Intraoperative Navigation Device Using Non-X-Ray Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraoperative image-controlled navigation devices for surgical procedures, particularly in the spinal column and adjacent regions, face challenges in providing accurate and real-time three-dimensional visualization of the object being operated on, are sensitive to intraoperative interfering influences, and often expose patients and medical personnel to excessive radiation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising multiple non-x-ray based detection devices distributed around the operation site, including some inside the body, captures real-time image and location data of the object's outer contour and inner structure, and a position-determining device references this data to a stationary reference system, generating a virtual three-dimensional real-time image for navigation, while minimizing radiation exposure and interference sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If x-ray based intraoperative imaging methods are used for navigation, then real-time three-dimensional visualization of the object being operated on is achieved, but patient and medical personnel are exposed to excessive radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces x-ray based detection devices with non-x-ray based detection devices (such as optical, ultrasound, or electromagnetic field-based systems) that detect anatomical landmarks and instrument positions without using ionizing radiation. This substitution maintains the ability to provide real-time three-dimensional visualization and navigation accuracy while eliminating the harmful radiation exposure to patients and medical personnel.
2Ease of manufacture
If anatomical landmarks are used for registering, then the method is simple to implement, but navigation accuracy is reduced in patients with pathological changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces artificial landmarks (such as markers, fiducials, or registered reference points) as intermediaries between the detection system and the anatomical structures. These artificial landmarks provide stable, easily detectable reference points that can be reliably identified even in patients with pathological changes, thereby maintaining navigation accuracy while keeping the implementation process straightforward.
3Measurement precision
If artificial landmarks are used for navigation, then registering accuracy is increased, but the system becomes sensitive to intraoperative displacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous detection and tracking of artificial landmark positions throughout the surgical procedure. The detection devices monitor the locations of multiple artificial landmarks in real-time, and the system automatically detects and compensates for any displacements or movements of these landmarks. This feedback mechanism maintains registering accuracy even when landmarks are inadvertently moved during surgery.
4Measurement precision
If multiple detection devices are distributed around the operation site, then comprehensive real-time three-dimensional image is obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs detection devices that are capable of performing multiple functions: detecting anatomical landmarks, tracking surgical instruments, and providing spatial orientation information. By using multi-functional detection devices, the system achieves comprehensive real-time three-dimensional visualization without proportionally increasing system complexity, as each device contributes to multiple aspects of the navigation process simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for intraoperative, image-controlled navigation during surgical procedures in the spinal and/or adjacent thorax, pelvis or head regions, includes multiple non-x-ray detection devices to be distributed about at least one object to be operated on, and to intraoperatively capture real time image and position data, respectively including information relating to the outer contour of at least one subregion of the object, and to the subregion position relative to the respective detection device. Also, a position determining device for determining respective detection device position relative to a stationary reference system, and a data processing device operatively connected with the detection devices and the position determining device are designed to create, based on the respective detection device image and position data and the position determining device position data, a virtual real-time image, referenced with respect to the reference system, of the object, and displayed on an image display device.