Intraoperative Angle Measurement via Bone Probe Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures face challenges in accurately determining and confirming the angle of structures within a patient intraoperatively without relying on expensive and disruptive medical imaging technologies.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device equipped with a shaft, electronic circuit, and housing, which includes a bone probe for engaging cortical bone, and an electronic circuit for measuring orientation angles relative to a reference axis, allowing for precise angle determination without the need for expensive imaging technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If medical imaging technologies are used during the surgical procedure to confirm location and orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the angle measurement function from complex medical imaging systems and implements it in a simple handheld surgical device with electronic circuitry, sensors, and display, achieving the same measurement precision without the complexity and cost of full imaging equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the angle measurement capability found in medical imaging systems, implementing it through basic electronic components (sensors, circuits, display) that replicate the essential function without requiring expensive imaging hardware
2Measurement precision
If medical imaging technologies are used during the surgical procedure, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to procedural interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical device provides self-contained angle measurement capabilities with integrated sensors, electronic circuits, and display, allowing surgeons to obtain measurements immediately without interrupting the procedure to access external imaging equipment, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining precision
3Measurement precision
If expensive medical imaging technologies are used during the surgical procedure, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of energy increases due to extended procedure duration
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides immediate angle measurements through integrated electronic sensors and circuits, eliminating the need to stop the procedure for imaging scans, thereby reducing overall procedure time and associated energy consumption from anesthesia and surgical equipment while maintaining measurement precision
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 accurate and cost-effective intraoperative angle measurements, reducing the need for expensive medical imaging and minimizing procedural interruptions, thereby improving surgical precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement circuit configured to measure a change in orientation of the shaft in relation to a reference axis; The electronic circuit may include a sensor configured to determine a horizontal plane and the electronic circuit determines the reference axis relative to the horizontal plane
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device for intraoperative angle measurements during surgery. The surgical device includes a shaft having a bone probe configured to remain in contact with cortical bone of the patient while a user orients the shaft to a desired orientation. The device includes a housing having an electronic circuit configured to measure an orientation angle. The electronic circuit may include: an input device configured to receive user input data; a measurement circuit configured to measure a change in orientation of the shaft in relation to a reference axis; a control circuit coupled to the input device and measurement circuit and configured to determine the orientation angle of the shaft relative to the reference axis; and an output device configured to communicate the orientation angle to the user. The device includes a power supply configured to provide power to the electronic circuit.