Needle Guidance Pad With 3D Tracking for Precise Surgical Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging technologies for non-invasive surgical procedures, such as PCNL, are limited by their ability to accurately guide objects like needles into internal body areas due to two-dimensional imaging of three-dimensional bodies, leading to potential inaccuracies and tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A surgical guidance device comprising a tracking pad with sensors and beacons that use triangulation and magnetic elements to track the needle's disposition, providing real-time alignment and distance feedback to ensure precise insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy imaging is used to locate the kidney and track needle position, then the surgeon can visualize the organ and needle location, but the two-dimensional image skews or blurs the geometrical relationship, making it difficult to determine accurate insertion angle and potentially causing tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional fluoroscopy imaging to three-dimensional optical imaging using multiple cameras. The system captures images from multiple angles and reconstructs three-dimensional coordinates of the needle and kidney, providing accurate spatial relationships including insertion angle and depth without the geometric distortion inherent in two-dimensional imaging. This dimensional enhancement eliminates the need for tactile sensation while maintaining tissue safety.
2Device complexity
If the surgeon relies on tactile sensation to navigate the needle, then the procedure can be performed without complex imaging, but the navigation is imprecise and potentially harmful to the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tactile sensation method with an optical field-based imaging and tracking system. Optical cameras capture images of the needle and surrounding anatomy, and a computer processing system calculates three-dimensional coordinates and provides real-time feedback on needle position and insertion angle. This substitution eliminates the imprecision of tactile navigation while providing accurate, non-contact measurement.
3Measurement precision
If the surgeon repositions the imaging plane to track the needle, then accurate positioning can be maintained, but the procedure becomes time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time optical imaging and three-dimensional reconstruction that automatically tracks the needle as it moves through tissue. Multiple cameras continuously capture images, and the computer processing system continuously updates the three-dimensional coordinates and insertion angle without requiring manual repositioning of imaging planes. This continuous tracking maintains accurate positioning information throughout the entire needle advancement process, eliminating time losses associated with repeated repositioning.
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
Enhances the precision of needle placement by aligning the actual insertion angle and distance with a target, reducing the risk of tissue damage and improving procedural accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of sensors may be a transducer. For example, each transducer may be a Hall effect sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A guidance device is disclosed. The device may comprise a tracking pad with a guiding opening and a plurality of sensors operable with at least one beacon on a needle to track the disposition of the needle at least when a distal end of the needle is inserted into the guiding opening. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.