Needle Guide Feedback for Precise Surgical Angle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional needle insertion during surgery is cumbersome, slow, and inexact, requiring multiple iterations of scanning and repositioning, which increases patient radiation exposure and procedure time while reducing precision and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A needle guide system utilizing an accelerometer, gyroscope, and distance sensor to track the needle's angle and depth, providing real-time visual feedback to align the needle accurately with the target position, reducing the need for repeated scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional needle insertion method is used with multiple scanning iterations, then the needle can reach the target position, but the procedure time is excessive and patient radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating the ideal needle insertion path and angle before the actual insertion procedure. The entry point and target position are determined in advance through imaging scans, and the optimal insertion trajectory is computed beforehand, allowing the clinician to directly follow the pre-planned path without repeated scanning iterations during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the needle's real-time position and orientation using sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, distance sensor) and comparing it against the pre-calculated ideal path. The display provides visual feedback showing the difference between current and ideal angle/depth, enabling the clinician to make precise adjustments and reach the target position accurately and quickly.
2Measurement precision
If multiple scanning iterations are performed during needle insertion, then the needle position can be adjusted, but patient radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces repeated radiation-based scanning with a non-radiative feedback mechanism. Sensors embedded in the needle guide device (accelerometer for angle measurement, gyroscope for orientation, distance sensor for depth) continuously monitor needle position and provide real-time feedback without exposing the patient to additional radiation. The display shows the difference between current and ideal parameters, enabling accurate positioning through non-ionizing measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system substitutes the radiation-based scanning mechanism with a mechanical and electronic sensing system. Instead of using repeated X-ray or CT scans to monitor needle position, the invention employs mechanical sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, distance sensor) that measure needle orientation and depth through physical principles, eliminating the need for repeated radiation exposure while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If step-by-step needle insertion with repeated scanning is used, then the needle can be positioned accurately, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system simplifies the procedure by providing intuitive real-time feedback through the display. Instead of requiring the clinician to interpret multiple scan images and mentally calculate the needle position, the display directly shows the difference between current and ideal angle and depth parameters. This visual feedback guide makes the insertion process straightforward and reduces procedural complexity while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by providing the clinician with autonomous guidance capabilities. The embedded sensors and processing unit automatically calculate the needle's real-time position relative to the target and generate visual feedback without requiring external imaging equipment or additional personnel. The clinician receives self-contained guidance information that simplifies the insertion process and reduces procedural complexity.
4Reliability
If conventional needle insertion procedure is performed, then treatment can be delivered, but surgical productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enhances productivity by performing preliminary planning and path calculation before each needle insertion. The entry point, target position, and optimal insertion trajectory are determined in advance through imaging and computational algorithms. This pre-planning eliminates the need for time-consuming intra-procedural adjustments and repeated scanning, allowing clinicians to efficiently deliver multiple treatments per day while maintaining high accuracy and reliability.
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 precision, reduces procedure time, minimizes patient discomfort, and allows for more procedures per day by eliminating the need for multiple scans, thus improving surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the current angle is based on data from a gyroscope of the needle guide device
Implementation Method 2
the difference between the ideal angle and the current angle is based on data from a gyroscope and an accelerometer of the needle guide device
Data Source
AI summary
A needle guide device includes a needle; a controller; and a display driven by the controller and configured to indicate a difference between an ideal angle and a current angle of the needle.