Isocentric C-Arm Imaging Device Localization in Surgical Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical navigation systems face challenges in accurately determining the position of instruments relative to patient anatomy during procedures, as existing imaging devices require complex registration and tracking processes, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A surgical navigation system that employs an isocentric C-arm imaging device to capture x-ray image data, with a tracking system to determine the position of the imaging device and instruments relative to the patient anatomy, allowing for real-time display of instrument positions on a user interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional imaging devices are used to obtain image data, then image data can be provided for viewing on a display, but the image data must be registered relative to the patient's anatomy which is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of determining instrument positionVSAvoidcomplexity of registration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging device determines its own position relative to the patient using an integrated tracking system. The device includes a tracking component that automatically tracks the imaging device's position and orientation, eliminating the need for manual registration procedures while maintaining accurate spatial relationship between the imaging device and patient anatomy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging device integrates multiple functions including image acquisition, position tracking, and navigation capabilities into a single system. The tracking system works with both the imaging device and surgical instruments to provide comprehensive navigation functionality without requiring separate registration processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If complex registration and tracking processes are used to determine instrument position, then position accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of instrument position determinationVSAvoidefficiency of navigation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking system continuously monitors the position of the imaging device and surgical instruments throughout the procedure. This continuous tracking eliminates the need for repeated registration operations and maintains accurate spatial relationships in real-time, improving both precision and efficiency simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the tracking functions for the imaging device and surgical instruments into a unified navigation framework. By combining these tracking systems, the patent achieves accurate instrument positioning without requiring separate complex registration processes for each component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system enhances the efficiency and accuracy of instrument positioning during surgical procedures by providing real-time, intuitive visualization of instrument locations relative to patient anatomy, facilitating more precise and effective navigated surgeries.

Implementation Method 1

The isocentric C-arm device can provide image data of a patient produced by x-ray emissions

Methodology Applied
Scientific Effectx-ray emissions: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS10039613B2Method for localizing an imaging device with a surgical navigation system
Publication Date: 2018.08.07 SURGICAL NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US10039613B2 patent drawing
  • US10039613B2 patent drawing
  • US10039613B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The position of an imaging device can be determined at least in part with a movement portion of the imaging device. The imaging device can be moved relative to the patient to obtain image data of the patient at different perspectives or angles. The image data obtained of the patient can be displayed with a display device at various perspectives and a tracked position of the instrument can be displayed at the appropriate perspective or a selected perspective relative to the image data with the display device based upon a known position of the imaging device.