Minimally Invasive Laser Guide for Precise Osteotomy Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive surgery systems lack adequate guidance and alignment tools for precise surgical procedures, particularly in aligning bone cutting guides during osteotomies.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a laser guide that projects markers corresponding to internal surgical operations, coupled with a position sensor to provide feedback on the instrument's movement, ensuring accurate alignment and execution of cuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional alignment devices with multiple adjustment mechanisms are used, then alignment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment adjustment mechanisms with an optical laser guide system. The laser guide projects visual markers that directly indicate the working element's position and movement, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical adjustment components while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser guide creates optical copies (projected markers) of the working element's position and movement path. These projected markers serve as visual representations that guide alignment without requiring physical adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the device while preserving measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If visual guidance systems are added to surgical instruments, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser guide is integrated directly into the surgical instrument's handle, merging the guidance function with the instrument structure. This consolidation provides position feedback without adding separate complex systems, as the laser guide and instrument function as a unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser guide acts as an intermediary that translates the working element's internal movement into external visible markers. This intermediary function provides measurement precision by optically mediating between the internal surgical operation and external observation, without requiring complex sensor systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time feedback systems are implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to system setup
Solution Approach 1:
The laser guide is pre-integrated into the instrument design, with the laser guide and working element positioned in fixed relative orientations. This preliminary configuration eliminates time-consuming alignment procedures, as the system is pre-calibrated to provide accurate real-time feedback immediately upon activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser guide provides continuous real-time visual feedback throughout the surgical procedure, maintaining constant position monitoring. This continuous action ensures cutting precision without requiring intermittent alignment checks or adjustments, reducing overall procedure time while maintaining accuracy.
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
Enhances precision and accuracy in minimally invasive surgeries by providing real-time visual and sensory feedback for correct alignment and movement of surgical instruments, facilitating precise osteotomies.
Implementation Method 1
a laser guide configured to generate at least one emitted marker. The emitted marker corresponds to movement of the working element internal of the target site
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a surgical instrument are disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle, a working element extending from the handle configured to be positioned internal of a target site while the handle is external to the target site, and a laser guide configured to generate at least one emitted marker. The emitted marker corresponds to movement of the working element internal of the target site. Various embodiments of methods using the surgical instrument are also disclosed.