Navigated Impactor Reference Array for Implant Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning implants during surgeries like total hip arthroplasty often require invasive procedures and rigidly attached reference arrays, which increase operating time, risk of fractures, and tissue tension, while also being costly due to extensive instrumentation.
Innovation Solution
A system where a navigated impactor or inserter acts as the reference array, allowing for accurate positioning of medical implants without directly attaching a reference array to the anatomical structure, using a reference structure connected to the implant and a pointer with markers to determine alignment and fit within predefined planes and insertion depth, reducing the need for additional anatomical structure registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rigid reference array is attached to the anatomical structure (pelvis), then accurate implant positioning can be achieved, but the risk of fractures and tissue tension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference array attached to the impactor/inserter rather than directly to the bone. This mediator allows indirect measurement of implant position through the impactor's position, eliminating the need for invasive bone attachment while maintaining measurement capability. The reference array serves as a temporary mediator that is removed after implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical attachment system (screws, pins, or direct bone fixation) with a non-invasive optical tracking system. The reference array uses reflective markers detected by optical cameras, substituting mechanical bone attachment with optical field-based positioning that causes no physical stress to the anatomical structure.
2Measurement precision
If extensive instrumentation and reference arrays are used for implant positioning, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The impactor/inserter serves multiple functions: it positions the implant, carries the reference array for tracking, and acts as a temporary mounting structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reference array attachment devices and reduces the overall instrumentation required for the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference array is pre-attached to the impactor/inserter before the surgical procedure begins. This preliminary preparation allows the system to be ready for immediate use without requiring complex intraoperative setup or additional attachment steps during the critical implantation phase.
3Measurement precision
If trial implants are inserted and removed multiple times for positioning verification, then implant alignment is improved, but operating time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through optical tracking of the reference array on the impactor. The navigation system continuously monitors the impactor's position and orientation, providing immediate feedback to the surgeon about implant alignment. This allows for precise positioning in a single attempt rather than requiring multiple trial insertions and adjustments.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for measuring or verifying the position of a medical implant located in an anatomical body part(s) and/or structure(s) relative to the body part(s) and/or structure(s) or specific points, landmarks or planes of the same, wherein a device is provided which has an at least partially known or previously determined geometry or at least partially known dimensions and is connected to the medical implant; positional or landmark information regarding the anatomical body part(s) and/or structure(s) is acquired; the position of the medical implant is calculated using a navigation system and a reference structure which is or can be connected to the device; and the calculated position of the medical implant is related to or compared with the acquired positional or landmark information regarding the anatomical body part(s) and/or structure(s) in order to measure or verify the position of the medical implant within or relative to the anatomical body part(s) and/or structure(s).