Medical Instrument Identification via Relative Position Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments with interchangeable heads face challenges in accurate navigation and identification due to rotational position errors and metal interference, which complicates precise tracking and identification during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical instrument system with a handle and interchangeable heads equipped with dual-axis position-tracking transducers on printed circuit boards, allowing for unique identification based on computed relative positions and orientations, and using alternating magnetic fields for tracking and image rendering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional marker arrays with unknown spatial arrangements are used for instrument identification, then automatic identification can be achieved, but measurement precision and reliability are reduced due to rotational position errors and metal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores the spatial arrangements of markers for all possible rotational positions of interchangeable heads before actual use. When identification is needed, the system simply retrieves the pre-computed marker arrangements corresponding to the detected rotational position, avoiding real-time calculation errors and metal interference issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds rotational position as an additional dimension to the identification process. Instead of relying solely on marker spatial arrangements, the system incorporates rotational position detection to uniquely identify interchangeable heads, creating a multi-dimensional identification space that resolves ambiguities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interchangeable heads with different functions are used, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of detection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal handle design that can accommodate multiple interchangeable heads with different functions. The handle incorporates a standardized marker array structure and rotational position detection mechanism that works with all interchangeable heads, allowing one handle to perform multiple surgical functions through head replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the surgical instrument into separable components: a universal handle and interchangeable heads. Each head can be independently designed for specific surgical tasks while sharing the common handle interface and identification system, enabling modular versatility.
3Productivity
If manual registration methods are used for instrument identification, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity and time efficiency are reduced due to registration errors and procedural delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables automatic self-identification of interchangeable heads through the integrated marker array and rotational position detection system. The system automatically determines which head is attached and its orientation without requiring manual input from the surgeon, eliminating registration delays and errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback through the detection system that continuously monitors marker positions and rotational orientation. This feedback loop allows the navigation system to automatically update instrument identification and tracking parameters, ensuring accurate guidance without manual intervention.
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 accurate and efficient identification and tracking of interchangeable heads, reducing manual registration errors and metal interference issues, while providing precise location and orientation data for improved procedural accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
using alternating magnetic fields for tracking and image rendering
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In one embodiment, a medical instrument tracking system includes a medical instrument including a handle and different interchangeable heads for insertion into the handle having a handle position-tracking transducer disposed thereon, different respective ones of the interchangeable heads having differently positioned respective head position-tracking transducers disposed thereon so as when the different respective ones of the heads are inserted into the handle, the different respective head position-tracking transducers define different respective positions relative to the handle position-tracking transducer, and processing circuitry to receive signals generated by the handle position-tracking transducer and the respective head position-tracking transducer of a respective one of the heads inserted into the handle, compute a relative position between the handle position-tracking transducer and the head position-tracking transducer of the inserted interchangeable head, and identify which interchangeable head is inserted into the handle responsively to the computed relative position.