Laser Alignment Jig for Radiation-Free Surgical Guide Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical guide alignment methods rely on nuanced fit and feel, which can lead to accuracy errors of up to 2° and 2 mm, and require hazardous radiation exposure or fixation pins, limiting patient-specific alignment options.
Innovation Solution
An emitter-aligned surgical guide with a body and alignment jig supporting an emitter device, allowing precise alignment through emitted markers that reference anatomical structures, reducing the need for radiation and fixation pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current secondary check systems (drop rod, x-ray, fluoroscopy) are used to confirm guide placement accuracy, then alignment verification is achieved, but users and patients are subjected to potentially hazardous ionizing radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical/electromagnetic systems (x-ray, fluoroscopy) with a mechanical alignment system. The alignment jig with laser emitter and visual markers provides a mechanical/optical alternative to ionizing radiation-based imaging, allowing verification of guide placement accuracy without radiation exposure to patients and users
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment jig creates a visual copy or representation of the desired alignment through laser emitters and markers that reference predetermined anatomical locations. This visual copy allows verification of guide placement accuracy without needing to view internal anatomy through radiation-based imaging
2Reliability
If fixation pins are placed through the guide into the bone to secure guide placement, then guide stability is achieved, but the process becomes more invasive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment jig performs preliminary alignment verification before fixation is needed. By providing visual feedback through laser markers and anatomical references, the system allows alignment to be confirmed and adjusted prior to any fixation steps, potentially eliminating or reducing the need for invasive fixation pins
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment jig acts as an intermediary tool between the surgical guide and the anatomical structure. It provides a visual reference system that mediates the alignment process, allowing the surgeon to verify placement accuracy without directly inserting fixation elements through the guide
3Measurement precision
If physical external references (drop rod) are used for alignment verification, then visual comparison to anatomy is achieved, but physical bulk and weight are added which may negatively affect the delicate tactile feel of the guide fit
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment verification function is segmented from the main surgical guide body. The alignment jig is a separate, lightweight component that attaches to the guide, providing verification functionality without adding significant weight to the guide itself, thus preserving the delicate tactile fit feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment jig appears to be a thin, lightweight structure with laser emitters and markers. This thin-film approach provides the necessary alignment verification functionality while minimizing added mass and bulk, preserving the tactile sensitivity of the guide's fit to the bone surface
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
Enhances surgical guide accuracy by providing precise alignment markers, eliminating radiation exposure, and simplifying the alignment process while maintaining patient-specific fit.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter support configured to couple an emitter device to the at least one alignment jig
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of an emitter-aligned surgical guide and methods of use are disclosed. The emitter-aligned surgical guide includes a body extending between a first surface and a second surface. The body defines at least one hole extending from the first surface to the second surface. At least one alignment jig is coupled to the second surface. The at least one alignment jig includes a jig arm extending from a first end coupled to the second surface of the body to a second end and an emitter support configured to couple an emitter device to the at least one alignment jig in a predetermined position relative to the body.