Microsurgical Instrument Tracking System for Eye Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye surgery technologies face challenges such as poor visualization, lack of force sensing, hand tremor, and inadequate positional feedback of surgical instruments relative to the eye, which can lead to collisions and suboptimal precision.
Innovation Solution
A system for real-time tracking of microsurgical instrumentation using a platform with sensors that transmit data to a computing device, providing three-dimensional feedback and redundancy to prevent collisions and improve precision, including an attachment point for surgical robots and features to reduce hand tremor and fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time tracking of surgical instruments is implemented, then positional feedback and collision prevention are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computing device as an intermediary that receives data from multiple sensors, processes the information, and generates tracking feedback. This mediator handles the complexity of integrating multiple sensor inputs and coordinate transformations, isolating the surgical system from direct complexity while enabling precise positional feedback through centralized processing
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system is segmented into independent functional modules: multiple sensors positioned around the surgical site, a computing device for data processing, and feedback mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture by distributing functionality across separate units rather than requiring a monolithic complex system
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are positioned around the surgical site, then tracking reliability and redundancy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements redundancy by positioning multiple sensors around the surgical site before surgery begins. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if one sensor is blocked or fails during the procedure, other sensors can continue providing tracking data, thus cushioning against potential tracking failures without requiring complex real-time decision-making about sensor selection
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device serves multiple functions: it processes data from multiple sensors simultaneously, performs coordinate transformations between different reference frames, generates tracking feedback, and can implement collision prevention algorithms. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single unified platform, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
3Manufacturing precision
If robotic manipulators are used for stability and precision, then surgical precision is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time positional feedback of surgical instruments relative to the eye through the computing device processing sensor data. This feedback loop allows the surgical robot to automatically adjust its movements to maintain precision while reducing the operator's cognitive load, as the system actively monitors and corrects position rather than requiring constant manual adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic manipulator system incorporates self-service capabilities through automated tracking and collision prevention algorithms that operate without continuous human intervention. The system independently processes sensor data, calculates instrument positions, and adjusts robotic movements to maintain precision, freeing the operator to focus on surgical decision-making rather than manual control adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a tracking system architecture for tracking surgical tools in a surgical field. The system architecture is integrated into a mask placed directly on the face of the patient. The system can combine multiple imaging and range finding technologies for tracking the eye and the surgical instrumentation. The system can be used to generate a three dimensional scene for use during the surgical procedure. Additionally, the system can incorporate a modular design to account for variable anatomy. The system described is for eye surgery applications. However, the system could also be used for other procedures such as cochlear implant or craniotomy.