Multi-Configuration Tracking Array for Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical navigation systems require re-registration of instruments with each change in configuration, such as addition or removal of components, which is time-consuming and inefficient during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A multi-configuration tracking array is integrated with surgical instruments, featuring tracking devices that change conditions to indicate changes in instrument configuration, allowing the navigation system to automatically detect and adapt to these changes without the need for re-registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If re-registration is performed for each instrument configuration change, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking array is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing it to adapt its geometry to match different instrument configurations. The array can change its shape or configuration in real-time, enabling the navigation system to automatically recognize and track multiple instrument configurations without requiring re-registration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameters of the tracking array to correspond to different instrument configurations. By varying the spatial arrangement of tracking elements within the array, the system encodes information about the instrument configuration, allowing the navigation system to distinguish between different configurations through parameter detection rather than re-registration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tracking arrays are used for different instrument configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single tracking array is designed to serve multiple functions by accommodating different instrument configurations. The array contains multiple tracking elements that can be arranged in various geometric patterns, allowing one universal tracking device to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized tracking arrays for different instrument types.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking array is divided into multiple independent tracking elements or modules. Each element can be positioned or activated independently to create different geometric configurations. This segmentation allows the system to achieve versatility through combinatorial arrangements of standardized components rather than requiring entirely different tracking arrays for each configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A navigation system generally determines a location of a portion of a first medical instrument relative to a patient. The navigation system generally includes a multi-configuration tracking array that extends from the first medical instrument. A plurality of tracking devices can be positioned on the multi-configuration tracking array. At least one of the tracking devices changes to define at least a first condition and a second condition. A tracking system detects the tracking devices and relates a change between the first condition and the second condition with a change between at least a first instrument configuration and a second instrument configuration.