Mixed Reality Navigation for Shoulder Prosthesis Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning shoulder prostheses during surgery lack precision and reproducibility, often resulting in suboptimal implant placement due to reliance on two-dimensional imaging and manual alignment, which can lead to complications such as poor joint recovery, implant loosening, and increased surgical risks.
Innovation Solution
A mixed reality navigation system that combines preoperative planning with real-time surgical visualization, allowing surgeons to wear a device that superimposes a virtual surgical scene onto the actual scene, providing precise adjustments and orientation of surgical tools relative to anatomical features, using reference markers and a perception device to track tool positions and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional two-dimensional x-ray imaging and manual alignment methods are used for prosthesis positioning, then the surgical procedure is simple and quick to perform, but the positioning precision and reproducibility are poor (error of ±12° or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's scapula and glenoid anatomy based on preoperative CT scans. This digital model is then overlaid onto the actual surgical field through the MR device, allowing the surgeon to see both the real anatomy and the virtual representation simultaneously. This copying approach enables precise positioning without requiring complex physical measurement tools during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment tools and manual measurement methods with a mixed reality visualization system. Instead of using physical guides and manual angle measurements, the system uses computer-generated virtual models displayed through an MR device to guide the piercing guide and drill positioning, significantly improving precision while reducing mechanical complexity.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical piercing guides and aiming instruments are used to assist positioning, then some positioning control is improved, but the system remains insufficient for deformed or worn scapulae and cannot provide comprehensive 3D visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional x-ray imaging to three-dimensional virtual modeling and visualization. By creating a comprehensive 3D digital model of the patient's scapula from CT scans and displaying it through the MR device, the system provides full 3D visualization of the anatomy, including deformed or worn areas that cannot be properly assessed with traditional 2D imaging or mechanical guides alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual modeling system serves multiple functions: it visualizes the complete 3D anatomy for planning, guides the positioning of the piercing guide, monitors drill orientation in real-time, and adapts to any scapular morphology including deformed cases. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple specialized mechanical instruments.
3Measurement precision
If single-use patient-specific piercing guides are produced based on preoperative planning, then positioning precision is improved, but the production time causes surgical delays and the cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs comprehensive surgical planning in advance by creating a 3D virtual model of the patient's anatomy and determining the optimal piercing position and drill orientation before surgery. However, unlike patient-specific guides that require physical production, the preoperative planning data is stored digitally and accessed in real-time during surgery through the MR device, eliminating the time-consuming manufacturing step while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of producing physical patient-specific guides through additive manufacturing or CNC machining, the system creates a digital copy of the patient's anatomy and uses this virtual model to guide the surgery in real-time. This digital copying approach provides the same customization benefits without the production time and cost associated with physical guide fabrication.
4Loss of information
If navigation systems with side screens are used to display positioning information, then positioning data is provided, but the surgeon experiences visual distractions and must shift attention between the surgical field and the navigation display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the navigation display with the surgical field by projecting the virtual anatomical model and positioning information directly into the surgeon's field of view through the MR device. The navigation information is overlaid onto the actual surgical scene, allowing the surgeon to see both the real anatomy and the virtual guidance simultaneously without shifting attention between separate displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The MR device acts as an intermediary that combines the physical surgical field with digital navigation information. Instead of requiring the surgeon to look at a separate screen, the device superimposes the virtual model onto the real view, serving as a mediator that integrates both information sources into a single unified visual experience that maintains surgical focus.
Data Source
AI summary
The method of performing an operation on a body part of a patient uses a mixed reality (MR) device worn by the user. A visual representation of an operating scene includes a virtual anatomical feature representing an actual anatomical feature of the patient. A position and/or orientation of the visual representation relative to the anatomical feature of the patient is first adjusted to be superposed with the anatomical feature of the patient. The visual representation is displayed by the MR device superposed with the anatomical feature of the patient in a field of vision of the user. The position and/or orientation of the visual representation is repeatedly or continuously adjusted, so that, when the MR device moves relative to the anatomical feature of the patient, the visual representation remains superposed with the anatomical feature of the patient.