Movable Imaging Unit for Dental Navigation Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems for dental and cranio-maxillofacial surgery are complex, limited in precision, and unsuitable for intraoral applications due to the need for two reference assemblies within the field of vision, which is difficult to maintain, especially in surgeries where the area is within the oral cavity.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system with a movably attached imaging unit and a marker member comprising detectable marker elements, allowing the imaging unit to maintain constant contact with the marker elements, ensuring precise navigation and improved ergonomics for the surgeon by enabling the imaging unit to be moved relative to the surgical handpiece, and using radiopaque materials for X-ray imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stationary tracking system with two reference assemblies is used to detect positional relationship, then navigation precision can be maintained, but the device complexity increases and the field of vision requirement limits applicability in intraoral surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the imaging function from the surgical instrument and places it on a separate movable imaging unit. This separates the tracking function from the surgical tool, allowing the reference assembly to remain stationary on the patient's anatomy while the imaging unit moves to maintain line of sight, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving navigation precision
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging unit is made movable relative to the surgical instrument, allowing dynamic adjustment of its position to maintain constant detection of the reference assembly. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to changing surgical conditions and maintain precision without requiring a complex stationary tracking system with multiple reference assemblies
2Reliability
If two reference assemblies are required to be constantly within the field of vision, then positional detection can be maintained, but the applicability is limited in intraoral applications where the treatment area is within the oral cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging unit is designed to be movable relative to the surgical instrument, enabling it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation to maintain constant detection of the reference assembly. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to the confined space of the oral cavity and maintain reliable positional detection throughout intraoral surgical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the navigation function into a separate movable imaging unit that can independently position itself to maintain detection of the reference assembly. This segmentation allows the imaging unit to operate independently within the oral cavity without requiring multiple reference assemblies to be simultaneously visible from a fixed position
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical drilling templates are used for guided surgery, then surgical precision can be achieved, but production is complex, time-consuming (3-10 days), and expensive (300-700 EUR per template)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical drilling template system with a navigation-based guidance system using an imaging unit and reference assembly. This substitution eliminates the need for complex, time-consuming, and expensive custom-manufactured mechanical templates while maintaining surgical precision through real-time positional detection and guidance
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 precise and reliable surgical navigation, reduces costs by eliminating the need for mechanical drilling guides, and enhances clinical safety and outcomes, particularly in intraoral procedures, with improved ergonomics and the ability to perform diagnostics and treatment planning in a single visit.
Implementation Method 1
radiopaque materials for X-ray imaging
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a navigation system for dental and cranio-maxillofacial surgery, comprising a surgical handpiece (2), an imaging unit (4) which is movably attached to the surgical handpiece (2), and a marker member (6; 44, 46) which is attachable to a cranial bone, a facial bone (26), a tooth or teeth of a patient. The marker member (6; 44, 46) comprises a plurality of marker elements (8, 10; 46) which are detectable by the imaging unit (4). Further, the invention relates to a positioning tool (40) for use with the navigation system, wherein the positioning tool (40) is configured for positioning the marker member (44, 46) on a patient's cranial bone, facial bone (26), tooth or teeth and comprises a die element (42) and the marker member (44, 46). The marker member (44, 46) comprises a deformable material (44), the deformable material (44) is releasably received in the die element (42) and the plurality of marker elements (46) are arranged on a surface of the deformable material (44) which faces the die element (42), The invention further relates to a navigation method for dental and craniomaxillofacial surgery using the navigation system and to a method of positioning a marker member (44, 46) on a patient's cranial bone, facial bone (26), tooth or teeth using the positioning tool (40).