Surgical Microscope Projection for Neurosurgical Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurosurgical procedures rely heavily on the surgeon's mental integration of visualized operative fields with radiologic studies, lacking direct and precise projection of three-dimensional imaging data during operations, which limits precision and accessibility, especially in 'open' procedures like craniotomy.
Innovation Solution
A surgical microscope system integrating structured illumination and reference display, using a laser projector or LCD beamer to project reconstructed CT or MR images directly onto the surgical field, allowing for precise overlay of anatomical and pathological information onto the patient's surface, enhancing visualization and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional CT scanning and mental integration methods are used, then the procedure is simple and equipment is minimal, but surgical precision and accessibility to imaging data are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the operating microscope with a projection system and computer interface to create an integrated system. The microscope, projector, and computer are merged into a single coordinated system that allows real-time projection of reformatted CT images onto the surgical field while maintaining microscopic visualization, thereby improving surgical precision without requiring multiple separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The operating microscope is given multiple functions: it serves as both the primary surgical visualization tool and the projection surface for displaying reformatted CT images. The projection system projects images through the microscope's optical path, allowing the single device to provide both magnified surgical view and contextual imaging data, reducing the need for additional separate display equipment
2Measurement precision
If stereotactic frames and complex coordinate systems are used, then target positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fixing the imaging data to a stereotactic frame and moving instruments to match coordinates, the patent inverts the approach by freely positioning the operating microscope and projecting the reformatted CT images to match the microscope's current view. This allows the surgeon to position the microscope naturally without being constrained by frame coordinates, greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining accuracy through real-time image projection
3Loss of information
If CT data is limited to coordinates only, then data processing is simple, but information accessibility and contextual understanding are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary reformatting of CT images into three-dimensional perspectives that match the surgical approach before the procedure begins. During surgery, the computer automatically reformats and projects the appropriate CT slices based on the microscope's position and orientation, providing contextual anatomical information in advance and during the procedure without requiring complex real-time processing during surgery
4Ease of operation
If separate display systems are used for microscope and imaging data, then device complexity is reduced, but integration and real-time accessibility of information are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the projection system with the microscope's optical path, combining what would otherwise be separate display systems. The projector overlays reformatted CT images directly onto the surgical field as seen through the microscope, creating an integrated visual display that provides both surgical magnification and contextual imaging data through a single optical system, improving information integration while managing complexity through unified design
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 neurosurgeons to perform procedures with greater precision by providing accurate, real-time projection of three-dimensional imaging data directly onto the operative field, reducing reliance on mental reorientation and improving the ability to locate structures and boundaries, thus enhancing surgical accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
using a laser projector or LCD beamer to project reconstructed CT or MR images directly onto the surgical field
Data Source
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AI summary
The application concerns a method of integrating image information (3, 5, 8, 9) from an external source, e.g. an imaging device (1), and an operating microscope (2) before or during an operative procedure on an object (18) or body parts of a patient comprising: positioning an operating microscope (2) before or in the course of said operative procedure at an operative location relative to the patient (18); establishing the spatial relationship among the image information, the patient (18), and the focal plane of a projector (7) or the projection space or the projector (7) itself; introducing the image information and spatial relationship to a computer and reformatting the image information to generate a computer-generated image of the body part at a determined area or plane related to or directly on the surface of the object (18); and projecting the computer-generated image onto the object (18) or patient for coordinated viewing (12) of the computer-generated image and the patient.