Dual-Mode Liver Marker Layout for AR Surgical Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic surgery, particularly for liver tumors, is challenging due to the homogeneous nature of the liver's surface and limited visual input from laparoscopic cameras, requiring extensive training and making it difficult for surgeons to orient themselves during the procedure.
Innovation Solution
A marker unit with optically detectable and radiopaque markers in a fixed geometrical pattern, allowing correlation between medical imaging data and optical data, providing a reference point for augmented reality imaging to enhance surgical orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If laparoscopic surgery is used to minimize invasiveness, then patient recovery is improved, but surgical orientation and navigation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a marker unit as an intermediary object placed on the liver surface. This marker unit includes both optically detectable markers (visible to laparoscopic camera) and radiopaque markers (visible to medical imaging systems like CT/MRI). The marker serves as a mediator that bridges the visual information gap between preoperative imaging and intraoperative laparoscopic view, enabling accurate spatial correlation and orientation without requiring open surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent correlates information from different dimensional representations: preoperative 3D medical imaging data (CT/MRI) is correlated with 2D laparoscopic camera images by using the marker unit as a common reference point visible in both modalities. This multi-dimensional correlation approach enables the surgeon to navigate in 3D space using 2D camera views by referencing the correlated anatomical positions
2Ease of operation
If the liver surface is used as the operation site, then minimally invasive access is achieved, but visual orientation becomes extremely difficult due to homogeneity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing distinctive marker units at specific locations on the homogeneous liver surface. Instead of trying to change the overall appearance of the liver, the marker unit introduces localized visual features (geometric patterns of markers) that provide orientation information. The marker's geometric pattern with non-rotational symmetry creates unique local landmarks that are easily distinguishable against the uniform liver background
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optically detectable markers with contrasting geometric patterns that are easily distinguishable from the liver tissue. The markers are designed to be visually distinct in the laparoscopic camera view, providing clear orientation cues. The radiopaque markers provide corresponding visibility in medical imaging, creating a multi-modal visual signature that overcomes the liver's visual homogeneity
3Measurement precision
If multiple imaging systems are used to provide comprehensive guidance, then surgical accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple imaging systems by using a single marker unit that is simultaneously visible to both optical cameras and medical imaging systems (CT/MRI). The controller integrates data from both imaging modalities by correlating the marker's position and orientation across different imaging systems, providing comprehensive surgical guidance through a unified system rather than requiring separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The marker unit is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as a reference marker for both optical laparoscopic imaging and medical imaging (radiopaque). This universal marker eliminates the need for separate markers for different imaging modalities, reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to correlate data across multiple imaging systems for enhanced surgical accuracy
4Loss of information
If preoperative imaging data is correlated with intraoperative camera views, then surgical guidance is enhanced, but the requirement for body stability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marker unit is self-adhering to the liver surface, providing its own stable reference framework. By placing the marker directly on the organ of interest, it moves with the organ, maintaining its relative position and orientation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external stabilization equipment, reducing complexity while maintaining accurate correlation between preoperative imaging and intraoperative views
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 quick and cost-effective alignment of medical imaging data with optical data, facilitating precise surgical navigation and reducing the complexity of laparoscopic procedures by providing real-time augmented reality views.
Implementation Method 1
one of the main surfaces being provided with a set of optically detectable markers
Implementation Method 2
a set of radiopaque markers, visible by a medical imaging system
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a marker unit for use in augmented reality aided surgery, and in particular laparoscopic liver surgery. The marker unit comprises a flat body with two main surfaces. One of the main surfaces is provided with a set of optically detectable markers, and the opposite main surface is arranged to be connected to a bodily organ, and preferably provided with an adhesive. The marker unit further comprises a set of radiopaque markers that are visible by a medical imaging system. Both the optically detectable markers and the radiopaque markers are provided in a geometrical pattern not having rotational symmetry, thereby allowing the rotational position of the marker unit to be determinable. The geometrical patterns of the optically detectable markers and the radiopaque markers have a fixed, predetermined correlation.