Magnetic Surgical Navigation for Real-Time Joint Image Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surgical navigation systems face inaccuracies due to mismatches between patient images and actual anatomy, and are limited by the size of optical sensors that occupy significant space, affecting accuracy and user visibility, especially in complex surgeries with dense nerve and blood vessel areas.

Innovation Solution

A surgical navigation system utilizing a magnetic field generator, joint and instrument motion sensors, and a processor to track and update patient-specific image data in real-time, enabling precise positioning and orientation of surgical instruments without the need for direct line of sight, using non-ferrous metal sensors for enhanced accuracy and reduced spatial constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional optical sensors are used for surgical navigation, then tracking functionality is achieved, but the sensors occupy significant space which affects accuracy and user visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidsensor size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional optical sensors with magnetic field-based sensors that detect position within a magnetic field generated by a tracking system. This substitution eliminates the need for large optical sensor arrays, reducing the volume occupied by sensors while maintaining tracking accuracy. The magnetic field sensors can be positioned closer to the surgical site without compromising visibility or measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional optical sensors are used for surgical navigation, then tracking functionality is achieved, but the sensors occupy significant space which limits placement on anatomy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor placement flexibilityVSAvoidsensor size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing optical sensors with magnetic field-based sensors, the system enables placement on anatomical structures that would be inaccessible to larger optical sensors. The compact magnetic sensors can be attached to various bones and joints, providing versatile placement options across different surgical sites including the spine, extremities, and other complex anatomical regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If conventional optical sensors are used for surgical navigation, then tracking is possible, but direct line of sight is required which reduces safety in complex areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical safetyVSAvoidline of sight requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field-based tracking system eliminates the line-of-sight requirement inherent in optical systems. Magnetic fields penetrate tissue and can be detected regardless of visual obstructions, allowing accurate tracking in complex surgical areas with dense nerves and blood vessels. This increases surgical safety by maintaining reliable position data even when direct visual access to the surgical site is limited.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If conventional optical sensors are used for surgical navigation, then tracking functionality is achieved, but image-anatomy mismatch occurs reducing accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage-anatomy alignment accuracyVSAvoidanatomy registration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs real-time feedback from magnetic field sensors attached to anatomical structures to continuously update and correct the alignment between preoperative images and actual anatomy. The sensors provide ongoing position data that allows the system to detect and compensate for any drift or mismatch, maintaining high alignment accuracy throughout the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The system provides accurate, real-time tracking of joint and instrument positions, reducing the risk of nerve damage and bleeding by minimizing spatial constraints and eliminating reliance on direct line of sight, thus enhancing surgical precision and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a tracking system having a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250375151A1Surgical navigation system and method of using same

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 CTL AMEDICA CORP

AI summary

A surgical navigation system including at least one tracking system having a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field; a joint sensor detectable within the magnetic field; an instrument motion sensor detectable within the magnetic field; and a processor. The processor is configured to receive patient-specific image data of a joint of a patient, receive position data from the joint sensor, receive position data from the instrument motion sensor, update the patient-specific image data based on one of the received position data from the joint sensor and the instrument motion sensor, and output the updated patient-specific image data. The joint sensor can include a marker including at least one of a pin and a fiber member.