Navigation-Guided Spinal Implant Instruments for Reduced Fluoroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical treatments for spinal disorders, such as scoliosis and degenerative disc disease, often require multiple procedural steps and radiation exposure due to fluoroscope guidance, leading to increased operating time and patient repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument system comprising an anchor, dilator, and drill guide, equipped with navigation components, allows for precise implantation of spinal constructs using surgical navigation, reducing the need for fluoroscope guidance and minimizing procedural steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscope guidance is used for spinal implantation, then implantation accuracy is improved, but operating time and radiation exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fluoroscope-based mechanical imaging system with a navigation system that uses sensors, processors, and display devices to track and guide implant placement. The navigation system uses optical or electromagnetic tracking to provide real-time feedback without requiring repeated fluoroscopic imaging, thereby reducing operating time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces navigation components as intermediaries between the surgical instrument and the target vertebrae. These navigation components include tracking markers, sensors, and reference frames that mediate the guidance process, allowing precise implantation without direct fluoroscope observation. The intermediary navigation system translates complex imaging data into real-time surgical guidance.
2Measurement precision
If fluoroscope guidance is used for spinal implantation, then implantation accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure to patient and staff increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fluoroscopic imaging system with a navigation system that does not rely on ionizing radiation. The navigation system uses optical sensors, electromagnetic trackers, or other non-radiative detection methods to provide real-time guidance, thereby eliminating radiation exposure to both patient and surgical staff while maintaining implantation accuracy through precise spatial tracking and visualization.
3Reliability
If multiple procedural steps are used in spinal surgery, then treatment thoroughness is improved, but operating time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple procedural steps into a single integrated navigation-guided procedure. The navigation system provides continuous guidance throughout the entire surgical process, from incision to implant fixation, eliminating the need for separate fluoroscopic guidance steps, repositioning operations, and intermediate verification steps. This integration maintains treatment thoroughness while significantly reducing total operating time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous navigation guidance throughout the surgical procedure, providing real-time feedback and adjustment capabilities from start to finish. The navigation system operates continuously without interruption, allowing the surgical team to maintain precise alignment and proper implant placement without stopping for fluoroscopic imaging or patient repositioning, thereby reducing overall operating time while ensuring thorough treatment.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument comprises a first member extending between a proximal end and a distal end configured for fixation with tissue. A second member defines a longitudinal passageway and is connected with a navigation component such that the distal end is disposable with the passageway at a selected distance from the navigation component. The navigation component is positioned relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of an orientation of the first member. A third member extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The third member is mountable with the first member along the orientation such that the distal end of the third member is engageable with the tissue. Systems, spinal implants, constructs and methods are disclosed.