluid management, allowing for precise placement and movement within the body, providing a 3D assessment of intramedullary cavities and enabling targeted treatments without extensive invasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If external corrections (extraosseous structures) are used to correct bone fractures, then the bone can be supported externally, but the bone structure may be damaged or modified and residual structures may affect bone regrowth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the correction function from external extraosseous structures and relocates it within the intramedullary cavity itself. By placing supports inside the bone's natural channel, the system eliminates the need for external plates and screws that damage the bone surface, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing bone support and avoiding damage to the bone structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (such as bone cement or graft material) that fills the intramedullary cavity and provides structural support from the inside. This intermediary material acts as a mediator that supports the bone without requiring external fixation structures, thus avoiding surface damage while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If internal corrections (intramedullary supports) are inserted into the bone, then the bone can be supported from inside, but the medical personnel have limited information about the placement and connection of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs radiopaque materials or contrast agents that change the radiographic appearance of the intramedullary support. These materials appear distinctly on X-rays and fluoroscopic images, providing real-time visual feedback to medical personnel about the exact placement and connection status of the internal support, thus resolving the information loss problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates imaging feedback mechanisms that provide real-time visualization of the intramedullary support's position and connection during the procedure. This feedback loop allows medical personnel to adjust the placement immediately, ensuring accurate positioning while maintaining the internal support function.
3Ease of operation
If intramedullary cavities are explored for internal correction, then the bone can be treated from inside, but the cavities contain blood, bone fragments, and bony structures that interfere with visualization and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical visualization with radiological imaging techniques. Instead of relying on direct sight through the intramedullary cavity, the system uses X-rays, fluoroscopy, or other radiopaque imaging methods to visualize the cavity contents and support placement, overcoming the interference from blood, bone fragments, and bony structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radiopaque intermediaries (such as contrast agents or radiopaque markers) that enhance the visibility of intramedullary structures on radiological images. These intermediaries act as mediators that make blood, bone fragments, and the support device distinguishable against the background, thereby improving visualization despite the complex internal environment.
4Ease of operation
If intramedullary cavities are explored for internal correction, then the bone can be treated from inside, but movement within the cavities is limited and may damage the body or bone structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical manipulation within the intramedullary cavity with minimally invasive radiological guidance. Instead of physically navigating and manipulating structures within the cavity, the system uses imaging guidance to place and adjust supports, thereby maintaining freedom of action while avoiding mechanical damage to the bone structure.
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 medical personnel to visualize and treat intramedullary cavities with greater precision, reducing damage and improving repair outcomes by providing clear 3D imaging and allowing for targeted delivery of treatments within the body, thus enhancing bone repair and minimizing residual structures that affect regrowth.
Implementation Method 1
The emitter can be capable of sending (nonionizing or ionizing) radiation or other energy into surrounding intramedullary tissue or structures, bony tissue or structures, or extraosseous tissue or structures
Implementation Method 2
The sensors (such as cameras or other sensors) can be capable of detecting effects of that radiation
Implementation Method 3
Sensors outside the body can be capable of detecting effects of that nonionizing or ionizing radiation (such as due to the emissions of fluoroscopic or radioactive substances)
Data Source
AI summary
An intramedullary cavity assembly includes a guide wire, a cannula having a trocar tip, emitters, sensors, exuding ports, and withdrawing ports. The emitter sends radiation into intramedullary tissue. The sensors, which detect effects thereof, include cameras or other radiation detectors. The assembly directs movement of the guide wire, and can exude/withdraw bodily fluids. Robotic control inputs/outputs, including a visualization element, operate the assembly. The guide wire is steerable from outside the body, and is capped with a trocar cannula, having surfaces transparent to energies used for visualization and operation. The visualization element includes computing devices, which receive sensor information, process it, and present it, so medical personnel can readily understand a 3D assessment of the assembly and intramedullary cavity. Medical personnel operate the assembly to emit energy or substances into tissues nearby, thus readily moving the assembly within the body and delivering treatment inside the body.