Medical Navigation System Depth Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical systems lack sufficient depth information, providing only two-dimensional views during image-guided procedures, which restricts surgeons' ability to accurately navigate and minimize trauma to healthy tissue, especially in complex surgeries like port-based brain surgeries and endoscopic third ventriculostomy.
Innovation Solution
A medical navigation system incorporating a tracking system, depth detector, and controller that provides relative and general depth data to surgeons, using tracking information and depth information to enhance 3D visualization and instrument positioning, enabling more precise surgical maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a 2D display is used to show the surgical site, then the device complexity is low, but the depth information and 3D visualization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from 2D display to 3D visualization. The system uses a depth detector to capture depth information and generates a 3D representation of the surgical site that is displayed to the surgeon, enabling perception of depth and spatial relationships without requiring complex stereo displays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a depth detector and processing system that captures depth information and translates it into visual representations. This intermediary system bridges the gap between the physical 3D surgical site and the 2D display medium, providing depth perception through processed visual information
2Measurement precision
If conventional 2D imaging is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the surgeon cannot accurately determine instrument position relative to deep anatomical structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously tracking instrument position and providing real-time depth information to the surgeon. The system monitors the location of surgical instruments relative to the surgical site and feeds back this information through visual displays, enabling the surgeon to make precise adjustments to instrument positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems with optical and computational methods. Instead of using physical depth gauges or mechanical probes, the system uses a depth detector and image processing algorithms to calculate and display depth information, reducing mechanical complexity while improving measurement capability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If no depth information is provided, then the system is simple, but tissue trauma increases due to inaccurate instrument positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing depth information and visual guidance before the surgeon makes critical surgical decisions. The system pre-calculates and displays depth relationships, allowing the surgeon to plan and execute instruments positioning with greater accuracy, thereby preventing tissue trauma before it occurs
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for outputting depth data during a medical procedure on a patient. Depth data is outputted, representing at least one of relative depth data and general depth data. Tracking information about the position and orientation of a medical instrument and depth information about variations in depth over a site of interest are used. Relative depth data represents the depth information relative to the position and orientation of the instrument. General depth data represents the depth information over the site of interest independently of the position and orientation of the instrument.