Medical Device Sensor Module for Wireless Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical tracking systems used in medical procedures are cumbersome, prone to errors due to blockages, and unable to accurately monitor dynamic parameters of surgical tools, such as speed and rotation, which can lead to trauma and inaccuracies during minimally invasive surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A medical navigation system incorporating a sensor module with a processor, memory, wireless communication, and sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes attached to medical devices, allowing for real-time tracking and positioning updates without the need for reflective markers, thereby enhancing precision and reducing setup time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical tracking systems with reflective markers and IR cameras are used, then the system can track medical device position, but the system occupies considerable space and is tedious to set up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking functionality from the complex external optical system and embeds it directly into the medical device through integrated sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers). This eliminates the need for separate IR cameras and reflective markers, significantly reducing setup complexity while maintaining tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the sensor module on the medical device and the external computing device. This allows data transmission without physical connections or line-of-sight requirements, simplifying the overall system architecture while preserving measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If reflective markers are used for tracking, then the position can be detected, but if the reflective markers are blocked by any object, the IR camera cannot detect the tool position accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The medical device performs its own tracking measurements using integrated sensors, eliminating dependence on external cameras and markers. The device autonomously measures its own position, orientation, and movement parameters, ensuring continuous reliable tracking regardless of external obstructions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical-mechanical tracking system (IR cameras detecting reflective markers) with an inertial sensing system using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers. This substitution eliminates line-of-sight requirements and makes tracking immune to optical blockages
3Loss of information
If conventional IR camera systems are used, then tracking can be performed, but the IR cameras cannot offer surgical tool dynamic parameters such as tool moving speed, acceleration, rotation angle
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module performs multiple functions simultaneously: tracking position, measuring orientation, calculating movement speed, determining acceleration, and monitoring rotation angles. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive dynamic parameter data without requiring separate systems for each measurement type
4Measurement precision
If optical tracking systems are used to track instrument position, then the position can be monitored, but the system requires line-of-site of the optical tracking camera and considerable setup space
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking capability is extracted from the external optical infrastructure and embedded within the medical device itself. This portability eliminates setup space requirements and removes line-of-sight constraints, making the system easier to operate in various surgical environments
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 and dynamic parameter monitoring of medical devices, reducing surgical trauma and improving procedural accuracy by minimizing errors related to tool positioning and movement.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may include at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may include at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope
Data Source
AI summary
A medical navigation system is provided. The medical navigation system includes a computing device having a processor coupled to a memory, a wireless communication component and a display for displaying an image. The medical navigation system further includes a sensor module attached to a medical device. The sensor module includes a housing for housing components of the sensor module and for attaching to the medical device, a processor housed in the housing, a memory coupled to the processor, a wireless communication component coupled to the processor, a battery coupled to the processor, and a sensor coupled to the processor. The sensor generates a signal to be transmitted wirelessly via the sensor module wireless communication component and receivable by the computing device wireless communication component, the signal representing movement of the medical device.