Mixed-Reality Ankle Surgery Guidance for Precise Implant Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges exist in properly selecting and positioning prosthetic implants during surgical joint repair procedures due to variations in patient anatomy, necessitating improved preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance to ensure optimal surgical outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A mixed reality (MR) system is employed to provide preoperative planning, intraoperative guidance, and postoperative analysis for surgical joint repair procedures, utilizing 3D modeling and real-time visualization of patient anatomy to assist in implant selection, positioning, and surgical tool guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surgical methods are used for joint repair, then the surgical procedure can be performed with conventional tools, but the accuracy of implant selection and positioning is compromised due to anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of the patient's actual bone anatomy through 3D modeling from medical images. These virtual bone models serve as digital replicas that can be manipulated, measured, and used for precise implant planning without requiring complex physical measurement tools during surgery. The virtual models capture all anatomical variations and can be customized for each patient's unique geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement and positioning tools with computer-based virtual planning systems. Instead of using physical calipers, guides, and alignment tools during surgery, the system performs all measurements and planning in a virtual environment, then communicates the plan to the surgical team through digital interfaces and pre-fabricated patient-specific guides.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom patient-specific surgical guides are created, then implant positioning accuracy improves, but the time and resources required for preoperative planning increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all complex measurements, implant sizing, and positioning calculations during the preoperative planning phase, creating a detailed virtual surgical plan before the actual surgery. Patient-specific guides and implants are fabricated in advance based on this planning. During surgery, the team simply follows the pre-determined plan, significantly reducing intraoperative decision-making time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for easy modification of planning parameters and implant specifications during the preoperative phase. The virtual model can be adjusted to test different implant sizes, positions, and orientations, and the plan can be optimized before finalizing the surgical guides. This flexibility ensures high precision without requiring multiple surgical attempts.
3Loss of information
If detailed 3D modeling and virtual visualization tools are used, then surgical planning accuracy improves, but the complexity of the surgical system and technology required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms 2D medical images (X-rays, CT scans) into 3D virtual models of the patient's bone anatomy. This dimensional transformation preserves all anatomical information while adding spatial context and depth that is impossible to obtain from flat images alone. The 3D models can be rotated, sectioned, and examined from any angle, providing comprehensive anatomical understanding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional virtual planning system that can handle various types of medical images, different bone anatomies, multiple implant types, and various surgical scenarios all within a single software platform. The same 3D modeling and visualization tools work across different joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder) and different surgical techniques, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is disclosed that includes registering, via a visualization device, a virtual model of a portion of an anatomy of an ankle of a patient to a corresponding portion of the anatomy of the ankle viewable via the visualization device, the virtual model obtained from a virtual surgical plan for an ankle arthroplasty procedure to attach a prosthetic to the anatomy. The method also comprises displaying, via the visualization device and overlaid on the portion of the anatomy, a virtual guide that guides at least one of preparation of the anatomy for attachment of the prosthetic or attachment of the prosthetic to the anatomy.